| 1 . |
Title - Write a creative title on the first line of the
paper. Be creative! Do NOT write the TOPIC of the paper. Write
something reflective of the TONE of the paper.
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| 2. |
Person - Do NOT use you and I interchangeably.
(I like going to the movies because you can just relax.)
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| 3. |
Transition - You should have transition between sentences and
between paragraphs. (see handbook) Avoid using numbers such
as first and second.
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| 4. |
Abbreviations - Do NOT use abbreviations EXCEPT for abbreviations
that are used as a word (NBC, IBM, CIA, Colby and Assoc., INC.).
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| 5. |
Contractions - Do NOT use contractions except in dialog.
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| 6. |
"It" - Avoid using the word "it," unless you have a clear antecedent.
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| 7. |
"There" - Avoid beginning a sentence with the word "There" or
"Here" as an expletive.
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| 8. |
Apostrophe - Use apostrophes to show possession or to show contractions.
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| 9. |
Symbols - Do Not use ampersands!
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| 10. |
Strike-Overs - Do NOT hand in homework with strike-overs.
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| 11. |
Thesis: one sentence containing a topic and a comment. Your
thesis should make only one point.
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| 12. |
Avoid absolutes (always, never, all); use qualifiers instead
(usually, seldom, most).
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| 13. |
Remember that an essay is not a conversation. Avoid conversing
with your reader!
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