Long Paper Format 1) Longer papers must be typed. No exceptions!
2) Use standard 8 1/2 x 11 white typing paper. For convenient reading (and so the pages will not be lost), staple the paper with one staple in the upper-left hand corner.
3) Double-space everything in your paper--text, long quotations, notes, and list of works cited. Do not double-double space between paragraphs or anywhere else. Nothing in the body of the paper should be listed. Everything should be in paragraph form.
4) Margins: 1 inch at the top, right and bottom margins; 1 1/2 inches at the left margin
5) Number all pages except the first (the title page does not count). Page numbers are placed in the upper-right hand corner of the page, 1/2 inch from the top. The title should appear on the title page only.
6) Choose a title which describes your work and is not too narrow or too broad: not "Hamlet," or "Bright Lights, Big City"; instead, "Addiction in McInerney" or "The Relationship between Hamlet and his Mother."
7) Title page should have the title (centered), your name, the date, the course number, the instructors name, and, if you like, your social security number (all placed at the bottom right).
8) Your paper must meet the length requirement. This does not include the title page and works cited page.
9) Use perfect bibliographic form at all times. Consult The Little Brown Handbook, chapters 37 and 38 for proper format.
10) Avoid formulaic writing.
11) Your paper must be in on time!
12) PROOFREAD CAREFULLY. If necessary, make corrections neatly with black ink pen.
13) If you invent any new and unusual sources or variations of these common rules, expect it to affect the paper's strength and grade. Note The physical appearance of a research paper (or any work) makes its own contribution to the paper's effectiveness. A meticulously-prepared paper naturally inclines the reader to expect content of equal quality. Haphazard typing. on the other hand, can undercut the authority of even the best research, writing and ideas by giving the reader the impression of hasty and careless work. A paper which looks like it was used as this morning's pooper scooper, or looks as if you cleaned the breakfast table with it, will immediately turn any reader off.