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Paper on Artist "Jackson Pollock"

Research Paper Guidelines

The best papers are not surveys of historical data, but arguments. That is, they stake out a thesis (a conclusion or historical argument) and try to support it. Arguing a point provides focus for your paper; it engages you as the author and challenges you to think critically.

Formatting basics:

·       § The minimum word count must be at least 2,800 words of text, not counting title or

bibliographic information.

·       § The paper should have a title page, on which appears the title of the paper, your name, the

course number, the professor's name, and the date.

·       § Double-space the text, and use a simple font, such as Times Roman 12 point.

·       § Number the pages.

Quoting sources in your paper: Most often, you should paraphrase materials from other authors, making sure to cite your sources appropriately according to MLA guidelines. Sometimes, when the original words of another seem particularly poignant or important, the student will want to present those words directly to his/her reader; however, the student should do this only sparingly and should always cite the material.

When quoting others, any words of another author are placed between double quotation marks, exactly as they appear in the original. Do not put between quote marks any words that do not appear in the original.

You should never simply drop a quotation into his/her paper. Quotations must be integrated into your prose. You should always introduce the speaker to your readers so that everyone will know who is being quoted.