Writing Guide

Direct Quotations

Direct quotations should be used sparingly, and only when absolutely necessary. Remember that you are the one writing the paper, and the vast majority of the ideas and words in the paper should be your own. Your instructors and readers want to hear from you, and the quotations or paraphrases you use should support what you have written. Keep in mind:

When to use a Quotation:

Although paraphrasing information is preferable, there are specific situations when a quotation can be an effective choice.  For example:

• Famous Quotation
  • Including a famous or familiar quotation can be effective when introducing a topic or in setting the tone of a paper.
• Words of an Expert
  • Providing the words of an expert can bolster your position or argument.
• Couldn't Say It Better
  • In rare instances, it may be difficult to paraphrase a short passage without changing the meaning; including a precise quotation may be preferable.
• Facts and Statistics
  • Sources of facts and statistics--including those presented in tables or charts -- must be documented in your paper using in-text citations and references.
• Opposite Point of View
  • Including a quotation that opposes your position can be an effective method to prove why your position on the issue is preferable.

Step 1: Choose the template for your research paper

• For a research paper, you'll use the APA Word Template.

• The format will remain the same (caps, indents, spacing), you'll just insert your own information and click on Save As.
• Name your document this way: Jstudent_Title_101519
  • Organizing files:
    • Quarter > Course Name > Module > JStudent_exampleproblem_101519
    • Example: Spring 2020 > Eng Comp > Module 3 > JDoe_Discovery and Planning_041520

Setting up a research plan

• A research plan can help you get organized and stay on track.  
  • Here's how to create a research plan.

Step 2: Choosing a topic

• Sometimes choosing a topic is a quick process, other times it can be a challenging process. 
• Take a look at this information for help with selecting a topic for your paper:
  • ​Picking and Limiting your Topic.
  • What are some Popular Topics for Papers?
  • Choosing and Narrowing a Topic for a Research Paper.
• Once you've chosen your topic, you're ready to move along to the next step.

Step 3: Writing a thesis/introduction

• A thesis statement clearly identifies the topic being discussed, it should only cover what is being discussed in the paper, and is written for a specific audience.
• Your thesis statement belongs at the end of your first paragraph, also known as your introduction.
  • Use it to generate interest in your topic and encourage your audience to continue reading.
• Here are some resources to help you write your introduction and thesis: 
  • Writing an Introduction   
  • Thesis Builder   
  • Thesis Generator

Step 4: Creating an outline

• Outline: You have the information you need to write your paper.  Take the bullet points with the information underneath and paste it into the APA template format you've already downloaded and saved. 
  • What does a good outline look like?
• Start with the main points. 
  • You'll build your paragraphs around the main points.
    • Generally there is one main idea per paragraph.
  • Fill in details to support each main idea.
    • These will also be the bulleted elements from the beginning when you set the assignment up.
• Mind Maps and Graphic Organizers may help you with this process.  

Watch the short video below for information on creating an outline in Microsoft Word 2013.

Step 5: Researching

Think of a time when you wanted to know more about a topic (e.g. The best oil to use in your car).  You probably went on the internet and looked things up in a search engine like Google.  You used search terms (oil for car, synthetic oil better?, 30w oil for car?, etc.) and then sorted through the sites that came up to find the ones that were most applicable and 'legit'.  This is actually the same process you will do for researching for your paper, you'll just do it with a few differences.  We've made it easier for you because we have provided databases where you can find credible sources with the information you'll need.

Researching is simply finding the information that will make your paper credible.  When you research, you are finding information.

Here are some things to help you navigate through the research process.

• What is a good way to find resources for research?
• How do I know if a website is credible?
• What are all the library resources that are available to help me conduct my research?

Need help with the process?

• Connect with a Tutor 
• Utilize Ask a Librarian
• Set-up a Research Appointment with a Librarian

Step 6: Build the paper: your rough draft

Now that you have the information you need to write your paper, you'll start your rough draft.  You can take the information from your outline and place it into your APA formatted paper that you've already downloaded and saved. Your outline will show you what your paragraphs will contain.  Your paper will consist of: a

• An introduction paragraph
  • Generally the last sentence of your introduction will be your thesis statement.
• The body of your paper
  • Each paragraph contains a main idea from your outline.
• A conclusion paragraph
• A reference page

Remember that writing is a process.  If you get stuck as you go, utilize your resources:

• APA Guide for help with formatting, citations, and reference page.
  • Formatting page of the APA Guide. 
• Grammarly for help with spelling, grammar, mechanics, and when you may need to cite something (plagiarism check).
• Submit to Writing Lab to have your paper reviewed by a tutor.
  • Scroll down to see Drop Box & Rubric for Writing Submission below.
• Work with a tutor.  Make an appointment with a tutor in Tutor Match.  
  • See the Tutoring Resources box at bottom left. Click on the Tutor Match tab.
• Utilize Learning Express for writing assistance. 
• NoodleTools for help with creating in-text citations and reference pages.
• View the English Composition Guide for helpful resources. 

Watch the short video below for an introduction to APA style.

Step 7: Creating a reference page 

The reference page will be at the end of your paper and it will list all of the sources you used.  Each in-text citation in your paper should connect to a source on the reference page.  Think of it this way, anyone who reads your paper should be able to look up the information you have in your paper.

The APA Guide has a page on creating references complete with examples for each type of resource you may encounter while researching.

To find an example of what a reference page looks like, view the APA Sample Paper. 

Step 8: Review the paper

• Double check that the assignment's required elements (bulleted from earlier) are all in your paper.
• Use the Rubric in the box below to self-assess your assignment.
  • This is the same rubric the Writing Lab staff will use as a guideline for your written work.  Use the rubric to 'score' your own paper.  You'll see helpful resources right there for you to make any changes before you submit it to the Writing Lab.  See the bottom box for complete information about the Rubric and how to use it. 
• You're almost finished!  Now that you're getting close to finishing your paper, you can choose to have someone else provide feedback on it before you submit it to your instructor.
  • Submit it to the Writing Lab for review. Follow the these user-friendly instructions. Feedback will be provided to you within 24-48 hours.  The feedback will be based on this rubric and will also provide specific next steps based on what is needed to improve the paper.
  • Submit it to Grammarly for review. Grammarly is an automated software that checks for grammar, mechanics, spelling, word usage, and even plagiarism. Click here to learn more. 

Watch the short video below for information on revising your paper.

Step 9: Write the final draft

Now that you've received feedback about your paper, it's time to take that feedback and write your final draft. Double check that the assignment's required elements (bulleted from earlier) are all in your paper.​

Remember that writing is a process.  If you get stuck as you go, reach out for resources.

• APA Guide for help with formatting, citations, and reference page.
  • Formatting page of the APA Guide. 
• Grammarly for help with spelling, grammar, mechanics, and when you may need to cite something (plagiarism check).
• Submit to Writing Lab to have your paper reviewed by a tutor.
  • Scroll down to see Drop Box & Rubric for Writing Submission below.
• Work with a tutor.  Make an appointment with a tutor in Tutor Match.  
  • See the Tutoring Resources box at bottom left. Click on the Tutor Match tab.
• NoodleTools for help with creating in-text citations and reference pages.
• View the English Composition Guide for helpful resources. 

If you would like feedback on your final draft, you can utilize the Writing Lab:

• Start by looking at the rubric in the Rubric & Paper Review box below. This is the same rubric the Writing Lab staff will use as a guideline for your written work.  Use the rubric to 'score' your own paper.  You'll see helpful resources right there for you to make any changes before you submit it to the Writing Lab.  See the bottom box for complete information about the Rubric and how to use it. 
• Submit it to the Writing Lab for review. Follow the these user-friendly instructions. Feedback will be provided to you within 24-48 hours.  The feedback will be based on this rubric and will also provide specific next steps based on what is needed to improve the paper.

Step 10: Submit your paper

• Submit your finished paper to the instructor using the drop box.
  • Click on the Attachments button. A new "Attachments" window will open.
  • Click on the Browse button. A new window will open, directing you to locate the assignment on your computer.
  • When you have located the assignment file on your computer, select it and click the Open button in the window. The filename will then appear in the File to Upload field.
  • Type the title of your assignment in the Title box. The title should be your first initial and last name (i.e. JDoe.doc).
  • Leave the File Type drop-down box set to Auto-detect .
  • Click the Upload File button.
  • A message will appear stating that your file upload was successful. Click the OK button.
  • A new screen will appear showing your attached assignment and the date and time submitted.
• Review the instructor's feedback after grading.  You will see your writing improve over time.