Chapter 18, Essay Essentials

NETA PowerPoint® Slides
to accompany
Copyright © 2015 by Nelson Education Ltd.
prepared by
Rhonda Dynes
Mohawk
College
18-1

Formatting a Research Paper
Chapter 18
18-2

Research Methods
There are a variety of research and formatting methods to
help get you on your way to a professionally written and
edited research paper. They all start with taking good
notes from the get-go.
18-3

Taking Good Research Notes
for Informative Writing
The beginning of formatting the final draft of your
research paper starts with the notes you take while
you are doing the research. When taking notes,
you must apply your critical thinking skills.
Is the information reliable, relevant, and current? Is there
evidence of any inherent bias? How can you best make use of
the findings to support and enhance your own ideas?
Once you’ve found a useful source, record the
information you need.
18-4

Preparing Documentation
Although the exact forms differ
across books, journals, Internet
sources, and audiovisuals, some
similarities include:
1. Full name(s) of author(s)
2. Title of work
3. Date of publication
4. Inclusive page numbers
For specifics, see pp. 214–215, Essay Essentials 6e
18-5

Generating Documentation Formatting
Technology is available to help
make the task of documenting less
onerous than it once was. Many
word-processing packages have
built-in templates to assist writers
in preparing citations and
generating bibliographies. As well,
some academic libraries have
licensed “reference manager”
programs for students’ use.
18-6

Basic Paper Formatting
While we don’t want to judge documents
only by their presentation, it is one element
we notice because it’s the first thing we see
and it guides our first impression.
Try your best to get it right. No stains on
your reports!
18-7

Basic Formatting Guidelines
Paper
Compose your final draft on
22 x 28 cm (8.5 x 11-inch) white
paper that is suited to your printer
type (e.g., ink jet, laser). Make sure
you aren’t printing out your report
10 minutes before the deadline!
Unless your instructor specifically
requests it, don’t bother with
plastic or paper covers.
18-8

Basic Formatting Guidelines cont’d
Typing and Printing
Choose a standard, easily readable
typeface, such as Times New
Roman, Arial, or Helvetica (a
popular font for Apple computers),
in a 12-point size. Use black ink (or
dark blue if you are writing by
hand).
18-9

Basic Formatting Guidelines cont’d
Spacing and Margins
Unless you are instructed otherwise,
double-space your report, including
quotations and the Works Cited or
References list. Adequate white
space on your pages makes your
paper attractive and easier to read.
It also allows room for comments.
Always keep a copy of your paper
for your files!
18-10

Formatting MLA-Style Research Papers
The MLA approach is more common in
English and humanities courses.
18-11

cont’d
Title Page
Do not prepare a separate title page. At the top of the
left margin of the first page, on separate lines, type
your name, your instructor’s name, the course
number, and the date. Leave a double space and
centre the title of your essay. Capitalize main words,
but do not underline, italicize, or put quotation marks
around your title (unless it contains the title of
another author’s work, which you should treat in the
standard way).
18-12

cont’d
Header and Page Numbers
Number your pages consecutively throughout the
paper, including the Works Cited list, in the upper
right-hand corner, 1.25 cm from the top and
2.5 cm from the right edge of the page. Type your last
name before the page number—with no punctuation
or p.
Double space your paper unless directed otherwise.
18-13

cont’d
18-14

Formatting APA-Style Research Papers
Title Page
In APA, a title page is required. Include a running head as
follows: “Running head: ABBREVIATED NAME OF PAPER”
and set it flush left; page numbers go flush right. Choose a
title, and then shorten it to 50 characters for the running
head. Centre the title in the upper half of the page. If the
title is more than one line, double-space. Capitalize main
words, but don’t underline, italicize, or put quotation
marks around your title. After the title, centre your name,
the name of your college or university, the name of the
course you are preparing the paper for, the instructor’s
name, and the date of submission. Double space these.
18-15

cont’d
18-16

cont’d
Head, Page Numbers, and Spacing
Number your pages consecutively throughout the paper,
beginning with the title page and ending with the last
page of the References list. As on the title page, the title
of your paper should appear in upper-case letters, flush
left, but this time without the words “Running head,”
while the page number appears flush right. There is no
punctuation or use of p. Double-space between all lines.
Indent the first line of each paragraph 1.25 cm (0.5 in.).
18-17

cont’d
Abstract
An abstract is a short summary of the contents of your
paper. It should give the purpose and the key ideas. An
abstract is usually one paragraph. It must be organized
and carefully written. Type the abstract on a separate
page that includes the running head and the page
number (2). Centre the word “Abstract” one double
space under the running head. Type the abstract
paragraph itself in block format (i.e., without
indentation).
18-18

cont’d
First Page of Text
On page 3 (following the title page and abstract), centre
the full title of your research paper (in upper- and lower-case
letters). Double-space, and begin the text of your
essay.
18-19

Summary
• Writing a research paper requires good critical
thinking skills and excellent note-taking.
• A variety of word-processing programs can help with
formatting and documentation.
• MLA and APA formatting for research papers are
quite different; you should always check
requirements with your instructor.
• A research paper really demonstrates your writing
skills and ability to follow specific writing
requirements.
18-20

Chapter 18, Essay Essentials

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Chapter 18, Essay Essentials