Research Paper Tips for Success

Works Cited Separate page Separate page Works Cited title centered Works Cited title centered Last name and correct page number appear in upper right with space between name and page Last name and correct page number appear in upper right with space between name and page Sources listed alphabetically by first word in each entry/no bullets or numbers Sources listed alphabetically by first word in each entry/no bullets or numbers Four or more sources listed Four or more sources listed First line of source starts at left, subsequent lines tabbed in First line of source starts at left, subsequent lines tabbed in Titles of articles, etc. capitalized correctly Titles of articles, etc. capitalized correctly

Works Cited, continued: Entire page double-spaced with no large gaps between any lines Entire page double-spaced with no large gaps between any lines Each entry ends with a period Each entry ends with a period Each source is used at least once in the paper Each source is used at least once in the paper Info that appears in parentheticals in paper matches the typing of the entry on WC page (Facebook). Info that appears in parentheticals in paper matches the typing of the entry on WC page (Facebook).

Parenthetical Citations: Four or more used in paper Four or more used in paper Wording and typing within the parentheses matches wording and typing on WC page Wording and typing within the parentheses matches wording and typing on WC page Parenthetic citations punctuated correctly: Parenthetic citations punctuated correctly: According to Facebook’s official website, “approximately 80% of the active users live outside the United States” (Facebook). According to Facebook’s official website, “approximately 80% of the active users live outside the United States” (Facebook).

Quotations and Paraphrasing: Each quotation is correctly led into, broken up, or followed by writer’s own words with smooth, grammatically correct wording Each quotation is correctly led into, broken up, or followed by writer’s own words with smooth, grammatically correct wording No “freestanding” quotations No “freestanding” quotations Sentences containing statistics, direct quotations, dates, (or other specific info not generally known) are followed by parenthetic citations Sentences containing statistics, direct quotations, dates, (or other specific info not generally known) are followed by parenthetic citations

Sentence Fluency and Word Choice: No fragments or run-ons No fragments or run-ons Formal tone: no first or second person pronouns, no contractions, no slang (except in direct quotations) Formal tone: no first or second person pronouns, no contractions, no slang (except in direct quotations) Varied sentence patterns Varied sentence patterns Distinct, vivid vocabulary Distinct, vivid vocabulary Transitional words and phrases Transitional words and phrases Consistent verb tenses! Consistent verb tenses!

Ideas and Content: Opening sentence does NOT contain a quotation or question and is interesting/compelling Opening sentence does NOT contain a quotation or question and is interesting/compelling Ideas in intro move smoothly and logically toward thesis statement Ideas in intro move smoothly and logically toward thesis statement Thesis statement offers a concession, then reveals topic without listing supporting ideas found in body paragraphs Thesis statement offers a concession, then reveals topic without listing supporting ideas found in body paragraphs

Organization: Paragraphs are arranged logically with natural sequencing Paragraphs are arranged logically with natural sequencing Transitional words and phrases are used to move reader through essay Transitional words and phrases are used to move reader through essay No sentences begin with FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) No sentences begin with FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) Ideas create a sense of beginning, middle, and end Ideas create a sense of beginning, middle, and end

Voice: Show enthusiasm and interest in topic Show enthusiasm and interest in topic Appear in control of topic Appear in control of topic Make your stance/position appear strong/genuine Make your stance/position appear strong/genuine

Grammar/Mechanics: Contains no usage errors: pronouns (one person cannot be called “they,” numbers under one hundred are typed as words unless used in direct quotes, proper nouns are capitalized, such as Facebook. Contains no usage errors: pronouns (one person cannot be called “they,” numbers under one hundred are typed as words unless used in direct quotes, proper nouns are capitalized, such as Facebook. Contains no spelling errors. Contains no spelling errors. Commas, colons, semicolons used correctly Commas, colons, semicolons used correctly Font size is 12 pt., Palatino Linotype Font size is 12 pt., Palatino Linotype

Grammar/Mechanics, continued: Titles are punctuated correctly: Titles are punctuated correctly: –Italicize: books, films, newspapers, magazines, television titles –Use “quotation marks” for “article titles,” “short stories,” and “poems”