Some Helpful Hints for Writing Term Papers

All papers must be computer generated.

Heading

Contains your name, my name and title spelled correctly, class and section, and date. Make sure you have the correct title and when you write your paper make sure you stick to the topic.

Submission

Send me your paper as an email attachment. Label your file with your last name and assignment number (for example, Mozart 5). Send to jablonsky@optimum.net

Margins

One inch all around.

Justifying

Do not justify the right margin of the text.

Line Spacing

Use 1.5 line spacing. It saves paper. Use only 12 point serif type.

Line spacing

Use one blank space after a comma and period.

Punctuation

Check a style manual if you are not sure of punctuation usage. Do not use too much or too little. Punctuation indicates the relationship of ideas. It also tells you when to breathe.

Spelling. Use a dictionary and/or Spell Check before you print.

Tense agreement. Make sure that the time elements in the sentence agree with each other.

Singular/plural

Make sure the quantity of the subject agrees with the form of the verb.

Syntax

Make sure the word order is correct. Try to make sure you have communicated exactly what you wanted to say in the simplest, most direct way. Sometimes it is better to break a lengthy, complicated sentence into two simpler ones.

Grammar

Make sure you handle adverbs and adjectives correctly. Adverbs modify a verb, adjective or other adverb. They often end with the letters ”ly.” Adjectives modify a noun. Do not mix them in a series.

Past tense

Many verbs end with the letters “ed” if the action is in the past.

Contractions

Use them only for dialogue or informal communication

Articles. Foreign students should remember to use “a” and “the” before a noun.

Redundancies

Try not to repeat important words, phrases or ideas in the same or consecutive sentences.

Word count

Stay within the 90-110% range of the suggested length. For example, if the paper is to be 600 words long you may write anywhere from 540 to 660 words.

Editing

Read your paper carefully to make sure it represents your best work. If I am the first person to read your paper, you are in trouble.

Warning

Do not write a cosmic introduction or flowery conclusion.