Research & Writing Process

Common structure elements to look for when reading your assignment:

• Title page requirements
• Margins
• Paragraph spacing
• Font and font sizes
• Pagination
• Appendices
• Reference list/bibliography

If the above are not in your assignment, look to see which citation format your instructor requires.  MLA, APA, and Chicago styles all have guidelines on structuring your paper.  Be aware that some professors do not have strong preferences as long as you are consistent and fully answer the assignment. Some professors are very specific and will deduct big points for deviations.

If your instructor has told you not to consider sources outside of those specified in the assignment, then you should follow that instruction. In those assignments, the instructor wants to know what you think about the assigned sources and about the question, and they do not want you to bring in other sources.

General Writing Guidelines

1. Don't use no double negatives.
2. Make each pronoun agree with their antecedents.
3. Do not split two complete sentences with a comma, it’s called a comma splice.
4. About them sentence fragments.
5. When dangling, watch your participles.
6. Verbs has got to agree with their subjects.
7. Don't write run-on sentences they are hard to read.
8. Don't use commas, which aren't necessary.
9. Try to not ever split infinitives.
10. Its important to use your apostrophe's correctly.
11. Proofread your writing to see if you any words out.
12. Correct speling is essential.
13. Eschew ostentatious erudition.
14. Avoid clichés like the plague.