1. NOTES
OKAY: A separate page per source is okay, if that works for you. But you will have to move the information around eventually.
BETTER: A separate page per section of your paper (E.G., a page per supporting prong of your thesis)

2. NOTES Reading and note-taking
In your notes, always mark someone else's words with a big Q, for quote, or use big quotation marks
Indicate in your notes which ideas are taken from sources with a big S, and which are your own insights (ME)
When information comes from sources, record relevant documentation in your notes (book and article titles; URLs on the Web)

3. OUTLINE
Aids in the process of writing
Helps you organize your ideas
Presents your material in a logical form
Shows the relationships among ideas in your writing
Constructs an ordered overview of your writing
Defines boundaries and groups

4. Label: Create main and sub headings.
OUTLINE
Determine the purpose of your paper.
Determine the audience you are writing for.
Develop the thesis of your paper.
Then:
Brainstorm: List all the ideas that you want to include in your paper.
Organize: Group related ideas together.
Order: Arrange material in subsections from general to specific or from abstract to concrete.
Label: Create main and sub headings.

5. OUTLINE
Must be typed
Should be traditional Roman numeral format
Needs to show major supporting prongs of your argument
Needs also to show the COUNTERCLAIM to your argument
Should end with your REBUTTAL to the counterclaim; this section often doubles as your conclusion, if it is worded appropriately.

6. Writing Your Outline
THESIS across the top of the page; ALWAYS keep this in mind. Your goal is to support it.
Major argument/supporting point
Another major supporting point
Acknowledge and explain the COUNTERCLAIM
Offer a REBUTTAL (address all parts of the counterclaim; if necessary, concede on some points, but QUALIFY, so that your argument is weakened.
If necessary, your conclusion, which wraps up your major points and summarizes the thrust of your argument.

7. Writing Your Outline
THESIS across the top of the page; ALWAYS keep this in mind. Your goal is to support it.
Major argument/supporting point
A. DATUM that illustrates this point
1. explanation of datum
2. connect datum to thesis (warrant)
3. backing, if necessary
4. transition to the next point
B. DATUM that illustrates this point

9. Reasons to Generally Avoid Passive Voice
The use of passive voice can create awkward sentences.
Overuse of passive voice throughout an essay can cause your prose to seem flat and uninteresting.

10. Benefits of Passive Voice
In scientific writing it allows one to write without using personal pronouns or the names of particular researchers as the subjects of sentences. This helps to create the appearance of an objective, fact-based discourse because writers can present research and conclusions without attributing them to particular agents. (The writing appears to convey information that is not limited or biased by individual perspectives or personal interests.)

11. Levels of Formality: Writing in a style that your audience expects and that fits your purpose is key to successful writing. Academic writing is more formal.
In-Group Jargon: Jargon refers to specialized language used by groups of like-minded individuals. Only use in-group jargon when you are writing for members of that group. You should never use jargon for a general audience without first explaining it.

12. Slang and idiomatic expressions: Avoid using slang or idiomatic expressions in general academic writing.
Deceitful language and Euphemisms: Avoid using euphemisms (words that veil the truth, such as "collateral damage" for the unintended destruction of civilians and their property) and other deceitful language.
Biased language: Avoid using any biased language including language with a racial, ethnic, group, or gender bias or language that is stereotypical.