Style Guide

Use of Quotes: Limit the number of direct quotes. Students often compile sentences full of direct quote from sources instead of writing sentences themselves. Too many quotes may cause a lower letter grade. Also you should never end a paragraph with a quote. The last sentence of each paragraph should be a conclusion sentence that essentially states what the point of the paragraph is about. Further more, when you use quotes, you need to follow every quote you used with a sentence explaining why the quote you used is applicable to the point you are trying to make. Do not assume the reader is in your head and understands why that quote is important. It is paramount you explain yourself fully and completely. Do not assume the reader knows the point you are making. Please consult this site for a further explanation UNC Writing Center: Use of Quotes.

Style and Grammar: You are to use correct style, spelling and grammar at all times. All papers are expected to be written in expository style, meaning in the most professional manner and without the use of 1st, 2nd or 2nd person plural (i. e. I, you, me, my, mine, or we). Your paper must be in 3rd person at all times. You must use the rules of formal writing and do not write as if you are writing in a familiar style. To be sure to avoid obvious grammar and style mistakes you will need to follow the recommendations of William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White's Elements of Style.

Passive Voice: Your papers must be written in active voice at all times. Never write in passive voice. This web site will help you understand what passive voice is and how to avoid it. UNC Writing Center: Passive Voice.

Word Choice: Do not use words or language that may be awkward, complicated, vague/over-generalized or does not transmit the exact meaning of what you are trying to say. Please consult this site for an explanation of how to best avoid awkward word choice: UNC Writing Center: Word Choice.

Fragments and Run-on Sentences: Avoid any fragment and run-on sentences. Go to this site for an explanation of how to avoid these grammatical mistakes UNC Writing Center: Fragments and Run-ons.

Dictionary Terms: Do not use the literal definition of a word from the dictionary to begin your paper and frame your overall argument. It comes across as quite pedantic, it is ok to use another writer s idea, but avoid looking up the dictionary definition of a word as the opening of your paper to write something like "Webster's Dictionary defines . . ."

Format: Your paper must be typed with fonts no larger than 12pt, double spaced and no cover page, your name should appear on the 1 st page. Papers must be turned in MS Word format, a text format or in a format acceptable to Turnitin.com.

Organization: All papers are expected to have introduction, body and conclusion paragraphs. Additionally, every paper must have a thesis statement that conforms to this specific assignment. Your thesis statement must be specific and direct and must correspond as an answer to the question the assignment requires you to answer. Vague and general thesis statements that do not indicate a position or overall direction of the paper will suffer a lower grade. If anything previously mentioned is lacking or poorly developed in your paper, it will result in a lower grade. Please visit these web sites for a better explanation of these concepts: UNC Writing Center: Introduction, Body Paragraphs, Conclusion and Thesis Statement.

Content: Your paper must specifically and directly address the question for any assignment. Unnecessary or irrelevant information will hurt your overall paper.

Argument and Evidence: Your papers must be authoritative, expository in nature and make some overall point. It is important to provide evidence to substantiate your point. Please visit this web page to understand the structure and mechanics of how to present an argument and evidence. UNC Writing Center: Argument.

Sources: In this class you will be writing paper that analyze primary and secondary sources. You must understand the distinction between the two and the way to critically evaluate a source. Please visit this web site for a better understanding UNC Writing Center: Evaluating Evidence Print Sources.

Citations: Finally, all sources must be cited through the use of Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers, MLA or APA. No exceptions and no deviation from these formats will be accepted.

Plagiarism: Your papers cannot be plagiarized. Please go to this link for an explanation of what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. UNC Writing Center: Plagiarism.