Each student at the Washington Internship Program is assigned a professional editor to help with writing skills so that every participant submits flawless resumes, cover letters, and writing samples to the organizations or companies where he or she applies. Our editorial staff assists in correcting English usage, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and thematic organization within the context of fluid business writing and both popular and academic styles. Editors work closely with students through E-mails and over the phone to correct mistakes and teach interns the reasons for every change. All our editors are also teachers.

The "Key" Rule System

     All Washington Internship Program editors employ a writing method developed by Dr. Bayer when she worked at the White House as a senior editor charged by the vice-president of the United States to improve the rhetoric used by lawyers, press secretaries, strategists, and other politicians in the executive branch of government. Dr. Bayer implemented this method at the highest levels of government where her simple, practical system could be learned by administrative secretaries and Cabinet members alike. A series of rules is generated whenever errors are made. Not only are mistakes corrected in the student's written text, but a list of rules -- explaining the type of errors that were committed and illustrating ways to fix them -- is printed at the bottom of each document. The particular pattern of rules is different for every student, and this "key" (collection of rules) will unlock the door to better writing for any individual from whose writing it was generated. If an author applies his or her key to letters or papers written subsequently, few if any mistakes will be made. Indeed, students are required to apply their own "keys" to everything they write in the future. They replicate their series of rules at the end of all writing assignments so that editorial staff can chart student progress by counting the number of rules that are still being violated. Although this method may sound quantitative, it can correct simple errors like split infinitives, comma splices, and lack of agreement along with more complex matters ranging from parallel construction to passive voice. Dr. Bayer began developing this technique while heading writing centers at numerous universities, and she expanded upon it as a newspaper editor where this method improved the copy submitted by reporters.

     Because of this system, students begin working on their writing well before coming to the United States. Once on the job in Washington, interns can E-mail copy for editing throughout the day or arrange one-on-one sessions over the phone in the evening or on weekends. Such coaching is supplemented by group writing clinics at which American and international interns work together. Sessions for foreign students, whose language problems differ and are more numerous than native-English speakers, are targeted for additional help by trained staff. No one is ever embarrassed when using this method, which stresses the science of writing dominated by clear principles rather than vague impressions of expressing intelligence. American peer tutors are also available to help foreign interns practice this system through the Internet, fax, phone, and in person.