Research Paper Requirements
revised 1/2015
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Typed on 8 ½ x 11” paper
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1 inch margins all around
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12 font size; font-Times New Roman
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1.5 spacing between lines. NO spaces between paragraphs.
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Paper must have a descriptive title centered at top of first page (example- Symbiotic Relationships)
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Use italics for scientific names only (example- Homo sapiens)
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NO personal pronouns ( I , me, my, we , our….) Also no “you”. Reword.
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NO contractions
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Never use etc.
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NO slang (it was like…., that pretty much determined….etc.)
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Indent your paragraphs
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Introduction paragraph, concluding paragraph (no new information in concluding paragraph!)
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Paper organized (by subtopics/ideas) and appropriately divided into paragraphs
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Define unfamiliar terms; do not use words you do not understand
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Parenthetical citations where needed ,use APA format (author last name, year)
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All valid sources (at least 3) on literature cited page, all references must be cited at least once in the paper
DO NOT use sources if you cannot find an author or a well-established institution for credit as author.
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Proofread ( no words missing). Do not rely on spell-check or other “check” to do this for you!
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Grammar/English language- correct spelling, clear sentences, well written and easy to understand
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At least 2 full pages of text, more if needed to cover topic well.
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Literature Cited page that is titled Literature Cited; sources in APA style and in alphabetical order.
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DO NOT discuss the actual lab in your background research paper. Your paper should contain background
information that will help you more fully understand what you are doing for your project. Refer to the
recommendations for a list of things you will need to know to have a good, comprehensive background
paper for your topic.