2 students at the language center

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 discuss how to phrase 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
Toolbox

Many more useful sites, programs and exercises can be found in

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. 
  • Check your inbox for a confirmation of your registration (check your junk folder as well!). Didn't get a confirmation? Send in the registration form again. Note that the form is only sent to us after clicking the 'Submit' button. 

 

Registration form

  • Jad Arabi - Tutor Scriptorium Tilburg University

    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." 

  • Juliana Schaum tutor Scriptorium Tilburg University

    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."

  • Scriptorium tutor Kayla

    Kayla Thomas

    Writing Tutor

    "Writing is an empowering process. It gives you a unique platform to share your ideas, opinions and academic voice in a personal, tailored package for your reader. We want you to feel capable of expressing your ideas as clearly as possible, and we are eager to help you achieve this during your collaborative meetings with the Scriptorium."

  • Marvin Aerts

    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?"

  • Puck Outshoorn

    Puck Outshoorn

    Writing Tutor

    "Writing can be a lot of fun but also challenging. By asking for help and looking at your text together, you will gain a better understanding of your own writing process and improve yourself so that you can be really proud of the end result."

  • Senna Edinger writing tutor

    Senna Edinger

    Writing Tutor

    "The beauty of academic writing is that everyone does it entirely in their own way. Writing is fun, but it also comes with challenges. Because writing is so personal, the challenges you face often are, too. At the Scriptorium, by looking at your text together, we can offer appropriate advice and coaching in academic writing to help you develop your writing skills."

Want to really master academic writing?

 Explore the Language Center’s academic writing courses.

Academic Writing in Dutch

English Academic Writing course

Thesis Writing Workshop