Guidelines for Assignment

Writing an introduction:
Introductions need to provide general information about the topic. Typically they
include:
 Background, context or a general orientation to the topic so that the reader
has a general understanding of the area you are discussing.
 An outline of issues that will and will not be discussed in the essay (this does
not have to be a detailed list of the ideas that you will discuss). An outline
should be a general overview of the areas that you will explore.
 A thesis or main idea which is your response to the question.
It is often a good idea to use some of the words from the question in the introduction
to indicate that you are on track with the topic. Do not simply recount the question
word for word.
Writing the body:
 Each paragraph should make a point which should be linked to your outline
and thesis statement.
 The most important consideration in the body paragraphs is the argument that
you want to develop in response to the topic. This argument is developed by
making and linking points in and between paragraphs.
Try structuring paragraphs like this:
 Topic sentence: open the paragraph by making a point
 Supporting sentences: support the point with references and research
 Conclusive sentence: close the paragraph by linking back to the point you
made to open the paragraph and linking this to your thesis statement.
as you write the body, make sure that you have strong links between the main ideas
in each of the paragraphs.
Writing the conclusion: This is usually structured as follows:
 Describe in general terms the most important points made or the most
important linkage of ideas
 Do not include new information, therefore it does not usually contain
references
 End with a comment, a resolution, or a suggestion for issues that may be
addressed in future research on the topic.
 Format for Assignment
 Typed Hard copy only. Written will not be accepted
 Black text on white paper, 8.5" x 11"
 Typed, not handwritten. ("Typed" includes computer printers.)
 At least 12-point font.
 Use a normal (non-italicized, non-bolded) font, with a serif. Times New
Roman
 Double spaced. Quotations and footnotes may be single-spaced.
 Leave a 1" margin on all sides.
 The writing should be mechanically correct, meaning (minimally) at a level we
expect of high school graduates: proofread; written in complete sentences
with correct spelling and punctuation and proper citation of sources.
 I should not have to say this, but you do have to cite all sources you use, even
those you don't paraphrase or quote from.
 Use one of the three standard forms (APA, MLA, and Harvard).
 Number all pages except for the title page (which is p.i) and the first page of
the text (which is p.1).
 Staple the paper at the top left corner.
 Put your name only on the cover sheet, which should be separate.