Writing Effective Papers II
Writing a research or analysis paper can be frustrating. A paper can be spell checked and proof read but that still will not guarantee an “A” paper. Students also have to think about spacing, headings, and citations.
Here is a break down of how the paper should be set up.
Abstract
- Unlike paragraphs in the paper, the abstract is not to be indented
- Use the abstract to give a brief summary of the paper. All the major points
- Most abstracts should not exceed 120 words
- Put the abstract on a page by itself & center the word abstract (not bolded)
Quotations
- If using a direct quotation; put inside quotation marks, include page number or paragraph number if it’s a web source
- If quote is longer than 40 words, use block quotes.
- Don’t overuse word-for-word quotations. Try to use direct quotes only if something is of historical importance. Try to use sparingly, if at all. Support your own analysis
Web links
- Please remember to remove the blue printing (hyperlink)
Running head
- If you are using APA style don’t forget a running head and manuscript page header
Course Texts
- Don’t use them!
Paper Title
- Should be centered on the first page of the manuscript, i.e. after the abstract.
Publishers and Publication
- When citing a book, don’t use Company, Inc., or Ltd. Don’t use Elsavier, Inc. Just type Elsavier
- Don’t spell out the name of states like St. Louis, Missouri. Just type St. Louis, MO: Elsavier
- If using APA style, some major states don’t need the two letter state abbreviation i.e. New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta
References
- Make sure references are alphabetized by author
- All factual sentences must be supported by a citation. Most of the paper should be factual & not opinions which are good for the end of the paper( unless it’s an essay)
- Use author first or first & middle initial and last name, i.e. Smith, C., and Jones J.P. (2006)
It is hard to start off writing the first sentence that you will be citing in a paragraph. A good way to start can be: Jones (2006) studied nursing preferences of foreign students. Not to mention and last but not least are clichés and mixed metaphors that are not to be used.
