It’s time to write a paper. Here are steps for filling up that blank screen with a winning composition.
The Web is a really useful tool, but so is your school’s library. Not only do libraries store books, they also archive scholarly journals and newspapers, and librarians are trained to help students do research and build bibliographies. Manoj Mathew, a tutor with Frontier College at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, emphasizes the importance of using peer-reviewed journals. In some cases, these academic sources and old texts may only be available in hard copy, so ask your librarian to help you locate in-print versions.
Keep track of every source you consult. Find out what format your professor expects for footnotes and citations. Emma P., a second-year student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, says, “When I make an outline, I make sure I have my citations listed in each section.” You can also place reference information at the end of your draft as you write.
Most papers require a thesis statement, so make your point clearly at the beginning. Also write a few sentences explaining how you’ll support it.
In the body of the paper, give detailed examples to support your ideas. Bolster them with reference to your sources, and wrap up with a brief conclusion.
How you write will depend on the subject matter and guidelines provided by your professor.
Humanities papers focus on text analysis, so include quotes from your class materials and readings interspersed with your own ideas.
Scientific assignments usually require quantitative data, often in the form of graphs or charts.
Creative writing courses may call for prose-whether autobiographical, fictional, or perhaps nonfiction.
While keeping it formal, find a way to integrate your unique understanding of the material. Roberta M., a graduate student at Brandon University in Manitoba, explains, “Include your own ideas and opinions in your paper.” With practice, you’ll find your unique writing personality.
Use spell-check and other editing functions. “After writing the paper, you should take a day off before starting to proofread,” Mathew says. “This way, your mind will be fresh, and you can spot any grammatical mistakes.” Also ask a friend or tutor to proofread your paper. Heather I., a second-year student at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, says, “I email [papers] to my mom, who will help me edit.”
Brandy is a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo in Ontario.
Professors, instructors, and teaching assistants:
You can always ask your professor to clarify an assignment or to confirm that your paper is headed in the right direction.
Librarians:
These are trained research professionals. They’ll help you get to the right sources efficiently.
Writing tutors:
Whether staffed by fellow students or professionals, your school’s writing centre is a great resource. Here you can get help as you structure, revise, and edit papers. Upperclass students, professors, or graduate students will look over your paper and help you get it ready to turn in.
There are a variety of citation formats and style criteria for papers. The following are some of the most commonly used:
Associated Press Stylebook (AP): Used by most journalists as well as in public relations.
Modern Language Association (MLA): This style is most commonly used in the humanities and liberal arts.
American Psychological Association (APA): Business, social sciences, and nursing professors usually expect to see this style.
Chicago Manual of Style (CMS): This is one format you won’t come across often, unless you’re writing for a historical journal, humanities, and some social science publications.
In-depth information about proper citation techniques.
