National Fire Protection Association RESEARCH PAPER

Writing Guidelines for Professor Austin’s classes

NOTE: Typical academic style formatting is expected.

 The body of the paper should be at least the minimum length but no more than the maximum in length. That is, the written part (not a cover page or reference list) needs to be between the

lengths noted, double-spaced. NO double spacing between paragraphs.

 For referencing, you should choose the method used by your major. (If you don’t know which style is preferred, ask your major advisor.) If there is no preferred style, I recommend using APA. For

details on how to do it, refer to the Fresno State Writing Handbook (or any other guidebook.)

 Use 12 point Times New Roman font for all text, including headings. Heading can be centered, bolded or italicized.

 Use MSWord default margins, (1” margins left/top/bottom and 1.5 right)  Include a cover page similar to that shown below. Also, put the title at the top of the first

page of the main text, but that is all. You do not have to number the pages.

 DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON ANY INSIDE PAGES. DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME AND CLASS IN THE UPPER RIGHT OF THE FIRST PAGE.

 In general, the paper should follow the following traditional format: Introduction (about ½ page) Discussion and Sub-topics (estimate about one or two major topics per page) and

the Conclusion (about ½ page) written in third person style. You can include your

opinion/reaction in the conclusion. If you are unfamiliar with this format or style, contact

the university writing center.

 Do NOT put your paper in a folder or cover. Staple your paper in the upper left-hand corner.  Keep a copy for yourself in case something happens to what you submit. It is strongly

suggested that you have someone else proofread your paper before you submit it.

Here is an example of what a five-page paper should look like.

Title

Your name

Course name

Dept. of Ind. Tech. CSU, Fresno

Abstract: (optional)

An abstract is a single

spaced summary of the paper that should

take about half a

page, no references.

Table of contents

(optional) 1. Abstract 2. Body 3. Reference

The Title of Paper

This is the body

of the paper, the

stuff you are

writing about.

It should be

double –spaced.

The margins should

be one inch sides

and 1.25 inches top

and bottom.

The font should

12 point, Times

New Roman, or

similar font that is easy

to read. (Proust, 1999)

You should give

reference to where you

get your facts, and you

should only deal in

facts, not speculation.

(Smith, 2002)

If you have a long

direct quote it should

be single spaced.

For example:

Now is the time for all good men to come

to the aid of their

country. (Payne 1776)

Otherwise, use

quote marks for

direct quotations,

but use them

sparingly.

In closing, set

the computer to

follow these

rules.

References

Payne, Thomas. A Call to Arms 1776.

Ben’s Publishing.

Proust, C.

Communication

Methods. 1999.

Smith, P. Tech

Writing. 2002