How to Write a Paper

How to Write a PaperHow to Write a Paper

A.P.A. FormatA.P.A. Format

The Purpose of a Paper…The Purpose of a Paper…

To explore a topic of To explore a topic of interest critically, and to interest critically, and to share what you have share what you have learned in a written format. learned in a written format.

It combines your ideas with It combines your ideas with those of published authors.those of published authors.

Presents an argument or Presents an argument or gives an analysis of a topic.gives an analysis of a topic.

Getting Started OverviewGetting Started Overview::

Step OneStep One: Narrow your topic and generate : Narrow your topic and generate a research question (what do I want to a research question (what do I want to know?)know?)

Step TwoStep Two: Break it up into smaller : Break it up into smaller questions questions

Step ThreeStep Three: Find information: Find information

Step FourStep Four:: Organize information Organize information

Step fiveStep five: Formulate your argument: Formulate your argument

Caution!Caution!

If you leave an essay topic too If you leave an essay topic too broadbroad, it , it will be superficial.will be superficial.

If your essay topic is If your essay topic is narrownarrow, you can deal , you can deal with it in depth.with it in depth.

Taking NotesTaking Notes

This is a difficult but This is a difficult but IMPORTANTIMPORTANT part of part of researching the paper.researching the paper. Take notes as your read.Take notes as your read. Summarize information in your own words. Summarize information in your own words.

(Focus on the main idea)(Focus on the main idea) Paraphrase information.Paraphrase information. Find quotes that support your thesis/research Find quotes that support your thesis/research

question.question. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!!!!!DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!!!!! Use credible, reliable sources… Use credible, reliable sources…

Evaluating your sourcesEvaluating your sources

Author/OrganizationAuthor/Organization (Are they an (Are they an expert? Do they have an agenda? Bias?) expert? Do they have an agenda? Bias?)

LanguageLanguage (Strong? Vague? Positive? (Strong? Vague? Positive? Negative?)Negative?)

Quality of argumentQuality of argument (What information (What information are they basing it on?)are they basing it on?)

Your source’s sourcesYour source’s sources (How/where did (How/where did they get their information?)they get their information?)

Notes to Remember…Notes to Remember…

Do not use contractions in a formal essay.Do not use contractions in a formal essay. For example, use For example, use do notdo not instead of instead of don’tdon’t..

Do not write in the first person.Do not write in the first person. For example, use “For example, use “One may thinkOne may think” instead of ” instead of

stating “stating “I thinkI think” ” Write out numbers 1 to 10, and any other Write out numbers 1 to 10, and any other

short number.short number. Seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13, 14. Seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13, 14.

Do Not Plagiarize!!!!! Do Not Plagiarize!!!!!

It is a serious offence! It is a serious offence! Plagiarism will be Plagiarism will be

dealt with by dealt with by administration!administration!

You must give credit You must give credit for other people’s for other people’s ideas, opinions or ideas, opinions or theories!!!!theories!!!!

Organizing your information:Organizing your information:

Remember: It is easier to assemble all the data BEFORE writing the paper,

than during the process.

Outline: It may be helpful to produce an outline of your essay, to

serve as a roadmap for your research paper.

Your outline will help organize your paper into several basic parts:

Introduction Main body paragraphs Conclusion References

Title PageTitle Page Center the title approximately in the middle of the page.Center the title approximately in the middle of the page.

Do Not underlineDo Not underline or place quotation marks around the title unless it happens or place quotation marks around the title unless it happens to be a quote or the title of a literary work.to be a quote or the title of a literary work.

CapitalizeCapitalize the first letter in the title and all other words except prepositions. the first letter in the title and all other words except prepositions.

Double-spaceDouble-space the following under the title: your Name, Course (Block), the following under the title: your Name, Course (Block), Teacher’s Name and date. Teacher’s Name and date.

Page #’sPage #’s are to be placed in the upper right hand corner of every page, are to be placed in the upper right hand corner of every page, including the title page and reference page.including the title page and reference page.

Use an Use an abbreviated titleabbreviated title, which is 5 spaces to the left of the page number., which is 5 spaces to the left of the page number.

Do notDo not use periods or brackets around the #. use periods or brackets around the #.

Example of Title PageExample of Title Page

Abb. Title 1

An Original Title

Your Name

African Canadian Studies 11 B-Block

Ms. Reid

Due Date

Introduction:Introduction: IntroductionIntroduction – Provides background information to – Provides background information to

the reader about the issue you are dealing with and the reader about the issue you are dealing with and allows you to state a research question or thesis.allows you to state a research question or thesis.

The first paragraph is crucial for catching the attention of the audience and for conveying to them the importance of the questions that you have addressed in the paper.

If you do not catch the attention of the audience in the first few sentences the chances are high that they will not want to continue reading.

IntroductionIntroduction

Things not to do: Things not to do: Do not say “In this paper I will…” or “The Do not say “In this paper I will…” or “The

purpose of this essay…”purpose of this essay…”

Do not use a dictionary or encyclopedia Do not use a dictionary or encyclopedia definition to start your essay.definition to start your essay.

Introduction…some ideasIntroduction…some ideas

The introduction should be designed to attract the reader’s The introduction should be designed to attract the reader’s attention and give an idea of the essay’s focus.attention and give an idea of the essay’s focus.

Begin with an attention grabber.Begin with an attention grabber.

Option 1: Startling InformationOption 1: Startling InformationThis information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn’t This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn’t need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make. If you use a piece of startling information, follow it make. If you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration.with a sentence or two of elaboration.

Option 2:AnecdoteOption 2:AnecdoteAn anecdote is a story that illustrates a point. Be sure your An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point. Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully.it carefully.


Option 3: Summary InformationOption 3: Summary InformationA few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis. Each sentence should lead the reader gently to your thesis. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis. thesis.

If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement. reader from your opening to your thesis statement.

Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.


IntroductionIntroductory Paragraph (at least 5 sentences): This paragraph must

introduce your topic and present your thesis.

Opening Sentence Grab the reader’s attention with something interesting and specific to your

topic. Avoid sweeping generalizations (Throughout time… People always wonder about…) as they are too vague and meaningless.

Subsequent Sentences Provide a general overview of the topic. What does the reader need to know

before he/she is able to understand your thesis? What is the context? Define any key concepts and terms central to the focus of your essay.

Thesis Statement In one sentence clearly state your position and briefly outline your

supporting arguments. Present your arguments in the same order in which you will address them in

your essay. Example: Human cloning is unethical because it erodes human individuality,

creates emotional and psychological trauma for the cloned child, and eliminates necessary biological gene selection.

Thesis StatementThesis Statement

The thesis statement The thesis statement tells the reader what tells the reader what the essay will be aboutthe essay will be about, and , and what point what point you, the author, will be makingyou, the author, will be making. It maps . It maps out the paper as it suggests an order or out the paper as it suggests an order or direction for the paper’s development. A direction for the paper’s development. A good thesis statement often answers the good thesis statement often answers the questions How? and Why?questions How? and Why?

Thesis StatementThesis Statement

Answers the question, “What is this paper trying to prove to its audience?”

Compresses the critical crux of your paper into one sentence.

Conveys your main argument in a nutshell. Uses specific language and specific ideas. Generates a multi-faceted argument.

A thesis should be A thesis should be arguablearguable. Reasonable people should . Reasonable people should be able to disagree with your thesis. It’s not interesting if be able to disagree with your thesis. It’s not interesting if people cannot dispute it. It needs to be controversial people cannot dispute it. It needs to be controversial enough so people want to continue reading. enough so people want to continue reading.

A thesis is supported by strong arguments.A thesis is supported by strong arguments. It’s It’s important to discuss the best arguments in favor of your important to discuss the best arguments in favor of your thesis in addition to addressing the strongest ones that thesis in addition to addressing the strongest ones that go against it.go against it.

A thesis takes some sort of stand.A thesis takes some sort of stand. You must draw You must draw your own conclusions and support them by research. your own conclusions and support them by research.

Examples of Thesis StatementsExamples of Thesis Statements

Examples of Thesis Statements:Examples of Thesis Statements:

A thesis is limited.A thesis is limited. This means that you zero in on This means that you zero in on the parts of your topic that you wish to focus on. the parts of your topic that you wish to focus on. Otherwise you could go on and on forever (in Otherwise you could go on and on forever (in theory). theory).

Example:Example:

There are many advantages to having professional sports teams in Chicago. (POOR)

Having professional sports teams in Chicago has Having professional sports teams in Chicago has political, social and economic advantages. political, social and economic advantages.

(BETTER)(BETTER)

The topic you have chosen must now be explained, The topic you have chosen must now be explained, described, or argued.described, or argued.

Each main idea that you wrote down in your diagram or Each main idea that you wrote down in your diagram or outline will become one of the body paragraphs. If you outline will become one of the body paragraphs. If you had three or four main ideas, you will have three or four had three or four main ideas, you will have three or four body paragraphs.body paragraphs.

ElaborationElaboration can be further description or explanation or can be further description or explanation or discussion.discussion.

Writing the Body ParagraphsWriting the Body ParagraphsRemember: Remember: Say it…Support it…Explain it!Say it…Support it…Explain it!

Main Idea

Main Example 1 Main Example 2

Main Example 2Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 2

Example 1

Example 3

Five-Paragraph Essay Organizer

Name _____________________

First Supporting Argument First Supporting Argument (not limited to one paragraph) (not limited to one paragraph)

Topic SentenceTopic Sentence Your first supporting argument to prove your thesis is Your first supporting argument to prove your thesis is

clearly stated. clearly stated. Proof/EvidenceProof/Evidence

Support your argument using evidence – relevant and Support your argument using evidence – relevant and detailed facts, examples, Historian/Sociologist’s detailed facts, examples, Historian/Sociologist’s views/theories and/or quotations. views/theories and/or quotations.

ExplanationExplanation Explain how/why the evidence proves your argument. Why Explain how/why the evidence proves your argument. Why

significant? significant? Connection Connection

Close the paragraph by wrapping up the argument Close the paragraph by wrapping up the argument presented in the topic sentence and connecting it to your presented in the topic sentence and connecting it to your thesis.thesis.

Transition to next paragraphTransition to next paragraph

First Supporting Argument First Supporting Argument (not limited to one paragraph) (not limited to one paragraph)

Key Point #1 (Topic Sentence): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Supporting detail 1 _______________________________________________________Transition



Clincher detail: ____________________________________________________________________

Concluding Sentence with Transition: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Second Supporting Argument (not limited to one paragraph)

Topic Sentence Your second supporting argument to prove your thesis is clearly

stated. Proof/Evidence

Support your argument using evidence – relevant and detailed facts, examples, Historian/Sociologist’s views/theories and/or quotations.

Explanation Explain how/why the evidence proves your argument. Why

significant? Connection

Close the paragraph by wrapping up the topic sentence argument and connecting it to your thesis.

Transition to next paragraphTransition to next paragraph

2nd Supporting Argument 2nd Supporting Argument (not limited to one paragraph) (not limited to one paragraph)





Clincher detail: ____________________________________________________________________

Concluding Sentence with Transition: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Third Supporting Argument

(not limited to one paragraph) Topic Sentence

Your third supporting argument to prove your thesis is clearly stated. **To further strengthen your argument & thesis use this paragraph(s) to acknowledge and refute counter-argument(s) if applicable.

Proof/Evidence Support your argument using evidence – relevant and detailed

facts, examples, Historian/Sociologist’s views/theories and/or quotations.

Explanation Explain how/why the evidence proves your argument. Why

significant? Connection

Close the paragraph by wrapping up the topic sentence argument and connecting it to your thesis.

Third Supporting Argument Third Supporting Argument (not limited to one paragraph) (not limited to one paragraph)





Clincher detail: ____________________________________________________________________

Concluding Sentence ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OR Acknowledge and refute counter-argument(s) if applicable:

ConclusionConclusion The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your

points and providing a final perspective on your topic.points and providing a final perspective on your topic. Concluding ParagraphConcluding Paragraph (at least 5 sentences) (at least 5 sentences)

*New information must not be introduced. *New information must not be introduced.

First Sentence First Sentence Restate your thesis – use different wording. Restate your thesis – use different wording.

Subsequent SentencesSubsequent Sentences Clearly summarize your arguments in support of the thesis. Remember, Clearly summarize your arguments in support of the thesis. Remember,

it is your last chance to convince the reader you have proven your it is your last chance to convince the reader you have proven your thesis! Avoid a thoughtless regurgitation. thesis! Avoid a thoughtless regurgitation.

Leave the reader with something to think about.Leave the reader with something to think about.

CitationsCitations Use Use APA in-text citationsAPA in-text citations,, which will direct the reader to a list of references which will direct the reader to a list of references

at the end of the paper. They identify the author’s name, the year of at the end of the paper. They identify the author’s name, the year of publication. For direct quotes, also include the page number.publication. For direct quotes, also include the page number.

Use citations when youUse citations when you:: Use quotes (exact words from someone else)Use quotes (exact words from someone else) Use ideas from someone elseUse ideas from someone else Summarize and paraphrase other sourcesSummarize and paraphrase other sources StatisticsStatistics Visual info. Such as tables, graphs, diagrams & illustrationsVisual info. Such as tables, graphs, diagrams & illustrations

You do not need to use citations when…You do not need to use citations when… It is your original thoughts and ideasIt is your original thoughts and ideas Common Knowledge (Ottawa is the capital of Canada)Common Knowledge (Ottawa is the capital of Canada)

Tip: If in doubt, cite!

Examples of CitationsExamples of CitationsQuotationsQuotations::(Author, date, page #)(Author, date, page #)No date = (Author, page #)No date = (Author, page #)No Author = (Abb. No Author = (Abb. Title,Title, date, page #) date, page #)Web site = Same, but instead of page # use paragraph # Web site = Same, but instead of page # use paragraph # ((¶¶ = symbol for paragraph) = symbol for paragraph) (Reid, 2005, ¶5) or (Reid, 2005, para. 5)(Reid, 2005, ¶5) or (Reid, 2005, para. 5)

If the author’s name is mentioned in the text…If the author’s name is mentioned in the text… Ms. Reid (2005) states "Africa is in an economic crisis due to Ms. Reid (2005) states "Africa is in an economic crisis due to

European colonization and the aftermath of the Triangular Trade" European colonization and the aftermath of the Triangular Trade" (p.5).(p.5).

If the author’s name is not mentioned in the text…If the author’s name is not mentioned in the text… In a recent publication, one observer noted "Africa is in an In a recent publication, one observer noted "Africa is in an

economic crisis due to European colonization and the aftermath economic crisis due to European colonization and the aftermath of the Triangular Trade " (Reid, 2005, p.5).of the Triangular Trade " (Reid, 2005, p.5).

Examples of CitationsExamples of Citations Summary or ParaphraseSummary or Paraphrase

Same as above, but you do not need to Same as above, but you do not need to use page #’s, unless using longer works.use page #’s, unless using longer works.

Two AuthorsTwo Authors(Clarkson & McCall, 2005, p.#).(Clarkson & McCall, 2005, p.#).

Unknown AuthorUnknown Author• Use the title of the work. Example: (Use the title of the work. Example: (Crisis in Crisis in

AfricaAfrica, 2005, p.#)., 2005, p.#).

Examples of CitationsExamples of Citations Electronic Sources

A. Same as above, but use paragraph #’s instead of page #’s. Use the symbol ¶ or by the abbreviation "para."

Example: (Reid, 2005, ¶5) or (Reid, 2005, para. 5)

B. If neither a page nor a paragraph number is given and the document contains headings, cite the appropriate heading and indicate which paragraph under that heading you are referring to.

Example: (Shared Path section, para. 6).

C. If you use a source that was cited in another source (a secondary source), name the original source in your signal phrase. List the secondary source in your reference list and include it in your parenthetical citation, preceded by the words "as cited in." In the following example, Booth is the secondary source.

Example: Historian Ms. Reid states "Africa is in an economic crisis due to European colonization and the aftermath of the Triangular Trade" (as cited in Rhymes, 2005, p.5).

Examples of CitationsExamples of Citations If you use a source that was cited in another If you use a source that was cited in another

source (a secondary source), name the original source (a secondary source), name the original source in your signal phrase. List the secondary source in your signal phrase. List the secondary source in your reference list and include it in source in your reference list and include it in your parenthetical citation, preceded by the your parenthetical citation, preceded by the words "as cited in." In the following example, words "as cited in." In the following example, Booth is the secondary source.Booth is the secondary source.

Example:Example: Historian Ms. Reid states "Africa is in an Historian Ms. Reid states "Africa is in an

economic crisis due to European colonization economic crisis due to European colonization and the aftermath of the Triangular Trade" (as and the aftermath of the Triangular Trade" (as cited in Rhymes, 2005, p.5).cited in Rhymes, 2005, p.5).

Transitional Words and Phrases:

Good transitions can connect ideas and paragraphs Helps papers read more smoothly, and at the same time

allows the reader to flow more smoothly from one point to the next.

Always use a transition phrase at the beginning of a new body paragraph

Always use a transition word in between thoughts within a paragraph

Never use a transition word to begin an essay Never use a transition word to begin a paragraph (but

you can sometimes use a transition phrase at the start of a new body paragraph)

Transitional DevicesTransitional Devices To Add:To Add:

and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)

To Compare:To Compare:whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to, up against, balanced against, vis a vis, but, compared to, up against, balanced against, vis a vis, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast, although this may be truealthough this may be true

To Prove:To Prove:because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that isfact, in addition, in any case, that is

To Show Exception:To Show Exception:yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimescourse, once in a while, sometimes

To Show Time:To Show Time:immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and thenand then

To Repeat:To Repeat:in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been notedin brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted

To Emphasize:To Emphasize:definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly, always, forever, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly, always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservationwithout a doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservation

Transitional DevicesTransitional Devices

To Show Sequence:To Show Sequence:first, second, third, and so forth. A, B, C, and so forth. next, first, second, third, and so forth. A, B, C, and so forth. next, then, following this, at this time, now, at this point, after, then, following this, at this time, now, at this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this, simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, before this, simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next, and then, soonhence, next, and then, soon

To Give an Example:To Give an Example:for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of, to this occasion, in this situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration, to illustratedemonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration, to illustrate

To Summarize or Conclude:To Summarize or Conclude:in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence, conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently, on the therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently, on the wholewhole

Transitional DevicesTransitional Devices

Punctuation Rules Coordinating Conjunctions (and, but, or, yet, so):

Put a comma before these conjunctions. (Don't use them at the beginning of a sentence in more formal writing.) example: The movie has already started, but my friend has not arrived yet.

Correlative Conjunctions (These have two parts: either . . . or): Put a comma before the second part if it connects 2 clauses (complete

sentences). example: Eric is not only an outstanding teacher, but he is also a gourmet cook.

You don't need a comma if it only connects words or phrases. example: Eric is not only an outstanding teacher but also a gourmet cook.

Transitional Words and Phrases: Put a comma after these if they are at the beginning of a sentence.

example: I like to travel. Specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals. Use a semicolon to connect the two sentences.

example: I like to travel; specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals. Use a comma before and after the transitional word/phrase in the middle of a

clause. example: I like to travel, and, specifically, I enjoy places with old cathedrals.

Reference PageReference Page At the end of the report (on a separate piece of paper), center At the end of the report (on a separate piece of paper), center

the title the title ReferencesReferences at the top of the page. Do not italicize, at the top of the page. Do not italicize, underline or use quotation marks around the title.underline or use quotation marks around the title.

Number the page of your reference list the same as the rest of Number the page of your reference list the same as the rest of your paper. (Shorten title and 5 spaces and then page #)your paper. (Shorten title and 5 spaces and then page #)

Arrange all sources you used in a single alphabetical list by Arrange all sources you used in a single alphabetical list by author’s last name or by title if no author is given.author’s last name or by title if no author is given.

Double-space all entries in your reference list.Double-space all entries in your reference list.

DO not indent the first line, but always indent the second or DO not indent the first line, but always indent the second or third lines (5 spaces). This is called Hanging Indentation.third lines (5 spaces). This is called Hanging Indentation.

Always leave 1 space after commas and 2 spaces after periods Always leave 1 space after commas and 2 spaces after periods and colons.and colons.

Do not # them. Do not # them.

Reference SamplesReference Samples BookBook Author. (Date). Author. (Date). Title.Title. Place of Publication: Publisher. Place of Publication: Publisher. EditorEditorName of Editor. (Ed.). (Date). Name of Editor. (Ed.). (Date). Title.Title. Place of Publication: Publisher. Place of Publication: Publisher.

ElectronicElectronic EncyclopediaEncyclopedia Title of ArticleTitle of Article. (Date). Name of Encyclopedia. Publisher. . (Date). Name of Encyclopedia. Publisher.

EncyclopediaEncyclopediaAuthor (if given). (Date). Author (if given). (Date). Title of ArticleTitle of Article. . Name of Encyclopedia.Name of Encyclopedia.

Volume #, Pages.Volume #, Pages.

Magazine/NewspaperMagazine/NewspaperAuthor (if given). (Date, Month). Author (if given). (Date, Month). Title of ArticleTitle of Article. Name of . Name of

Magazine/Newspaper, Pages.Magazine/Newspaper, Pages.

Internet ResourcesInternet ResourcesAuthor. (Date). Author. (Date). Title of Article.Title of Article. Retrieved September 20th, Retrieved September 20th,

2005 from URL2005 from URL

Example:Example:Nielsen, M. E. (2000). Nielsen, M. E. (2000). Notable People in Psychology of Notable People in Psychology of

Religion.Religion. Retrieved August 3, 2001, from Retrieved August 3, 2001, from

http://www.psywww.com/psyrelig/psyrelpr.htmhttp://www.psywww.com/psyrelig/psyrelpr.htm

No DateNo DateNielsen, M. E. (n.d.). Nielsen, M. E. (n.d.). Notable People in Psychology of Religion.Notable People in Psychology of Religion. Retrieved Retrieved

August 3, 2001, from http://www.psywww.com/psyrelig/psyrelpr.htmAugust 3, 2001, from http://www.psywww.com/psyrelig/psyrelpr.htm

No Author, No DateNo Author, No DateGender and societyGender and society. (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2001, from . (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2001, from

http://www.trinity.edu/~mkearl/gender.htmlhttp://www.trinity.edu/~mkearl/gender.html

Reference SamplesReference Samples

Title 5

References

DiLorenzo, Thomas. (2002). The Economics of Slavery.

Retrieved September 17th, 2007, from http://www.lewr

ckwell.com/dilorenzo/dilorenzo29.html

Dodson, Howard. (2003). How Slavery Helped Build a World Economy.

Retrieved on September 17th, 2007, from

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/

2003/01/0131_030203_jubilee2.html

Field, Ron. (1995). African Peoples of the Americas. Great Britain: Cambridge

University Press..

Slavery. (n.d.) Retrieved on September 17th, 2007, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/slavery

The Economics of Slavery. (n.d.) Retrieved on September

17th, 2007, from www.digitalhisotry.uh.edu/database/

article_display.cfm?HHID=80

EditingEditing Check spelling and grammar.Check spelling and grammar.

Read your essay out loud to yourself and then to Read your essay out loud to yourself and then to someone else!!!!!someone else!!!!!

Make sure you do not have run-on sentences Make sure you do not have run-on sentences and that you have organized paragraphs!!!and that you have organized paragraphs!!!

Make sure that your essay flows and is Make sure that your essay flows and is interesting!!!interesting!!!

CongratulationsCongratulations!!

Once you have checked your Once you have checked your work and perfected your work and perfected your formatting, your essay is formatting, your essay is finished.finished.

How to Write a Paper

Documents

example of title page

abbreviated title

page number

essay topic

reference page

research paper

background information

formal essay