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Academic Resources |
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| Writing
Resources
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| Research
Information |
Download Samples (PDF)
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| Help
with
Research
Papers
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 Writing
a Research Paper is
not as hard as you might think. The hardest job is learning how to find
information and then applying it to what you are writing about. The
important thing to remember is that you are trying to teach the reader
something they might not know.
The thing that separates a research paper from the average essay is
that it requires you to cite your sources in the paper and then include a
bibliography of the books and other sources you used to make your
statements. In other words, you must show the reader where you got your
information, so that they might be able to expand on your research, or so
they can validate what you are saying--making sure you are not
"making stuff up".
Click here
to see a model of a research paper.
Click here to see a model of a very long research paper. Note: We have
used a form of citation known as parenthetical citation. This means we put
the author's name in parentheses--after I use their information--with a
page number. There are many other kinds of citations; click here
to see more.
Although it seems impossible that a paper like this can be written, it is
not as hard as it looks; it is all a matter of preparation and
presentation. In fact, the Romania paper began with this very outline.
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| Overall
Presentation
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 OVERALL
PRESENTATION
Perhaps the
most important part of writing a paper is presenting it all in a
professional manner. Even the best researched research paper or the most
creative essay will get a poor grade if it is not packaged just right.
THE
COVERPAGE
Most papers should have a coverpage that includes the title, your name,
and the date. Titles should not be too fancy, nor should they be cliches,
such as "Rock and Roll Aint Noise Pollution". Use your instincts
and learn from your mistakes. Click on the word "Coverpage" to
see a model.
 FONTS,
SPACING, AND PRESENTATION
Most papers that are written today are expected to be word processed--this
means typed. The reason for this is that computers are widely available,
and programs like WordPerfect and Microsoft Word are very
easy to use (with a little practice). Thus, you are expected to follow the
rules that have been established by past students, teachers, and
professional writers. These include: Font
This is the size of your letters. They should be font size "12"
Spacing
Papers should be double spaced
Page Numbers
Page Numbers should be in the upper right-hand corner of every page,
except for the first one. If you have a coverpage, the third page
(including the coverpage)should have the number "2" on it.
Spelling
Every word is expected to be spelled correctly--this is because of
"spell-checkers".
Binding
The paper should be bound by a single staple in the upper left-hand corner
of the paper. Avoid using special folders, paper clips, and excess
staples. This only serves to annoy teachers.
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