GUIDELINES FOR THE RESEARCH PAPER

 

       1.         General guidelines:  The report should be typed using Arial 12 or Times New Roman 12.

2.            Paper:  Use white paper only, unlined, 8 1/2 x 11.

3.            Margins:  One inch margins on all sides.

4.             Name and page numbers:  On each page of the report put last name, a space, and the page number.  Name and page number should be 1/2 inch from the top edge of the paper and should be right justified.  Number the pages of the report and the Works Cited page continuously using Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3).  Do not precede page numbers with the word page or any abbreviation for page.

5.             Spacing:  Double space the entire report.

6.             Cover:  On the cover page go about halfway down the paper and write the title of your report, making sure to center it.  Then go down about two-thirds of the page and on separate lines, put your complete name, your teacher's name, the name of your class, and the complete date in the form:  25 December 2007. 

7.             Title:  Center the title of the paper on the first page.  Use upper and lower case letters, not all capital letters. 

8.             Indentions:  Indent the first line of each paragraph five spaces from the left margin.

9.             Paragraphs:  Do not leave a single line of a paragraph at the bottom or the top of a page.

10.           Organization:  Put pages in this order:  cover sheet, your outline, two/three content pages, and Works Cited Page.

11.            Binding and Presentation:  Do not staple your paper or use rubber bands.  Paper clip your report together and place it in the right-hand side of your two pocket folder.  All rough drafts, note cards, and information should be in the left-hand side of the two pocket folder.

 

 Source: Writing Research Reports. Evanston, Illinois: McDougal Littell Inc.  2001.