How do we give feedback?

In preparation for a writing consultation, we will gladly read up to seven pages of your text. As we read, we focus on big-picture issues and often ask ourselves the following questions:

• Is there a clear thesis and/or research question?
• Are claims properly supported?
• Can I, as a reader from outside the writer's discipline, understand the logic and argumentation of the text?
• Does the text have a clear structure?
• Is the text formulated in a manner and style appropriate to its audience?

Who are consultations for?

We assume that a personal conversation about one's writing makes sense at any stage of the writing process, whether you are narrowing your topic or working on a late-stage draft. We also find that everyone, regardless of their experience with academic writing, can benefit from a writing consultation because every writing project is different and presents unique challenges. That said, to visit our writing center you should meet the following requirements:

• You are enrolled at Goethe University Frankfurt as a student or Phd candidate.
• You would like to talk about your text and your writing process.
• You are open to reflecting on your writing experiences and to trying out new approaches to your writing process.
• You have enough time to put our advice into practice. If you are consulting with a peer tutor mere hours before your paper is due, the advice and help you receive will be limited by the time constraint.

What do we not offer?

While peer tutors are there to support you, you are ultimately responsible for the content, revision, and correctness of your own text. Specifically:

• Peer tutors are not proofreaders; we will point out recurring mistakes if necessary, but grammar, spelling, and punctuation will not be the focus of a writing consultation or written text feedback.
• Peer tutors are not editors; while we are happy to discuss style and scientific language with you, we will not rewrite your sentences for you.
• Peer tutors are not subject-specific tutors; as our tutors come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, we can neither judge whether your work is correct and complete in terms of content nor whether subject-specific formalities such as citation styles have been properly implemented.