1.  Always have an appropriate introduction and conclusion to the research paper.

2. The introduction should include the purpose or objective of the paper.

3. Have a definite basis for dividing the topic into parts. (i.e., use headings and subheadings)

4. Use parallel construction.

5. Arrange the major divisions in logical sequence.

6. Have no single subdivisions.

7. Appropriate reference should be made when material of others has been used. Footnotes should follow a consistent format, e.g. placed at the bottom of each page or at the end of the paper.  Always reference the original source of information.  For example, if quoting or citing an FASB pronouncement, reference the original document, not another author's paper.

8. Use transitional sentences between major divisions of the outline.

9. Follow a consistent plan of paragraphing.  Paragraphs need both general statements and supporting details.

10. Avoid one-sentence paragraphs.

11 Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and typing--to keep meaning clear, to avoid making a poor impression, and to avoid distracting the reader.

12. Use appropriate graphic, tabular, or pictorial presentations.

13. Assign each nonverbal device (items in 12 above) a number and title.

14. A bibliography should be included and divided into at least two parts:  books and periodicals. Bibliographies should contain a variety of sources, and should not over-rely on web pages and textbooks.

15. Include all references in the bibliography that have contributed to the report, regardless of whether they appear as footnotes.

16. Various formats for presenting footnotes and bibliographic entries are permissible.  Consistency is the important consideration.

17. Use consistent margins.

18. Avoid the use of jaron and colloquial language.  Also avoid overworking certain words and phrases.

19. Write in the third person; do not write in the first or second person. Also, avoid phrases such as "one can plainly see..." or "the writer concludes..."

20. Avoid the use of abbreviations.  Never use an acronym without identifying its meaning at its first use.

21. Do not use impersonal pronouns, such as "this", "it", "that" as subjects of sentences.

22. Read what you write -- see if it makes sense.

23. Do not use contractions (e.g., don't, it's, for do not and it is).

24. Use widow/orphan protection feature of the word-processing system.

25. Use commas appropriately and selectively. Do not overuse!

Dr. Grammar--Help with your grammatical questions

  Link to WKU Writing Center--For help with writing your paper.

     another source (APA) for electronic citation format

Note:  For more extensive directions, see Campbell's Form and Style in Thesis Writing or Turabian's Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations.