在美国印第安纳大学英语训练中心当任助理教授的布鲁斯・利兹博士，为研究申请者解答应怎样开始应付写作 。讨论题目有：
1. 我需要多长时间写一份完善的个人声明 （personal statement)?
2. 我怎么开始写呢？
3. 我的背景很普通，怎么办呢？
[bamboo] WELCOME EVERYONE!
[bamboo] I'm Bamboo :) host for today's event.
[bamboo] As most of you know, today's event focuses on HOW TO START WRITING MY PERSONAL STATEMENT (PS)
[bamboo] We're very privileged to have Dr. Bruce Leeds with us today.
[bamboo] Dr Leeds is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Center for English Language Training in Indiana University, U.S.
[BruceLeeds] Thank you. I am privileged to be here.
[bamboo] Professor Leeds is also very experienced in advising and guiding international students on writing their personal statements for graduate school application.
[bamboo] Hi Professor Leeds, Thank you for being here with us today. I believe it's 10pm your time?
[BruceLeeds] Yes it is. The time differences are very confusing to me sometimes. :)
[bamboo] Our session lasts for one hour today. I will first ask Professor one question and then invite all of you to ask your own questions. I'm sure you have many questions for our honorable guest today.
[bamboo] Yes, indeed, Professor Leeds, I always get myself confused with the time differences too. :-P So glad you can be here with us even though it's late in your time zone. :)
[bamboo] Professor, what role does the statement of purpose play in one's application?
[bamboo] I see, so the PS (personal statement) is like a cover letter.
out your study interests and who you are as a person.
[aaron] My question is how to start it, it confuses me.
[bamboo] I guess every one of us have some framework in mind when we start writing our PS, but the daunting task is how to start the process WELL.