Writing Papers for Kilgore’s Classes
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Be sure that you understand the assignment as outlined in your course syllabus.
Be sure that your paper is at least the minimum number of pages specified in the course syllabus. Anything less will be reflected in your grade. Remember, cover sheets and bibliography pages (if used) do not count. Also, papers should not be significantly longer than specified.
FORMAT
Always number your pages. You do not need a complete heading for each page, but do number the pages (a running head with your last name or title is not a bad idea).
You cannot insert quotes into paragraphs that stand alone. Quotes should always be introduced by, broken up with, or followed by something (EX: As Lenski writes, “ … “ or These factors led Marx to say: “ … “).
Be sure to include a bibliography if the assignment requires you to use additional sources. However, whether using outside sources or not, you must still give the page numbers for anything you quote.
Any outside sources should be appropriate sources: books, academic journals, official websites, reputable new sources, etc.
You are allowed a small heading on the first page (not half a page). Other than this, make sure your margins are 1” all the way around, do not skip extra lines between paragraphs, or otherwise fill space with something other than your writing.
Be sure that your paragraphs are broken up – i.e., if one of your paragraphs is an entire page, that is probably too long for one paragraph.
SENTENCES
Sentences should express a basic complete thought. Do not write sentences with incomplete ideas – i.e., no subject, verb, etc. Also, do not write long, run-on sentences that should be broken up into separate sentences.
Do not insert extra words in your sentences like you were chatting with friends (EX: “like, you know”; “and then, like I said before”; etc.). For most people (including me!), the general rule is: do not write like you talk.
Be sure that you are choosing the right word(s) for what you want to say and that you are using the word properly.
Also make sure that past/present/future tenses match – for instance, do not write: “Marx and Engels are idiots when they wrote …” They either “were” idiots when they “wrote” or they “are” idiots when they “write.”
Number (singular or plural) should be consistent: “The ideas of Weber is ridiculous” is incorrect. Likewise, “The idea of Marx and Engels are ridiculous” is also incorrect.
Be sure to proofread your paper and make corrections before turning it in, or visit the writing center. Make sure that your sentences state clearly what you are trying to say.
SPELLING & GRAMMAR
Apostrophes should only be used with shortened forms of words (EX: “don’t” instead of “do not) or to show possession (EX: Bill’s paper …) – otherwise, you do not need one (for example, the word “apostrophes” at the beginning of this sentence would be incorrect if written as “apostrophe’s.”
Many spelling errors can be avoided by not rushing through your paper and by not turning it in without a good proofread. Especially unforgivable are misspellings of words that are prominent in the selection you are summarizing (Ex: consistently writings “Marks” instead of “Marx”).
If English is your second language, be sure to use the definite article (“the”) and indefinite article (“a”) in the correct places (a very common problem).
Don’t be redundant. For example, you do not need to tell me that a “general” view of Conflict theory “basically” means thus-and-so – you only need either “general” or “basically” – when you use both, you are simply repeating yourself.
TERMINOLOGY
It is a good idea – unless quoting the author – to begin using gender-neutral terminology (i.e., don’t use “man” to mean “humanity”) and current terminology for minority groups. This is an academic standard and is just a good habit to get into when writing college papers.
The following are good questions to ask yourself the following questions before turning a paper in:
1) Did I understand what I read in the article?
2) Did I summarize the main points of that understanding in the allotted space (see syllabus)?
3) Does my summary highlight the main points/emphases of the author?
4) Does my summary rely primarily on my own words? (Direct quotes should be used selectively and sparingly)
5) Did I include a substantial critique/analysis/application of the article(s)?
6) Have I read my paper and cleaned up the grammar? (Look for incomplete sentences, run-on sentences, bad paragraph divisions and transitions, improper use of pronouns and prepositions, misspelled words, bad word choices, improper use of punctuation, badly worded and/or awkward sentences.)
7) Is my formatting correct? (Is the paper long enough? Did I follow all of the guidelines? Are my pages numbered? Did I properly reference sources?)
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