Twelve Rule of Writing for Formal Papers
1. Never use I or you or any of their forms (me, my, mine, myself, us, our, ours, ourselves, your, yourself) in a formal paper. Instead of you, use “he” and/or “she” using “one” as the antecedent. One could also use such words as “individuals,” “readers,” “citizens,” or “students.”
2. Do not use contractions (can’t, isn’t) or slashes (boys/girls). Write out all words.
3. Do not use rhetorical questions.
4. Do not begin a sentence with “and,” “but,” “so,” “that,” or “because.”
Alternatives: “and”: in addition, furthermore, moreover, also
“but”: nevertheless, instead
“so”: as a result, consequently, therefore
5. The first time an individual’s name is used include the first and last name: “Thomas Jefferson wrote . . .” After that, ONLY the last name is used: “Jefferson noted . . .”
6. Try to vary sentence lengths. Long sentences convey information and express detail. Short sentences are used for emphasis or to make a point.
Emphasis: Fire ravaged the forest. Tragedy beset Jack London’s life.
Detail: In reviewing the example used in the text, the reader can discern that the true meaning of courage can be twofold, including both the willingness to confront and experience danger and the knowledge to accept defeat and admit an error in judgment.
7. Include a clear, strong thesis statement (claim) as the last sentence in the introduction. The thesis statement is the argument the writer is advancing.
8. Use transition words or phrases at the beginning of paragraphs (see list of transitions).
9. Each paragraph focuses on one reason or topic. The first and last sentences in a paragraph should tie the reason or topic back to the thesis (claim).
First: Moreover, Jefferson’s writing determined the country’s direction shaping America’s national character.
(transition) (reason) (thesis or claim)
Concluding: Clearly, the words of the Declaration of Independence have guided America’s decisions
(transition) (reason)
altering how the nation views itself.
(thesis or claim)
10. Be sure there is at least one paragraph break per page. Each paragraph should be indented five letter spaces.
11. Use spell-check and proofread for repetitions, spelling, and grammar errors.
12. All written pieces are double-spaced with one-inch margins (in Times/Times New Roman 12 pt. type) unless otherwise specified by the instructor.
Courtesy of P. Barnett 2014
2. Do not use contractions (can’t, isn’t) or slashes (boys/girls). Write out all words.
3. Do not use rhetorical questions.
4. Do not begin a sentence with “and,” “but,” “so,” “that,” or “because.”
Alternatives: “and”: in addition, furthermore, moreover, also
“but”: nevertheless, instead
“so”: as a result, consequently, therefore
5. The first time an individual’s name is used include the first and last name: “Thomas Jefferson wrote . . .” After that, ONLY the last name is used: “Jefferson noted . . .”
6. Try to vary sentence lengths. Long sentences convey information and express detail. Short sentences are used for emphasis or to make a point.
Emphasis: Fire ravaged the forest. Tragedy beset Jack London’s life.
Detail: In reviewing the example used in the text, the reader can discern that the true meaning of courage can be twofold, including both the willingness to confront and experience danger and the knowledge to accept defeat and admit an error in judgment.
7. Include a clear, strong thesis statement (claim) as the last sentence in the introduction. The thesis statement is the argument the writer is advancing.
8. Use transition words or phrases at the beginning of paragraphs (see list of transitions).
9. Each paragraph focuses on one reason or topic. The first and last sentences in a paragraph should tie the reason or topic back to the thesis (claim).
First: Moreover, Jefferson’s writing determined the country’s direction shaping America’s national character.
(transition) (reason) (thesis or claim)
Concluding: Clearly, the words of the Declaration of Independence have guided America’s decisions
(transition) (reason)
altering how the nation views itself.
(thesis or claim)
10. Be sure there is at least one paragraph break per page. Each paragraph should be indented five letter spaces.
11. Use spell-check and proofread for repetitions, spelling, and grammar errors.
12. All written pieces are double-spaced with one-inch margins (in Times/Times New Roman 12 pt. type) unless otherwise specified by the instructor.
Courtesy of P. Barnett 2014