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Writing Essays and Short Research Papers

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Added on  2023-01-20

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This booklet provides a condensed guide on writing essays and short research papers. It covers topics such as choosing a topic, brainstorming, outlining, and the content of an essay. The guide also includes information on MLA and APA formatting styles.

Writing Essays and Short Research Papers

   Added on 2023-01-20

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Writing Essays
and
Short Research Papers
Compiled By:
Jeanette Johnson
Gay Cambly,
Susan Miller
Revised June 2012
Writing Essays and Short Research Papers_1
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
INTRODUCTION 3
VERIFYING INSTRUCTIONS 4
APPROACH 4
Choose a Topic 5
Brainstorm 5
Tentative Outline 6
Set Deadlines 6
Research 6
Final Outline 6
Rough Draft 7
Revise and Rewrite 7
Proofread Draft 7
Final Copy 7
Proofread Final Copy 7
CONTENT of Essay 8 – 11
Sample Outline 8
Introduction 9
Thesis Statement 9
Sample Thesis Statements 9
Body 10
Summary or Conclusion 10 - 11
Transitional Words 11
A Writer’s Checklist 12
MLA Format 13 - 15
Title Page 13
Opening Page 13
Sample Opening Page 14
Sample Works Cited Page 15
APA Format 16 – 19
Sample First Page 16
General Rules for Reference Page 18
Sample References Page 19
Summary 20
Writing Essays and Short Research Papers_2
3
INTRODUCTION
This booklet has been developed to assist you
in writing essays and short research papers.
The information presented here is a condensation
of material contained in several resource books
dealing with college study skills.
A complete listing of these books can be found in the References and Works
Cited pages at the end of this booklet.
If you would like more detailed information
on writing essays and research papers,
please contact the Learning Skills Advisor
in the Academic Support Centre at 475-6618.
For additional copies of this handout and detailed handouts on Modern
Language Association (MLA) and American
Psychological Association (APA) formatting styles,
access the Academic Support Centre website at:
http://www.confederationc.on.ca/academicsupportcentre/learningskills/
LearningSkillsResources
Writing Essays and Short Research Papers_3
4
Verifying Instructions
Once you have been assigned to write an essay paper, be sure that you understand all of the
instructions and know exactly what is expected of you.
Be sure you know such things as:
• whether there is an assigned topic or whether you are free to choose one
• type of essay required - e.g. descriptive, narrative, persuasive, explanatory
• the depth to which the instructor wants you to examine the topic
• whether you are required to give your own opinions
• length of the essay ( i.e. number of words or number of pages )
• format required by the instructor, including ( if applicable)
cover page
table of contents
spacing
endnotes or references
works cited
• due date
• how much the essay counts toward your final grade. (This will give you an indication of
the time and effort required).
Approach
The following plan of approach will assist you in completing your assignment. The
steps may be adapted to suit your requirements ( e.g. if the research is not required,
omit step 5 ).
Choose a Topic
If the topic is not assigned, choose a topic.
• Something you are interested in or would like to know more about
• Topic should be relevant to the course ( e.g. don’t write about “Scuba Diving”
for a psychology course )
• Get the teacher’s approval after selecting your topic
Writing Essays and Short Research Papers_4

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