Checklist for Successful CS 105 Papers
Grammar and Spelling
- Check the usage of "its" and "it's". "It's" is the contraction of
"it is." "Its" is possessive.
- Check the usage of "their," "there," and "they're."
- Check the usage of "affect" versus "effect."
- Check the usage of "sight" versus "site" versus "cite." (Example: You
cite a reference on a web site.)
- Spell check! Failure to spell check will cost you 1 whole letter
grade.
- Use short, action sentences. Look for unnecessary words to delete.
Look for run-on sentences that should be divided into two or more
sentences.
- Proofread. Proofread. Proofread. Get help from the GMU Writing Center
References
- Use recent source material.
- Use a variety of source material (books, articles and web pages).
- Avoid relying on one author. Use primary sources when possible.
- Do not paraphrase. Use your own words. Any time you quote
another author, clearly indicate that it is a quotation by using
quotation marks or indenting and single spacing (quotes greater than
3 lines long). Failure to do so will be considered plagiarism.
- Footnote any information that is not general knowledge. Add a
bibliography. You may use any standard format for citations, just be sure
that it is clear how to find the sources you used.
- ALL WEB SOURCES must
be annotated. Add a sentence or two describing why you felt that this was
a valid source to include in your paper. For help citing sites, see the
MLA web pages:
http://www.mla.org/main_stl.htm
Content
The "A" paper combines research with your own, well defended opinions.
You can avoid the use of the first person by using constructions such as:
"In the view of this author, ...." or "This writer believes that ...."
There is no such thing as a "wrong" opinion. You will not be graded
on your beliefs. However, points may be deducted for opinions that are
not supported by facts and cogent arguments.