A&M International Offers Writing Test Preparation Workshops

Texas A&M International University will offer a series of workshops geared at preparing students for upcoming writing tests included in standardized exams like TAAS, TASP, and the Rising Junior Exam March 26-29 at various locations.

The "Writing Test Preparation Week" workshops are free and open to the public.

Workshop schedules are as follows:

Monday, March 26, 2-3 p.m., Bullock Hall 209, and Tuesday, March 27, 5-6:30 p.m., Pellegrino Hall 201:

GRAMMAR GRABBERS I: This is the first of the Grammar Grabbers workshops series and provides participants a condensed view of the rules of grammar. This session focuses on what a sentence requires, parts of speech and application of the rules of grammar. This series includes lively discussions, culture contrasts, self-tests amd prizes.

Wednesday, March 28, 6-8 p.m., Bullock Hall 216:

BETTER THINKING FOR BETTER WRITING: This workshop will discuss the concept of critical thinking and its application to writing and essay preparation. Critical thinking has been defined as a blend of interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and inference. Becoming proficient at critical thinking will enable students to prepare and write more intelligent and logical essays.

Thursday, March 29, 4:30-6 p.m., Bullock Hall 209:

THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU GET THE WRITING TEST IS...: This workshop is designed to be a practical " how to" for the student as they approach the writing test. It will include tips to improve essay test-taking skills, addressing writing prompts, and understanding and fulfilling expectations of test preparers and scorers.

Thursday, March 29, 6-8 p.m., Bullock Hall 205:

CONSTRUCTING ESSAYS THAT SCORE! : This workshop will be a "nuts and bolts" presentation on writing the well-written essay. Included are what an essay requires, thesis statements, paragraph planning, revising and editing guidelines, testing for unity and focus, appropriateness, and organization.

For further information, please contact Kimber Palmer at the Academic Enrichment Center at 327-2723 or Sandra Gray at 326-2132. Regular University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Texas A&M International University will observe Spring Break as part of State-authorized holidays next week.

Offices will remain open Monday, March 12 through 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 14 and close Thursday, March 15 through Friday, March 16. Office hours resume on Monday, March 19 at 8 a.m.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu