Tips on writing a research/formal paper:

This is not meant to be a comprehensive guide on writing a formal paper for my class. Be sure and refer to a standard research paper guide. HOWEVER, the standards below will supersede any other guide.

• Presentation is everything. If you submit a paper that LOOKS bad, don't expect a good grade.
• Staple or permanently affix pages (no dog eared). Do NOT use paperclips.
• Your font MUST be 10 characters per inch (cpi). This is NOT font size (for example, 10-points). Your best bet is to try "Courier." To be sure, take out a ruler and count the charters in a typical inch. Make sure the font you use is not proportional. It should have a ragged right edge.
• Avoid typos. I'll take off ten points for EACH one. Computer spell checkers are NOT perfect.
• It needs to be written in a formal style. Street talk, sloppy grammar, etc. is unacceptable.
• Number your pages. (the first page is generally NOT numbered)
• The margins should be one inch on all sides.
• Don't ask me "how many pages should it be." Although I may give you a general guide, quality is always important!

Sources:

• Anytime you use quotation marks, chances are it needs to be cited.
• Don't quote the textbook used in the class. I don't care if you refer to the text, just don't cite it or put it in the bibliography!
• AVOID THE INTERNET. Do something unique...go to the library!

These could make your paper interesting:

• Illustrations
• An appendix with additional material not appropriate for the paper

Writing:

• Use active voice (not passive). Example: "The man hit the ball." (Active). "The ball was hit by the man" (passive).
• Don't mix first, second or third person. Keep it consistent. Ex: "I ..." followed later by "You..." then "They..."

Avoid:

• Jargon
• Imprecise words or phrases
• Writing in second person ("you")
• Avoid clichés and idioms.
• his/her
• Handwriting.

Avoid wordiness:

• Replace "had no existence at all" with: "did not exist"
• Replace "found their emergence" with "emerged"
• Replace "A man by the name of John Smith..." with: "John Smith..."

Content:

• For an "A," do original research. If you rely on books, magazines, the Internet (ycch!), etc., your grade will be no better than a "C".

Some additional helps:

Purdue University: Online Writing Lab:

• Sentence punctuation page
• Using commas
• Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling
• PowerPoint Presentations on Writing, Etc.

Dr. David Spiceland
Appalachian State University