A STUDENT GUIDE TO WRITING BETTER PAPERS

I. Choosing a Topic

1. Pick a specific topic. It is much better to go in-depth on a narrow topic than to provide little depth on a general topic.

2. Pick a topic about something you really care about. This will make it easier to spend quality time researching and writing. You want to get interested and involved in your paper.

3. See the professor if you are unsure about the assignment. See the professor even if you think you are sure of the assignment.

4. Follow the guidelines of the assignment.

II. Doing the Research

1. Use a wide variety of sources. In addition to books, periodicals, and the Internet, try to make use of expert people. Do not be afraid to call or email people off campus. See if the professor has additional material. Ask other faculty.

2. The library is not only an excellent resource but the librarians are very helpful when it comes to helping students find information. Don’t ask blindly, but if you have some ideas of what you are trying to find they can be a big help.

3. Draw upon personal experience. Your life has been pretty interesting.

4. Do not save all your research work for the last week. It will take longer than you think to get all the information you need.

III. Writing the Paper

1. Style counts. Make sure the paper is well organized with an introduction that provides a preview of the paper and a conclusion that summarizes the key points.

2. Do not over-quote. In most cases you are better off paraphrasing a direct quote and putting it in your own words. This also shows you understand the concept. The exception is when the original wording is so powerful that paraphrasing ruins its impact.

3. Use specific examples to document your points. Do not make generalizations without support.

4. Cite, cite, cite. Some students think you only need to cite/reference/footnote direct quotes. Not true. You need to cite all sources of data, information, etc. There are a variety of citing standards – within the text, bottom of page, end notes. Pick one and be consistent.

5. Provide a bibliography at the end in addition to cites.

6. Make use of charts, graphs, pictures, etc. where appropriate. Put them right in the paper instead of all at the end.

7. Worry about mechanics – there should not be any grammar, spelling, sentence construction problems, etc. Proofread. Have someone else proofread as well.

8. Revise the paper as necessary to keep on improving it both in terms of content and structure.

9. If there is an oral component to the paper or project, prepare it for your audience. While you cannot provide the kind of details that are in the written version, you should make use of audio-visual enhancements to make your oral presentation more interesting and informative. Be professional. Dress up.

10. Read the professor's comments when you get the paper back. Don’t be afraid of talking to the professor about your paper.

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