Answering question

Use citations (in-text) and references (bibliography). See also the document PDF download "Citations and referencing help (examples)" at the top of this iLearn page.

Do not write more than 2 pages total, including references and figures.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL written submissions MUST be in MS Word or PDF file format. NO OTHER FORMATS ARE ALLOWED. This is a set of key (and easy) tips for how we grade written material for quality of writing, and includes some of the most common (and most awful) mistakes people make.

On a "first submission," We may give warnings only. After that for all other written submissions, I often take off 1/2 point for one occurrence, and more (-1 point) for >3 or 4 occurrences. This is a rough guide for you.

When writing any work where you want readers (for example, your professor and TAs) to take you seriously, there are some wordings to avoid (or you look like an amateur) or use cautiously (only in the right places). This are the "Pro Tips."

Broadly, your entire written work consists of opinions the author thinks or believes are true. Don't use the below words and phrases. Statements that this is your opinion or belief do not need to be made--ever--it's true of everything ever written, so it's redundant, and hence unnecessary. It's bad form, and sends a bad message to the reader: "what else has the writer gotten wrong?"

Here are some of the most common wording errors– Avoid them and avoid a lower grade and become a more convincing writer.

"In conclusion," OK. Typically used in the last paragraph of a work.

"Thus," not as good, try to avoid usage.

"In my opinion," should never be used

"I believe," or "I think," should also never be used.

"Clearly," or "Obviously," should never be used. If it's obvious you do not have to state it.