three page executive summary

MGMT 3620 Personal Eco Checklist

Spring, 2015

Structure

· My paper has a clear introduction, body and conclusion.

· The paper has paragraphs that are generally 3 – 5 sentences in length. 7 sentences max per paragraph.

· The paper is the appropriate length with no (zero) fluff.

Introduction

· The introduction is interesting and captures the reader’s attention.

· The introduction has a clear thesis statement which provides a roadmap for the body of the paper. I identified (from my CED) three or four major categories of improvements and proposed them as the means of achieving improvement in reducing my ecological footprint.

· The thesis statement has specific, not vague, wording regarding the improvements I will make.

Body

· The body follows the roadmap exactly – same wording, same order for the three or four categories of improvement.

· The most important points in the body are first.

· The body is packed with non-trivial content, demonstrating that I learned something significant from the assignment.

· Evidence is used to support the content.

Conclusion

· My paper has a clear conclusion with a re-stating of the thesis statement – same three or four categories.

· No new material is introduced in the conclusion.

· No major points are neglected in the conclusion.

General Guidelines for Good Writing

· I have proofread my paper. I have read it aloud at least once.

· I have eliminated “vampire words” {quite, fairly, sometimes, often, may, things} unless they are absolutely necessary. (Use your word processor’s search tool. Unless you are writing a Dr. Seuss book, the word “thing” should not be in your writing.)

· I am consistent in my use of tense and voice (active, passive).

· I use active voice.

· My paper is three pages long with internal headings and is easy to follow. (Have someone else read it.)

Cause-and-Effect Diagram

· My diagram categories are systemic, not just ideas I had.

· All major categories have some causes attached.

· The causes are not trivial, but reflect some consideration of the problem.