FORMAL ESSAY DOs and DON’Ts
Dos
Do capitalize all words in your title except for
prepositions and the words the and a unless the or
a is the first word of the title.
Do vary the beginnings of your sentences.
Do include transitions at the start of every
paragraph and also include transitions within each
paragraph to make your writing flow. (See
Transition Reference Sheet.)
Do spell out numbers one through ten. Do use
numerals for eleven and over.
(Correct: five)
(Incorrect: 5)
DON’Ts
DO NOT capitalize prepositions or the words the
and a unless the or a is the first word of the title.
Ex: The Worst Birthday Ever
Ex: Lights in the Sky
DO NOT begin sentences with digits, “and,” “but,”
or “so”. Don’t begin two sentences in a row with
the same word.
DO NOT use the same transition more than once.
For example, don’t keep using the word Then. Don’t
use elementary transition words like First or
Secondly.
DO NOT use digits for numbers one through ten.
Don’t spell out numbers for 11 and above.
(Correct: 16)
(Incorrect: sixteen)
Do use numbers for years. (ex: 1940)
DO NOT write years as words. (ex: nineteenforty)
Do spell out all words.
DO NOT abbreviate or use shortened forms of
words. (ex: info. instead of information, U.S. for
United States, ft. for feet, etc.)
Do spell out words like “should not”.
DO NOT use contractions (ex: shouldn’t, don’t,
can’t, won’t, it’s, wasn’t, aren’t, couldn’t, etc.)
Do use pronouns properly to rename the person.
DO NOT overuse pronouns to confuse the reader.
Do write strong sentences.
Do include commas to break up a list, to write a
compound sentence, or to write an appositive.
Do double-space your paper and use 12-point font
with standard margins. (Title = 14 point font)
DO NOT use questions in a formal composition
unless they are being quoted from a specific
reference.
DO NOT use parenthesis anywhere in your formal
composition unless it is a citation for a research
essay.
DO NOT play around with font or size on a formal
composition to make it longer.
Title: Size 14
Body of Essay: Size 12
Do paraphrase when including research in a formal
piece of writing. Do put the information together
in your own words; if quoting, be sure to give
author or text appropriate credit.
DO NOT copy from ANY sources. This is known as
plagiarism.
Do explain material as if the reader knows nothing
of the topic. Include support with details!
DO NOT assume the reader knows anything about
your topic.
Do write a creative clever clincher to end your
paper.
DO NOT end your paper using “The End” or “I hope
you liked reading about….”