Writing Successful Papers in Graduate School

Based on my previous experience grading papers, graduate students have difficulty with some of the following:

1. Number every page; do not right justify paper.

2. Proofread for typographical errors; i.e., recieved.

3. Spell out contractions; a formal paper requirement.

4. Cite source of evidence; personal opinion is fine,

but how do you know what you know or state

5. Underline titles cited in body and notes, if any.

6. Use proper diction. For example, user or inquirer rather than patron; received rather than got; difficulty rather than problem.

7. Observe the following:

A. feel, think, or believe; distinctions are important.

B. it's, it is versus its, possessive.

C. "this" should be followed by a noun in most sentences.

8. Avoid needless intensifiers. For example, very important; either it is important or it is not.

9. Avoid first-person in most cases. Give appearance of objectivity (unless journal style dictates otherwise).

10. Watch for split infinitives. For example, "to merely serve," or "to automatically become," or "to formally advocate," or "to accurately answer," or "to consistently cite," or "to fully answer."