| Mechanics | |
| Spelling | Use a spell-checker! Also, watch for words that sound alike but have different spellings. |
| Grammar | Sentences must have verbs. Dependent clauses must be properly placed. Watch for run-on sentences! |
| Punctuation | Don't separate the main noun from the main verb. Punctuation should reflect the logical structure of the sentence |
| Semantics | Choose the right word! Pronouns need clear antecedents. Linking words ("because", "thus", "but", "although", etc.) should be used appropriately |
| Logic | All sentences should be clear. All sentences should make sense. If you don't understand it, the reader won't either. |
| Format | |
| Paragraphs | Double spaced, first line indented. |
| Footnotes | At the bottom of the page, not the end of the paper. |
| References | Numerical pointers to the bibliography are all you need, but other formats are acceptable as long as they are clear and precise. |
| Bibliography | Use a consistent format. Give full data. |
| Paper Organization | |
| Introduction | Should be well-written, state your goals and starting point, and should include a transition to the major portion of the paper |
| Conclusion | Should briefly summarize your conclusions without being repetitive. Should provide closure to the paper |
| Main body | Sections should have clearly-defined subjects. Logical structure of the argument should be clear. Use an outline! |
| Writing Style | |
| Tone | No contractions, appropriate vocabulary. |
| Objectivity | Write objectively. Everything in the paper is, by definition, your opinion, so you need not intrude with "I think" and similar constructs. |
| Precision | Don't confuse someone's opinions with fact, don't cite without a reference, say exactly what you mean, don't go beyond your evidence. |
| Readability | It's your job to make your paper interesting and readable! |
| Substance | |
| Content | Include some real content. Aim for a high level of information. Details should be included only when relevant---deciding which details are relevant is part of your job. |
| Sources | There's no minimal number, but there should be enough sources for what you aim to do. Evaluate your sources! |
| References | Indicate the source for each bit of factual information. |
| Quotes | Are they used to support the argument? Are there too few/too many of them? Do the quotes have a function, or are they just there to look pretty? |
| Argument | Does the paper adequately support its thesis? Have other possibilities been taken into account? Have you thought this through? |
| Mathematics | When you discuss math, are you precise? When you use formulas, are they meaningful? |
| History | Does your paper make a historical argument? History is more than the collection of facts! |