1)
Always write in 3 rd person, present tense.
-3 rd person: He, She, It, They and any noun or nominal (gerund)
2)
-Present Tense: Add an ‘s’ to the end of verbs with singular subjects.
(i.e. He dances very well.)
Leave verbs with plural subjects in their base forms.
(i.e. They dance very well.)
Never use contractions.
-Can’t, couldn’t, shouldn’t, etc…
Always print, never write in cursive. 3)
4) Use only blue or black ink, never write in pencil.
5)
6)
Write within the perimeter of the margins, never write pass.
Never write on the back of the paper.
7) Always skip lines between sentences (double space).
8) Always use a title.
9) When forming your thesis statement, try to change the question asked into a declarative statement.
- What is love? --- If this was the question,
- Love is honesty, devotion and trust.
--- this is how it would be changed into a declarative statement.
10) Always try to incorporate at least 3 points in the thesis statement.
- i.e. Love is honesty, devotion and trust.
1 2 3
11) Always check for spelling.
12) All formal essays must contain at least 5 paragraphs – (Introduction, 3 Body
Paragraphs and a Conclusion).
- A paragraph contains 3 to 5 sentences.
- A sentence is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, which expresses a complete idea.
Try to be informative, not impressive!
Your writing should be to the point. If you are not sure about the definition of a word, do not use it. Do not try to use various styles, stick to the basics. Try not to go off on tangents or linger too long on unimportant points. Remember, those reading your paper are mainly looking for clarity in the writing, not in-depth knowledge on the subject matter.
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Instead of using the word “you”, replace it with one of the following words:
1) One
2) Person(s)
3) People
4) Individual(s)