Formatting

Introductions

Conclusions

WRITING YOUR DRAFT

FOLLOW ESSAY WRITING BASICS Organization:

An essay has three parts: an introduction, middle/body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

As a basic guide, 20 per cent is usually sufficient for the introduction and conclusion together.

Generally, when writing short research papers, no section headings are needed.

Paragraphing: Indent each paragraph No spacing between paragraphs No numbering sentences or paragraphs No point form

FOLLOW APA IN FORMATTING You need to follow all formatting requirements of APA. For a full list, see

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ Double spaced 12 pt. Times New Roman font Align left; no justification Standard, 1 inch margins Pages numbered in the upper right hand corner Separate title page Separate page with the list of references Proper in-text citations throughout Sample APA paper:

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/media/pdf/20090212013008_560.pdf

REFERENCES

Ensure that your paper follows all the APA requirements

Can you list APA reference formatting rules based on sample essay shown?

WRITING AN INTRODUCTION

The introduction presents an essay’s purpose, topic, approach, and organization

In scientific papers the introduction establishes credibility and reliability of the author

Henderson, 2013

WRITING AN INTRODUCTION

A good introduction includes the following:1. Definition of key terms, if needed (for clarity)

2. Relevant background information (places your research in context)

3. Review of work by other writers on the topic (in shorter papers)

4. Purpose or aim of the paper (the reader needs to know what you are trying to do)

5. May include your methods used (e.g. experiment, literature review, group essay, lab report)

6. Any limitations you imposed (be realistic and state your limitations clearly)

7. The organization of your work (to ensure that the reader can follow your argument)

Bailey, 2013

WRITING A CONCLUSION As a rule, conclusions tend to be shorter and more

diverse than introductions. Student papersStudent papers should have a final section that

summarizes the arguments and makes it clear to the reader that the original question has been answered.

An effective summary should achieve full closure to the discussion and include a statement on the implications of the findings.

Avoid making these common mistakescommon mistakes: Include some new information on the topic not mentioned

before Include a quotation that appears to sum up your work

Adapted from Bailey, 2013

IN-CLASS PRACTICE Group work, using handouts provided