• Is the topic open-ended or do you need to answer a specific question(s)?

• How long should your paper be?

• Do you have to use outside sources?

Key Concepts to Remember

• Introduction: Will your introduction entice your readers and give them an idea of what your paper will be about?

• Language choice: Are the words you've chosen appropriate for your topic and your audience?

• Audience awareness: Who will be reading your paper and whom are you appealing to in your paper?

• Analysis and critical thought: Have you looked at your topic from different angles and considered it thoroughly?

• Cliche avoidance: Have you moved beyond cliches and generalizations?

• Thesis: Does your thesis fit the rest of your paper?

• Development with appropriate examples: Do you back up your thesis with solid examples and does it develop logically/smoothly?

• Organization: Have you arranged the information in your paper in the most effective/convincing way?

• Transitions: Does your paper flow smoothly from paragraph to paragraph or does it seem to jump around?

• Conclusion: Does your conclusion leave the reader with a sense of forward movement: should your reader take action, should further research be done, or do you provide a solution to a problem you've mentioned?

Doing Research

• Find out which resource citing style your instructor prefers - MLA, APA, etc.

• When copying information from a print source, make sure that you also copy the information you will need to cite the source.

• Organize your research so that it will be easier to organize in your paper.

• Don't over-quote your sources.

• Remember that you need to cite your source when you summarize, paraphrase, or use a direct quotation.

Correct Citation vs. Plagiarism

• Plagiarism is the intentional or unintentional use of words or ideas of another without acknowledging the source. Refer to Understanding Academic Integrity for more information.

• Depending upon the professors preference, students may be required to utilize APA or MLA style. Click here for assistance in structuring your citations.

Revising and Editing

• After you have a first draft, it's time to go back and revise. During revision, you may change your organization, your introduction and conclusion, or even your original ideas.

• When your content is under control, it is time to edit. Editing is the final step in the writing process. This is the time to go back and check your spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Helpful Tips

• Writing takes time. Don't procrastinate.

• Who says you have to write the introduction first? If you're having trouble with your introduction, try writing it after the rest of your paper is written.

• Worried that you didn't stay on topic? Try doing a reverse outline: After writing your paper, make an outline based on what you've written.

• There's nothing like a fresh pair of eyes. Pur your paper away after you've completed your first draft and come back to it with fresh eyes and ideas.

• Get a second opinion. Have someone else read your paper - try your friends, roommates, instructors, or visit The Writing Lab.

• Remember - Writing is never finished...it's just due.

For More Information

• Visit The Writing Lab and meet with writing specialists to discuss your paper. The Writing Lab can help with brainstorming, citations, and everything in between.

• The University of Akron Department of English recommends that students consult Ann Raimes' Keys for Writers for information on everything from editing to research. You can purchase a copy in the University Bookstore or find copies in the library.