Economic Development
Guidelines of Writing Research Paper the writing style and basic rules:
1. Writing Style: The following general styles as guided by APA( www.apa.org )
a. Font size 12, Time New Roman, normal (not bold), double spaced, the first line of each paragraph of the paper must be indented to the right by 1 inch on the ruler, and no bold or italic except some quotation or highlighting certain important points or referenced comments by someone else.
b. Not to copy any one’s writing of article/book/news clip used, except quoting with appropriate reference with parenthesis (to be discussed in the class)
c. Will explain in the class how to write the list of references and will also be posted in on-line supplement web.
d. Avoid writing: I, we, you, me, us, ours, etc.
e. Header of each page on the right corner should highlight the core subject of your topic/assignment (to be discussed in the class) and your name
f. The Length of each of the two research papers: 7-10 pages, not including reference list, cover page, abstract and table of contents.
In addition to the above guidelines for effective writing for effective writing of upper level academic paper, the following seven Cs are important to keep in mind.
2. The Seven Cs of Effective Writing
The following guidelines can help students with the 7 Cs of Effective Writing on assignments. Providing the 7 Cs is a useful way of instilling sound writing habits. Effective writing has the following seven characteristics:
1. Complete - Effective writing uses topic sentences, explanations, and supporting evidence. It has only one main idea in each sentence and one main idea in each paragraph.
2. Concise - Effective writing does not use unnecessary words, trite phrases, or redundancies.
3. Courteous - The tone of effective writing avoids demeaning or patronizing language, sexist or other offensive terminology, inappropriate humor, accusatory tone, terse wording, and imperative voice (expresses a request or demand).
4. Concrete - Active, right-branching sentences (sentences that start with a subject, followed by a verb and object) are characteristic of effective writing. Avoid abstract words whenever possible.
5. Clear - Effective writing is clear and unambiguous. Subjects and verbs agree, and pronoun antecedents are clear. In addition, the writing is free of jargon and slang.
6. Coherent- Organization is key to effective writing. Sentences should flow in a logical sequence and not "jar" the reader. Transitional elements should show the relationship of one idea to another.
7. Correct- Mechanically correct writing is a hallmark of effective writing. The writing must be mechanically correct with regard to spelling, grammar, usage, punctuation, and format.