1. Note cards: The meat of the paper. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008.
Adapted from source: Hacker, Diana. Working with Sources: Exercises to Accompany Rules for Writers. 6th edition.
Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008.

2. Tips and Advice 50 required on 4x6 white index cards
Use a pen and write legibly.
At least six sources should be used, one of which is the mentor interview.
Each card should contain information from only one source and fit under only one topic of the research paper.
Note cards typically include 3-4 sentences of information. Do not try to fill up the entire card.
Make sure at least two note cards cover every topic and subtopic of the outline.
Put your name on the back of each card.

3. Introductory card format
Thesis statement
First topic
Second topic
Third topic
Fourth topic

4. Introductory card example
Despite efforts to improve safety through rules and
equipment changes, professional football is a violent
game that causes many serious injuries.
A. Head injuries
B. Shoulder and spinal cord injuries
C. Knee injuries
D. Safety rule changes
E. Safety equipment changes

5. Note card format Outline topic heading Last name #
Outline subtopic heading
Notes from the source that would enhance
the paper
Source card #

6. Note card example Long-term Effects Carson 267-68
Resistance to insecticides
The first medical use of modern insecticides occurred in Italy when the Allied
Military Command launched a successful attack on typhus by dusting
enormous numbers of people with DDT. This was followed two years later by
… residual sprays for the control of malaria (268) mosquitoes. Only a year
later the first signs of trouble appeared. Both houseflies and mosquitoes of
the Genus Culex began to show resistance to sprays. 6