Research Writing 101 You are writing a formal paper for a formal audience (see handout) Every page (with the exception of the first page with is your choice) should have in the right hand corner your last name and a page number- THIS INCLUDES YOUR REFERENCE PAGE(S) Kids are baby goats Get is an informal verb Numbers one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine are written as such. 10 and above are presented in arabic form ( exceptions are dates, addresses, and phone numbers) YOU can’t use contractions nor can you bring US into the paper- I am not part of US or WE!! Know how the title page (this is the first page of your paper) should look- there is only ONE way to format this page.

Research Writing 101 IF A REFERENCE IS LISTED ON YOUR REFERENCE PAGE, IT MUST ALSO APPEAR PARENTHICALLY IN THE BODY OF PAPER. IF THESE SOURCES DO NOT MATCH UP, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY POINTS FOR THE PAPER (Other than a point for your name, assuming the title page is formatted correctly!!)

Research Writing 101 Each new main point constitutes a new paragraph Each new idea or sub-point constitutes a new paragraph Each new reference presented in a main point constitutes a new paragraph The introduction needs to be short and sweet so you can jump (note I did not say GET since GET is an informal verb) to your first main point The trend in collegiate writing is to present numerous short and compact paragraphs. This allows for a flowing document. In doing so, you need transitional devices to keep the paper moving and more importantly keep my attention and interest. If the author’s name is used on the reference page, then the author’s name is what I should be seeing internally in the parenthetical documentation.

Research Writing 101 Bragg, Rick. “Writing a Research Paper in AP Language.” The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. (Sept 4, 2007) A3. (Bragg, A3) Bragg, Rick. “Study shows Sequoyah students have not looked at the MLA Handbook.” Newsweek. Sept, EBSCO Host: GALILEO 1 Sept (Bragg)

Research Writing 101 Bragg, Rick. Helping Smart Teenagers Format a Research Paper. New York: Top Gun Publishing, 2007: (Bragg 63) “Passing a Summer School English Class.” Cherokee County Summer School Handbook. 1 June CCBOE. 22 Aug (“Passing a Summer School English Class”)

Research Writing 101 When I end one paragraph and am ready to move onto the next paragraph, I do not need to quadruple space between those paragraph to stretch my paper into 8 (sorry I mean eight) full pages. So my next paragraph is formatted improperly if it begins way down here. I think each of you can visually see the point I am trying to make with this one.

Research Writing 101 Unfortunately, I (oops another format error!!) one can not use block quotes in this research paper. Abbreviations should not be used in a formal writing assignment The exception to all these MLA rules is simple. “Never change or format differently anything within a direct quote.” Dr. Bragg is the teacher who showed me the way to better research paper writing. I sit in a desk that is broken and uncomfortable. The mutt that we call a dog is digging holes in my backyard. I need to see the student who left me the six-pack of Coca-Cola!! Do you see the point that I am making with pronoun usage??

Research Writing 101 You earned 50 points for the draft if it was submitted on time, was at least eight FULL pages, and included a works cited page that was also parenthetically documented. I DID NOT LOOK AT THE PAPER FOR CONTENT PURPOSES When I found a format error, I made you aware of such and did not look for the same mistake throughout your paper.

Research Writing 101 I did matchup your sources from the Works Cited to the Working Bib. I did NOT match up your introduction that you presented prior to the draft (But I will do so with the final copy) I did NOT match up your outline with the content of the draft (But I will do so with the final copy) Do not expect any points if the intro and outline do not match up with what was presented prior to the draft.

Research Writing 101 Do NOT panic and show me an internal source that I could not find IF THAT SOURCE IS INDEED IN THE PAPER THEN YOU ARE OK- IF IT IS NOT YOU MAY WANT TO ADD IT!!! With Christmas around the corner (Wal-Mart has some of their outdoor displays up and they look good!!) you may want to ask Santa for a publication entitled MLA Handbook for Writer’s of Research Papers. Another good one is the APA Style Book!!

Research Writing 101 While we are in a bonding mood today, you may also want to take a serious look at virtualsalt.com (Hummm- I wonder what strong hint, strong hint, strong hint the Dr. is sending to us????) Have a great AP Language Day!!!!!