American Studies
Writing Tips
Marszalek/Stingo
1. For any assignment being turned in, always put the specified header. At the left margin, put your name, the course, the teacher’s name, the date, and the title of the assignment (if given). This is only for the first page! Follow the example: Jennifer Smith American Studies pd. 1-2 or 3-4 Marszalek/Stingo September 4, 2007 Essential Question Assignment 2. When writing an essay, use blue or black ink only and write on one side of the paper on every other line. Don’t forget the proper header. 3. When typing an essay, double space, use Times New Roman font and 1 inch margins all the way around. 4. Make sure any paper you write or type has an appropriate, original title. The title of the book being read in class is not an appropriate title. Same goes for creative assignments!! 5. Titles of books are italicized if typed (underlined if handwritten). Do not put it in quotation marks, bold, or in all capital letters. 6. Always give the author’s first name. You are not on a first or last name only basis! 7. Remember that the ideal paragraph has a minimum of 5 sentences. 8. Always check and then re check your work!! Spell check doesn’t always catch everything i.e. there, their, they’re, or missing words etc. Proofread by reading aloud and having someone else look at your work! 9. When writing numbers, always write out a number if it begins a sentence. Numbers of only one word should be spelled – one, two, ten. Numbers of more than two words are generally written as numerals – 22, 130. Statistics and dates may be written as numbers – Sept. 2, 2004; 93%. 10. Do not use the symbol & in your writing. Write the word and. 11. Do not use slang or internet language: cuz, u, wusup, l8tr, lol, r; etc.