It’s time to write a paper. Here are steps for filling up that blank screen with a winning composition.
The Web is a really useful tool, but so is your school’s library. Not only do libraries store books, they also archive scholarly journals and newspapers-both physically and online, and librarians are trained to help students do research and build bibliographies. “[Students] often have to use academic sources and old texts,” says Matt Zazzarino, a tutor at St. John’s University’s Writing Center in Queens, New York. “Those aren’t going to be on the Internet.”
Keep track of every source you consult. Find out what format your professor expects for footnotes and citations. Melissa K., a junior at University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio, says, “When I make my outline I put in informal citations so I know where I want them.” You can also place reference information at the end of your draft as you write.
Most papers are meant to present a thesis statement, so make your point clearly at the beginning. Also write a few sentences explaining how you’ll support it.
Then give detailed examples to support your ideas. Bolster them with reference to your sources, and wrap up with a brief conclusion.
“Once you have your thoughts expressed, expand or compress them depending on how much has to been written,” suggests Shreenath R., a junior at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
How you write will depend on the subject matter and guidelines provided by your professor.
Humanities papers focus on text analysis, so include quotes from your class materials and readings interspersed with your own ideas.
Scientific assignments usually require quantitative data, maybe in the form of graphs or charts.
Creative writing courses may call for prose-whether autobiographical, fictional, or another form.
While keeping it formal, find a way to integrate your unique understanding of the material. With practice, you’ll find your writing personality.
Use spell-check and other editing functions. “Read out loud to yourself,” Zazzarino says. “You’ll hear yourself and catch typos.” Also ask a friend or tutor to proofread your paper. Jane B., a student at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, Massachusetts, says, “I use very patient friends and family. I get to really clarify my paper.”
Rosemarie is studying communications at Saint Peter’s University in New Jersey.
Professors, instructors, and teaching assistants:
You can always ask your professor to clarify an assignment or to confirm that your paper is headed in the right direction.
Librarians:
These are trained research professionals. They’ll help you get to the right sources, efficiently.
Writing tutors:
Whether staffed by fellow students or professionals, your school’s writing center is a great resource. Here you can get help as you structure, revise, and edit papers. Upperclass students, professors, or graduate students will look over your paper and help you get it ready to turn in.
There are a variety of citation formats and style criteria for papers. The following are some of the most commonly used:
Associated Press Stylebook (AP): Used by most journalists as well as in public relations.
Modern Language Association (MLA): This style is most commonly used in the humanities and liberal arts.
American Psychological Association (APA): Business, social sciences, and nursing professors usually expect to see this style.
Chicago Manual of Style (CMS): This is one format you won’t come across often, unless you’re writing for a historical journal, humanities, and some social science publications.
In-depth information about proper citation techniques.
