Writing assistance
The Scriptorium's writing tutors can help you tackle the writing process as efficiently as possible. Our tutors are students from different disciplines. They are fellow students, so it is easy to talk to them. But they have been specially trained to recognize writing problems and to provide clear feedback. By asking questions, your tutor will help you gain a better understanding of your own writing process. In this way, you will learn to express your ideas and arguments clearly.
What can a writing tutor help me with?
- Do you have to write an essay, a report, a paper, or a thesis, but you don't know where to start?
- Are you endlessly staring at your screen or are you constantly delaying your writing?
- Do you have problems structuring everything you have read and thought of?
- Is it impossible to get something on paper because you want every word and every sentence to be perfect at once?
- Do you doubt that the information from a book or an article is expressed correctly in your own words?
How does a meeting with a tutor work?
- A meeting takes about 45 minutes.
- You can meet with tutor for a maximum of 5 times for one assignment. Most students receive sufficient assistance to proceed after one to three meetings.
- You indicate what you want to focus on and what you need help with.
- At least 24 hours before the meeting, you send your text to the tutor so they can prepare for the meeting. The text can be up to 2,000 words long.
- By asking questions, your tutor will help you gain a better understanding of your own writing process. In this way, you will learn to express your ideas and arguments clearly.
No correction service or content guidance
The Scriptorium is not a correction service. The writing tutors act as a sounding board, not as a proofreader. You are ultimately responsible for your own text. During the Scriptorium’s tutoring sessions, the writing process is central. You should talk to the lecturer or thesis supervisor who is also responsible for the assessment about the content of your paper or thesis.
Frequently asked questions about writing assistance
Which questions can I ask the tutors of the Scriptorium?
You can contact the tutors with questions about the layout and structure of your text and about wording and planning or if you want to brainstorm about your research question. You can also contact them if you want help with planning the structure, if you want to learn how to correct and rewrite your own text, or if you want to know how your text comes across.
Is the Scriptorium only available for thesis guidance?
No, the Scriptorium is available for all writing assignments, from a report in your first year to your Bachelor's or Master's thesis. The Scriptorium is tailored to your level. We help you improve your writing and information skills. You'll benefit from that during your entire studies.
How far do I have to be in the writing process to get guidance from the Scriptorium?
Do you have a deadline? Then start planning in time and already make an appointment. Do not wrestle with a problem for too long. By talking to a tutor in time, you can prevent getting stuck. You can also visit the Scriptorium before you actually start writing. You can then talk to one of the writing tutors about making a work plan. If you start in time, the writing will be faster.
Does the Scriptorium also give courses?
No, the Scriptorium does not give courses. However, the Language Center and the University Library offer a wide range of courses in the field of writing and information skills.
How can I process personal data in a safe and secure way?
If you use personal data, these have to be handled with care. In addition, you need to comply with the rules set out by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, in Dutch: Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming or AVG). Not complying with the GDPR may lead to reputation damage and claims by those involved.
The document 'Student research & personal data in your research' describes how you can process personal data in a safe and secure way. This document can also be found on the web page 'Student Regulations'.
Are there guidelines or procedures for writing my Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis?
Some Schools have their own guidelines or procedures for the Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis:
Independent study, tips, courses, and consultations
Important websites
- Purdue Online Writing Lab: for grammar, style, spelling, writing process.
- Writing Center University of North Carolina: handouts about structure, punctuation, grammar, checking your own text.
- A good online dictionary is Oxford Dictionary Online.
- Englishpage: what about English grammar?
- Taalwinkel: useful to check your text for grammar, style, and punctuation.
- Glossary: lenteachtig of lente-achtig? Check your (Dutch) spelling here.
- Noordster: planning techniques to structure your text (Dutch only).
- Theses database: examples of other theses.
- RefCite: how do I incorporate my sources correctly into the text?
- Leiden University English Academic Skills: 19 video clips on a host of academic skills
Toolbox
Many more useful sites, programs and exercises can be found in
- the English Toolbox (if you write in English)
- the Toolbox NT1 (if you write in Dutch)
- and the Toolbox NT2 (if Dutch is not your native language)
In the toolbox you will also find various online dictionaries that help you avoid translating too literally from Dutch into English.
Courses
Courses at the Language Center
Would you like to work with a lecturer to improve your writing or language skills in Dutch or English? Then register for a course at the Language Center. Academic writing courses are offered both during the academic year and during the summer period.
Consultations
Back on Track
Are you delayed or did you get stuck in the process of writing your Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis? Consider joining Back on Track to receive tips and advice on how to get 'unstuck' again.
Want to meet with a writing tutor?
Making an appointment at the Scriptorium is simple. Fill out the registration form to apply for a first meeting. Upon receipt of your form, a writing tutor will contact you as soon as possible.
Note the following:
- Register on time! We strive to contact you within a week after receiving your registration form. We aim to schedule the first tutor meeting within two weeks after registration. In busy periods, however, this may be later. Keep in mind that you will need time after the meeting to incorporate the feedback you receive.
- Unable to meet or ill? Cancel your appointment at least 24 hours before the meeting with the tutor. Cancellations within less than 24 hours before the meeting are counted as one of the five possible meetings.
- Submit the text you wish to discuss with the tutor at least 24 hours before the meeting to the tutor by email. Failing to do so in time means the tutor is not be able to prepare for the meeting.
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Revo Loonen
Writing Tutor"Getting your ideas on paper can be challenging, especially if you need to adhere to an academic writing style. Luckily, a fresh view of a fellow student can give you the confidence you need to get things done. That is what we hope to achieve with each session."
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Amber Schuijers
Writing Tutor‘’You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.’’ – Zig Ziglar.
At the Scriptorium we don’t expect you to come up with a perfect first draft. If you have a topic or an idea, we can help you to start up the writing process and make a 'writing plan'. If you have a text, we can help you to improve it and take it from a (maybe frustrating) first attempt to something that you’ll be happy with. -
Timo van Amen
Writing Tutor“Academic writing can certainly come with its challenges. At the Scriptorium, we will work together with you to help you address these and improve your writing skills in the process. Ultimately, the goal is to help you gain confidence in your own work and be proud of your thesis!”
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Jad Arabi
Writing Tutor"Writing is not about being perfect from the first try but rather fostering the willingness to learn and get better. At the Scriptorium, the goal is to cultivate your skillset and ensure that your abilities as an academic writer are unleashed. We are all students so the best way we can all succeed is by working together."
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Marvin Aerts
Writing Tutor"We train to improve our skills and reach better results. Improving is not a steep line of continuous progress. It is more of a flattening line that reaches a plateau and only putting in the hours will get you past it. You will encounter obstacles that might be hard to overcome alone. Why not let me lend a hand?"
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Juliana Schaum
Writing Tutor"Like any type of writing, academic writing is a craft — a creative process. Despite there being rules and frameworks to follow, the writing process, your needs and challenges remain very individual. At the Scriptorium, we offer you tailored support for crafting your piece of academic writing."