Formal Paper Requirements

Paper (Formal)

Purpose of paper: descriptive; to describe the multiple points of view that exist on your topic.

Audience: Teacher

Thesis: The thesis will state the scope of information (the variety of multiple perspectives) on your clearly defined polical topic.

References: There should be many citations in your paper. Citations in the body must be in proper form (MLA). A works cited (bibliography) section must be included (last page). Cite as much of your material as you can -- but you don't have to use all of it. You have only to cite that which you use in your paper.

Other: Balance is critical. An objective tone is critical. The concluding paragraph, and only the concluding paragraph, may reveal your point of view. The concluding paragraph also must comment on the process of investigating a topic from multiple perspectives.

Your paper must have a title, your name, the date, the hour -- on a cover page.

Grammar must be perfect or nearly so.

Everything must be typed. It must look professional. Paragraphing indents and other spacing matters must be consistent and proper.

There is no page requirement; however, I will take into account thoroughness and depth and detail in grading.

Clarity and organization are very important. My suggestion is to organize your paper by ideology or by type of source. Ask me in class to clarify.