Research Papers

1. Research Papers Do’s & Don’ts

2. Formatting – Do Use MLA formatting guidelines: • Use headers to print your name, date, class, etc. • Use consistent size font throughout • (12pt) • Use consistent style font throughout • (Times New Roman) • Use standard, 1 inch margins throughout • Use correct grammar, punctuation, & spelling • Double space between lines

3. Formatting – Do • Use CSRQ to begin each body paragraph • Mini-thesis • Use specific details to justify statements • Use POV (morality, cultural values, etc.) from the time frame you are dealing with • Answer: Who, What, When, Why, How • Use the 3-E’s: • Explain • Extend • Elaborate

4. Formatting – Do • Back up any statement of fact with a cited source • Example: “they ate Muslim babies”! • Give a specific, eyewitness account to support this claim! • Sources exist… if you look

5. Formatting – Don’t • Don’t: Answer a question with a question • Don’t: Use first-person perspective • Don’t: Use pronouns without a precedent • Don’t: Quote a primary source without stating the source • Don’t: List – explain something

6. Formatting – Don’t • Don’t: Use pictures • Don’t: Use text graphics or colors • Don’t: Write on a typed assignment • Don’t: Use modern values/morality to judge a historical event unless specifically asked to do so • Don’t: Use inappropriate humor

7. Be Consistent!Be Neat!