The Individualized Writing Instruction Service (IWIS) helps law students at all ability levels improve their writing. It offers individualized instruction where you can focus on your own writing concerns or writing task. While for-credit courses focus on the knowledge and skills needed by all lawyers, IWIS focuses on helping each individual develop the particular writing skills he or she needs to succeed in law school and beyond. Because improving writing skills is an ongoing process, the Individualized Writing Instruction Service is available to you throughout your law school career.
The
law school encourages you choose the services that will most benefit you. This allows you to get the help you need
without sitting through extraneous sessions.
Use of IWIS is not required; it is up to you to use IWIS to your
advantage.
Services for All Students
Individual Conferences
Individual conferences provide
a confidential place to address individual writing questions, whether
large or small. You may use the conferences to work on a particular writing
question that troubles you.
You may work on general writing skills, such as wording structures that
increase readability. Or you may discuss broader process concerns, such
as writing under pressure, writing on the job, or adapting in light of a learning disability.
Signing up for an Individual Session
To reserve a session, sign up at room 2378 in the library, choosing any of the available times listed. If none of the listed times work for you, or if you cannot come to room 2378, email me at mbray@wisc.edu, listing all the times you are available. I'll get back to you with the first available time.
Current Topics of Interest for 1Ls
Whether the fall semester left you feeling victorious, discouraged, or something in between, you can find the service that's right for you. Appointment times are available each weekday.
Current Topics of Interest for 2Ls & 3Ls
IWIS will be here throughout the semester to help you find answers to any challenges you face while writing papers or upgrading writing samples, or working on writing generally.
Spring Workshops Geared to 1Ls
- Improving QPs and BAs
- Writing More Readable Sentences
- Revising for Conciseness
- Techniques for Creating a Professional Tone
- Revising to Make the Most of Feedback
- Organizing for Persuasion
- More Techniques for Increasing Persuasiveness
- Writing Persuasive Fact Statements and Issues
