writing help

2. Title:

a. Compose an interesting and informative title that fits your essay. Provide a unique title (not “Literature Review” or “Epigenetics”).

b. Avoid titles that are questions.

c. Use same font style and size (12).

d. Double space between the title and the first sentence of the essay.

3. Figure/table:

a. Include at least one figure or table.

b. Refer to the figure or table in the body of the text BEFORE you present the figure/table.

c. Triple space before and after the figure/table.

d. Caption:

i. Include a caption: write a sentence or two that explains the figure (cite source).

ii. Single space to make the caption distinguishable from the rest of the written text. You may use 11 font here.

iii. Place the caption for figures below the figure and above tables (not alongside).

4. References

a. Cite your sources of information. Most or all paragraphs ought to have one or more citations.

b. You must have a Reference page(s). Put “References” at the top of a new page.

c. Use APA formatting for the References (not Work Cited or anything else). See page 101-2 of your SOU Style Guide.

d. Do not USE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS IN YOUR REFERENCES, EVEN THOUGH YOU COPIED AND PASTED WHAT YOU FOUND.

a. Do not use any web sites except for “.gov.” The only exception is the source of your image. Do not start with a figure or table.

5. Format

a. Double space everywhere with one exception: before and after a figure or table. Triple space before and after the figure/table.

b. Indent paragraphs 5 spaces.

c. Use the same font style and font size 12 throughout -- except for the one size smaller caption font (optional).

d. Number your pages.

6. Misc.

a. Make your claim statement in bold. Nothing else in your essay can be in bold font.

b. Keep your similarity % low, but do not worry about similarities in the References.

c. Do NOT:

i. use contractions (e.g., isn’t)

ii. print a cover page – save paper

iii. quote

iv. use “I” or relate personal experiences