Carleton University's writing tutorial service is staffed by trained graduate students and provides free individual instruction for students having problems writing academic English. The students submit writing samples before the first session at which both student and tutor map out a strategy for improvement. Analysis of the tutors' perceptions of student writing problems indicates not grammatical difficulties but prewriting and organizational problems that are closely related to the subject matter and to the increased upper-level academic demands made on the students. The tutorial program focuses on the earliest stage of the writing process, prewriting, and the student's own subject matter and assignments. The primary technique used is that of questioning the student and then encouraging him or her to play with ideas and learn the creative power of language. The tutors, who are trained and have regular staff meetings to review techniques, have been found to benefit as much as the students from the experience. Increases in student participation in the program are seen as a measure of its effectiveness. (MSE)