1. Rules of Formal Writing How to sound smarter than you are

2. Format Provide a title page (see next slide as example, be sure to double space items) Provide a title page (see next slide as example, be sure to double space items) Double space Double space 12 pt font size (14 for Mrs. Alexandre) 12 pt font size (14 for Mrs. Alexandre) Times New Roman Times New Roman Standard margins Standard margins Number pages after the first Number pages after the first Word counts do not include title page, references or appendices Word counts do not include title page, references or appendices Be consistent Be consistent

3. The Moral Economy of the English Crowd: Price Fixing Riots of the Late Middle Ages By: Cam Stone For: Prof. Frink HWC 3M January 20, 2009 Thorold Secondary School

4. Style Use proper paragraphs Use proper paragraphs Clearly state your position or thesis Clearly state your position or thesis Use transitions Use transitions Be clear with your antecedents Be clear with your antecedents Use a thesaurus Use a thesaurus Include details and specific information Include details and specific information Be precise with your vocabulary Be precise with your vocabulary Refer to people by their last name Refer to people by their last name Be consistent with your verb tenses Be consistent with your verb tenses Use complete sentences Use complete sentences Stay in “formal” voice Stay in “formal” voice

5. The “Do Not” List No contractions (can’t, won’t …) No contractions (can’t, won’t …) No personal pronouns (I, you, we …) No personal pronouns (I, you, we …) No slang, sloppy language, swearing No slang, sloppy language, swearing No brackets No brackets No short forms (common acronyms are acceptable after identifying – NASA) No short forms (common acronyms are acceptable after identifying – NASA) Do not use the words: a lot, alot, nice, happy, sad, things, stuff… Do not use the words: a lot, alot, nice, happy, sad, things, stuff…

6. Numbers In general, use numerals if it is more than two words In general, use numerals if it is more than two words Use numerals for the following: dates, addresses Use numerals for the following: dates, addresses Never start a sentence with a numeral Never start a sentence with a numeral Use words for ages Use words for ages

7. General Information Start first page about six single lines lower than other pages Start first page about six single lines lower than other pages Names and acronyms: use full form first and last name thereafter Names and acronyms: use full form first and last name thereafter Edit your work!!! Edit your work!!! Explain your evidence!!! Explain your evidence!!! Relate all evidence to your position or thesis!!! Relate all evidence to your position or thesis!!!