Notes on Writing your Essays

To help you meet expectations of a complete essay, please review and incorporate the following in your papers.

  1. Include an introduction paragraph that provides a clear thesis statement/agenda for the reader and introduces the topics of discussion. (Hint: Sometimes it is easier to write your introduction after your write the rest of your paper.)
  2. Ensure each body paragraph has a strong topic sentence and all supporting sentences directly relate to the topic sentence. You should have a minimum of one full paragraph for each of the required topics in the assignment. Make sure your paragraphs have at least three complete sentences.
  3. Include a separate conclusion paragraph that revisits the thesis statement and recaps key information from the essay, without adding any new information. (Hint: Use the topic sentences as a guide.)
  4. Review and edit your work for grammar and mechanics. As you edit, pay close attention to ensure capitalization is correct and sentences are complete.
  5. Remember to cite all information sourced from outside of general knowledge or your own head. Provide a reference page with references for all citations used. AVOID PLAGIARISM! Do not quote information. Paraphrase, paraphrase, paraphrase, and cite!
  6. Include a separate title page for your essay, and include the title of your paper at the top of the first essay page above the introduction. 
  7. Use the owl.purdue.edu Links to an external site. website (you do not need to cite this) for guidance and examples on proper APA formatting of the paper, title page, citations, and references. Your work MUST meet APA standards! You do not need an abstract, section headings (besides your essay title), key words, or running head.
  8. Submit your work in a standard text format (Word is preferred) BEFORE the due date/time. DO NOT WAIT to write your papers. Things can go wrong for a myriad of reasons that could make you miss the submission deadline if you wait until the end of the week to work on your paper. Plan on turning in your paper by Thursday, so you have a bit of room if technology (or other) issues pop up. Remember, your instructor does not work seven days a week, so make sure you are ahead of schedule in case you have trouble and need to contact your instructor. Do not expect your instructor to get back to you the same day (they may, but you cannot count on that). Be proactive, responsible, and accountable for your work!