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PSY 2012 – Ms. Law Writing Assignment (Gordon Rule) Page 1 of 17

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Paper Due: Refer to the syllabus for due date AND time.

You may submit your paper at any time PRIOR TO the due date/time. It is your responsibility to ensure that your paper is uploaded successfully. Late penalty: Late penalty points are accrued for EACH 24-hours late, including weekends and

holidays. Penalty points accrue until a possible maximum of 30 is reached (in other words, better late than never).

From the syllabus:

This is a Gordon Rule class. The Gordon Rule was established by the Florida State Board of Education and requires students to (a) successfully complete the course with a grade of “C” or higher and (b) be given a writing assignment in order to demonstrate their ability to effectively communicate in writing. To meet the mandatory writing requirement, students in this course must satisfactorily complete (“C” or better) the “Writing Assignment” as described later in this syllabus in order to earn an “A,” “B,” or “C” in this course.

Ensure that your paper is well written BEFORE you submit it for grading. Ask questions, work on your first draft now, get feedback on your draft from a writing tutor in the Academic Success Center, visit me during office hours, and review related videos listed throughout the instructions.

About This Paper This is a REFLECTIVE paper, asking you to choose one of the topics and examine it within your own experience. This is NOT a research paper. All writing should reflect your own thinking, reflecting, and writing. All words should be your own. The instructions in this handout will help you integrate APA writing style in your paper; a sample also is provided. Video resources are provided for all sections.

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How to Write Your Paper Overview:

Formatting: While there is not a specific word count, you must follow the instructions and format your paper using the following guidelines in this handout. The guidelines here explain how to incorporate APA writing style into your paper. • Times New Roman 12 • One-inch margins (top, bottom, left, right) • Indent paragraphs one-half inch. (Note: Do not indent Abstract paragraph) Refer to the sample provided.

Word Processing Software

You must use either Microsoft Word OR convert to pdf format. No exceptions. HCC offers Office 365 to students with a current Hawknet student account. You do not need to purchase a product key. To access, go to HawkNet Resources.

Tutoring Services / Feedback on your draft Your first submission to me is the paper that is graded. Students who do well on this paper typically have worked through several drafts of their paper and reviewed them with a writing tutor at the Academic Success Center at any HCC campus. A tutor can provide helpful feedback to you, but he/she is not responsible for writing any other aspect of your paper. A tutor helps you to improve your writing skills. You alone are responsible for the grade that you receive. When you visit a tutor, take a printed draft copy of your paper with your thesis sentence identified prior to visiting the Student Learning Center. Here is a link to the homepage for Academic Success Centers: http://www.hccfl.edu/academic-success-centers.aspx

Page 1 Title page Page 2 Abstract page Pages 3-5 Text pages to include:

• Introductory paragraph; last sentence is thesis sentence • Organized paragraphs based on thesis sentence • Concluding paragraph

PSY 2012 – Ms. Law Writing Assignment (Gordon Rule) Page 3 of 17

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Page 1 = Title Page Resources for Title Page: How to Create a Title Page for a 6th Edition APA Paper (3:16) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPr3gof2XXE Running head • Insert WITHIN header • Different on TITLE PAGE from rest of document.

Here’s how: ! Click “Insert Header” ! Click “Different First Page”

• Note formatting: • Not to exceed 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation.

• Page number is flush right-hand margin Title of paper • Create TITLE to reflect your topic. DO NOT use a generic title such as “Psychology Paper” or “My

Paper.” ! No more than 12 words in length ! No abbreviations ! Capitalize first letter of each main word ! Not underlined, bolded, or italicized.

Your Name and Affiliation

! Affiliation is Hillsborough Community College Formatting on Title page: • DO NOT INCLUDE any additional information, such as

our course number, my name, etc. • Double space AND Center the title of paper, your

name, and affiliation, both horizontally and vertically on page.

• Click “Page Layout,” click “Paragraph”

and check “Spacing.” Note the “O” before AND after:

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Page 2 = Abstract Page Resources for Abstract Page: APA: The Abstract (5:50) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLg6oNzZXEo

Running head on page 2: • Delete the phrase “Running head:,” BUT keep the title of your paper in all capital letters. • Page 2 should appear at the right-hand margin, within the header:

Abstract is a one-paragraph SUMMARY or PREVIEW of your paper. • Tell me about your topic and the key points that you plan to make. • Center “Abstract” above your text. Note the capital A and lower-case letters. • Word count is 150-250 words. • All numbers in the abstract, except those beginning a sentence, should be typed as digits rather than

words. • Do not indent the Abstract paragraph; start flush with the left-hand margin. Keywords • Identify 3-5 words that describe the topic of your paper; these words would be useful when

someone uses a search engine • Indent 5 spaces • Note the capital “K” for “Keywords.” Use italics when typing “Keywords.” No italics for the

keywords themselves: Helpful hint: While the Abstract is the second page of your paper, it usually is best to WRITE AFTER you’ve written your paper. Why? It is easier to ensure that your Abstract conveys what you wrote about, rather than what you plan to write about…and then your ideas change as you write your paper.

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Pages 3 – 5 = Body of Your Paper

• Title • Introductory paragraph with thesis sentence as the last sentence • Three paragraphs organized and based on thesis sentence • Concluding paragraph

Resources for Body of your paper: The Five-Paragraph Essay: Three Formulas for Writing the Basic Academic Essay (11:52) This video reviews how to write a strong, one-sentence thesis sentence that conveys your topic and three key points. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwjmMtTVO1g Writing a 5-Paragraph Essay: The Thesis Sentence CLAIM (10:09) After hooking the reader’s interest, here is how to develop a thesis sentence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs4MutZh4vM How to Write an Introduction (5:36) Good advice about the purpose of an introductory paragraph and why you may want to write your thesis sentence only AFTER you have an outline of your entire paper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EycoDPjVoQY How to Write an Introductory Paragraph (4:00) A good explanation about the purpose of an introductory paragraph, what not to do, and how to bridge your opening statement to your thesis sentence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clPtbFT23Bs Writing Skills: The Paragraph (14:32) This video reviews the basic structure of the paragraph, what to do and not do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IFDuhdB2Hk How to Write a Conclusion (4:12) This video emphasizes the purpose of the concluding paragraph and explains why you need to drive home your points to me one more time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvs9IpA5O2s

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Now, let’s look at guidelines for composing the Body of your paper: Title • Note that page 3 starts with the title of your paper – see sample. • Centered above introductory paragraph • Capitalize first letter of each main word Introductory Paragraph • First paragraph should capture the interest of the reader: Inform reader of the topic and what you

plan to cover in your paper. How can you introduce your topic and get my attention? What is interesting and/or relevant about your topic? Tell a story, give an example…lead up to the thesis sentence.

• Last sentence = Thesis sentence

In many ways, this is the most important aspect of your paper because it includes your topic and three key points that you plan to address in the paragraphs that follow. It is like a roadmap – tells me where you are going. A thesis sentence should be able to stand alone and fully convey the topic and main ideas that you addressed in your paper. In other words, if I take out your sentence and read it by itself, do I know exactly what you are saying? Here’s how to create your thesis sentences – EXPLAINED IN THE VIDEOS, AS WELL: Topic of paper PLUS Key point #1 you plan to make (this becomes a paragraph) Key point #2 you plan to make (this becomes the next paragraph) Key point #3 you plan to make (this becomes the next paragraph)

Here is an examples of a thesis sentence: I enjoy running because it helps me to stay in shape, makes me feel healthy, and helps me to make new friends. Topic of paper: Why I enjoy running Key point #1: Running helps me to stay in shape. Key point #2: Running helps make me feel healthy. Key point #3: Running helps me to make new friends. Based on this thesis sentence, each key point becomes its own paragraph.

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Body of paper – the next 3 paragraphs • Each paragraph, carefully written, addresses ONE of the main points listed in your thesis sentence.

As explained above, three key points in thesis sentence equals three separate paragraphs. • First sentence of each paragraph:

! Ties directly back to your thesis sentence. I expect to see that link, so be very direct. ! Main idea sentence for the entire paragraph because a paragraph has only ONE main, or

central, idea.

• Remaining sentences of each paragraph: ! Support first sentence of each paragraph. ! Elaborates, provides examples, and other supporting details.

Concluding paragraph • Final paragraph. • Provides closure. Remind me of your main points and let me know WHY these points matter to you.

Why did I just spend the time to read your paper? Why do I care? I expect that you will tell me why your paper and the points that you made were important to you.

• Do not repeat your thesis sentence. • Do not introduce any new information or details.

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Original document created by Dr. Fishbourne

Writing Skills: Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, APA writing style

Resources for Writing Skills How to Use Commas Correctly (5:04) This video reviews where and when to use commas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOwcovqtkGY The 20 Most Common Grammar and Mechanical Errors (21:48) Based on a summary of 21,000 student essays, this video nicely summarizes 20 most common mistakes that students make in their college essay. After you finish writing your paper, review your paper so that I don’t find any of these 20 errors in your paper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB8u_K0I-a8 Remember: You are writing a reflection paper and there is no need to cite outside sources. However, you need to be aware of when to cite and how to avoid plagiarism in order to maintain academic honesty in your paper. When Should You Cite a Source? (1:46) If you are not sure whether you need to cite, then this video helps to explain when you should cite. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-IrFdghs4w In-Text Citations in APA writing style (2:39) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLlLIYxeGls APA Reference Page (8:06) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIJEdKCjt0E Here are some things that I especially look for in a paper that help me to recognize good writing skills: • Comma should be used after an introductory phrase (“as,” “if,” “when”) • Periods and commas placed BEFORE quotation marks. • Capitalize proper nouns. • Subjects and verbs should be consistent in a sentence. If, for example, you use the singular form of

a subject, then the verb should be in singular form. • Set off non-essential elements of a sentence with commas. Note that the phrase “for example” can

be deleted and the meaning of the sentence remains: If, for example, you use the singular form of a subject, then the verb should be in singular form.

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Original document created by Dr. Fishbourne

Academic Honesty Every once in a while, a student feels that using a quotation is VITAL to the paper. If you feel that a quotation or outside source is VITAL, then by all means, you may use it with proper text citation, reference page, and correct. Consult with me or a tutor from Academic Success Center if you have any questions. My advice: DO NOT USE QUOTATIONS FROM OTHER PEOPLE OR SOURCES.

DO NOT USE INFORMATION FROM THE INTERNET.

USE YOUR IDEAS AND WORDS ONLY.

Papers deemed to reflect academic dishonesty will be reported to Dean of Student Services and consequences applied in accordance with this course

syllabus and HCC policy.

Submitting Your Paper Before submitting: Review your paper and ask yourself if you followed the guidelines. These guidelines are the basis for the grading rubric, and I am going to use the rubric to evaluate your paper. If you were to grade your own paper using this grading rubric, what score do you believe you earned? It is helpful for you to grade your own paper before submitting to the drop box. Upload to the drop box. Please make sure your paper was uploaded successfully. The date and time submitted determines whether your paper was early, on time, or late. Note: I DO NOT accept papers via email, hand delivered, placed under my office door, or given to anyone to place in my mailbox.

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SAMPLE

Running head: TITLE OF PAPER USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS 1

Title of Paper

First and Last Name

Hillsborough Community College

TITLE OF PAPER USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS 2

Abstract

Start flush with the left-hand margin; notice that the text of the abstract is not indented. Simply put,

an abstract is a summary of the most important ideas or elements of your paper. The purpose of an

abstract is to prepare the reader for your paper by conveying your topic and main points that you plan

to make. In other words, what is a thorough review of your paper? What do you hope to accomplish

in this paper? While you don’t need to include many details, a succinct overview does the job. Your

abstract should be one paragraph; the length of the abstract should be between 150-250 words. Be

careful about your use of numbers in an abstract because all numbers, except those beginning a

sentence, should be typed as digits rather than words. Notice the formatting of this abstract; in

particular, pay attention to the running head, page number, and double spacing. Notice that the words

“Running head:” are deleted while your title now shows in all capital letters. What are some

important words that identify your paper or that an engine search would find helpful? These are the

“keywords” and are listed as shown here.

Keywords: First keyword, second keyword, third keyword

TITLE OF PAPER USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS 3

Title of Paper

Indenting one-half inch, START your paper with the INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH.

The active voice, rather than passive voice, should be used in your writing. Because the paper is

reflective in nature, you may use first-person (“I” pronoun). How are you going to lead up to your

thesis sentence? What story do you have to tell? What examples can help lead me to understand why

your topic is important? Prepare me for your topic. Tell me something that grabs my interest and

wants me, as any reader, to go on and read your paper. The last sentence of the introductory

paragraph should be your thesis sentence. A thesis sentence tells me (a) your topic and then (b) list

the three key points that you plan to make in each subsequent paragraph – ONE SENTENCE AND

USED AS THE LAST SENTENCE OF THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH.

The first sentence of this paragraph, which is the FIRST PARAGRAPH OF THE BODY OF

THE PAPER, should relate back to the first key point in your thesis sentence and tell me the main

idea of this paragraph. The remaining sentences provide details and support for the first sentence.

Give examples. Elaborate. Apply to your everyday experience. All words should be your own.

Continue the paragraph. xxxxxxx mmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmm mmmmmm

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INTERNET.

TITLE OF PAPER USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS 4

The first sentence of this paragraph, which is the SECOND PARAGRAPH OF THE BODY

OF THE PAPER, should relate back to the second key point in your thesis sentence and tell me the

main idea of this paragraph. The remaining sentences provide details and support for the first

sentence. Give examples. Elaborate. Apply to your everyday experience. All words should be your

own. Continue the paragraph. xxxxxxx mmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmm

mmmmmm xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx

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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx DO NOT COPY/PASTE IN ANY WAY FROM THE

INTERNET.

The first sentence of this paragraph, which is the THIRD PARAGRAPH OF THE BODY OF

THE PAPER, should relate back to the third key point in your thesis sentence and tell me the main

idea of this paragraph. The remaining sentences provide details and support for the first sentence.

Give examples. Elaborate. Apply to your everyday experience. All words should be your own.

Continue the paragraph. xxxxxxx mmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmm mmmmmm

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx mmmm

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TITLE OF PAPER USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS 5

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx DO NOT COPY/PASTE IN ANY WAY FROM THE

INTERNET.

Summarize your ideas in a CONCLUDING paragraph and tell me what you have learned as a

result. Remind me of your main points and let me know WHY these points matter to you. Why did I

just spend the time to read your paper? Why do I care? I expect that you will tell me why your paper

and the points that you made were important to you. DO NOT repeat your thesis sentence nor

introduce any new information and/or details in this last paragraph. In keeping with the instructions,

this concluding paragraph should appear on page 5 of your paper.

Paper should reflect your own ideas, words, and writing.

If you have any questions about academic honesty in writing a paper, consult with me

and/or a writing tutor in our Academic Success Center (at any campus) WELL BEFORE the due date/time.

By submitting your paper, you acknowledge that your paper reflects academic honesty and

integrity.