chapter 18, essay essentials

Copyright © 2015 by Nelson Education Ltd.

NETA PowerPoint® Slides

to accompany

prepared by

Rhonda Dynes

Mohawk College

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Formatting a Research PaperChapter 18

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Research Methods

There are a variety of research and formatting methods to help get you on your way to a professionally written and

edited research paper. They all start with taking good notes from the get-go.

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Taking Good Research Notesfor Informative Writing

The beginning of formatting the final draft of your research paper starts with the notes you take while you are doing the research. When taking notes, you must apply your critical thinking skills. Is the information reliable, relevant, and current? Is there evidence of any inherent bias? How can you best make use of the findings to support and enhance your own ideas?

Once you’ve found a useful source, record the information you need.

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Preparing Documentation

Although the exact forms differ across books, journals, Internet sources, and audiovisuals, some similarities include:

1. Full name(s) of author(s)

2. Title of work

3. Date of publication

4. Inclusive page numbers

For specifics, see pp. 214–215, Essay Essentials 6e

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Generating Documentation Formatting

Technology is available to help make the task of documenting less onerous than it once was. Many word-processing packages have built-in templates to assist writers in preparing citations and generating bibliographies. As well, some academic libraries have licensed “reference manager” programs for students’ use.

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Basic Paper Formatting

While we don’t want to judge documents only by their presentation, it is one element we notice because it’s the first thing we see and it guides our first impression.

Try your best to get it right. No stains on your reports!

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Basic Formatting GuidelinesPaper

Compose your final draft on 22 x 28 cm (8.5 x 11-inch) white paper that is suited to your printer type (e.g., ink jet, laser). Make sure you aren’t printing out your report 10 minutes before the deadline! Unless your instructor specifically requests it, don’t bother with plastic or paper covers.

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Basic Formatting Guidelines cont’d

Typing and Printing

Choose a standard, easily readable typeface, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica (a popular font for Apple computers), in a 12-point size. Use black ink (or dark blue if you are writing by hand).

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Basic Formatting Guidelines cont’dSpacing and Margins

Unless you are instructed otherwise, double-space your report, including quotations and the Works Cited or References list. Adequate white space on your pages makes your paper attractive and easier to read. It also allows room for comments.

Always keep a copy of your paper for your files!

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Formatting MLA-Style Research Papers

The MLA approach is more common in English and humanities courses.

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Formatting MLA-Style Research Papers cont’d

Title Page

Do not prepare a separate title page. At the top of the left margin of the first page, on separate lines, type your name, your instructor’s name, the course number, and the date. Leave a double space and centre the title of your essay. Capitalize main words, but do not underline, italicize, or put quotation marks around your title (unless it contains the title of another author’s work, which you should treat in the standard way).

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Header and Page Numbers

Number your pages consecutively throughout the paper, including the Works Cited list, in the upper right-hand corner, 1.25 cm from the top and 2.5 cm from the right edge of the page. Type your last name before the page number—with no punctuation or p.

Double space your paper unless directed otherwise.

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Formatting APA-Style Research PapersTitle PageIn APA, a title page is required. Include a running head as follows: “Running head: ABBREVIATED NAME OF PAPER” and set it flush left; page numbers go flush right. Choose a title, and then shorten it to 50 characters for the running head. Centre the title in the upper half of the page. If the title is more than one line, double-space. Capitalize main words, but don’t underline, italicize, or put quotation marks around your title. After the title, centre your name, the name of your college or university, the name of the course you are preparing the paper for, the instructor’s name, and the date of submission. Double space these.

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Formatting APA-Style Research Papers cont’d

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Head, Page Numbers, and Spacing

Number your pages consecutively throughout the paper, beginning with the title page and ending with the last page of the References list. As on the title page, the title of your paper should appear in upper-case letters, flush left, but this time without the words “Running head,” while the page number appears flush right. There is no punctuation or use of p. Double-space between all lines. Indent the first line of each paragraph 1.25 cm (0.5 in.).

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Abstract

An abstract is a short summary of the contents of your paper. It should give the purpose and the key ideas. An abstract is usually one paragraph. It must be organized and carefully written. Type the abstract on a separate page that includes the running head and the page number (2). Centre the word “Abstract” one double space under the running head. Type the abstract paragraph itself in block format (i.e., without indentation).

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First Page of Text

On page 3 (following the title page and abstract), centre the full title of your research paper (in upper- and lower-case letters). Double-space, and begin the text of your essay.

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Summary• Writing a research paper requires good critical

thinking skills and excellent note-taking.• A variety of word-processing programs can help with

formatting and documentation.• MLA and APA formatting for research papers are

quite different; you should always check requirements with your instructor.

• A research paper really demonstrates your writing skills and ability to follow specific writing requirements.

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chapter 18, essay essentials

Education

nelson education

edited research paper

variety of research

research methodsthere

research paperchapter

formatting methods

basic paper formattingwhile

good notes