May 05-07

Paper Format
Format your research paper according to MLA standards found HERE.

• Do not make a title page for your paper.
• In the upper left-hand corner of the first page, list your name, your instructor's name, the course, and the date. Again, be sure to use double-spaced text.
• Double space again and center the title. Do not underline, italicize, or place your title in quotation marks; write the title in Title Case (standard capitalization), not in all capital letters.
• Use quotation marks and/or italics when referring to other works in your title, just as you would in your text: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas as Morality Play; Human Weariness in "After Apple Picking"
• Double space between the title and the first line of the text.
• Create a header in the upper right-hand corner that includes your last name, followed by a space with a page number; number all pages consecutively with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin.

Research Questions
Broad topics are almost impossible to research well. You must narrow your topic to do quality research.

1. Start with a general topic.
2. Narrow your topic by asking more specific questions.
3. Your last question should be a narrow, easily researched question.

Research Question Example

• Communication Technology
• What types of communication interest you the most?
• What are the most common video conferencing technologies?
• How do webcams work and how do they affect the way we communicate today?

Drafting

1. Introduction
1. Attention grabbing introduction
2. Clear thesis statement
2. Body
1. Synthesis of information from multiple sources presented as a logical progression of ideas
2. Evidence that supports the thesis statement
3. Graphics and illustrations to explain concepts
3. Conclusion
1. Summary of findings and final conclusions
2. Memorable ending with a final thought or conclusion