Writing Tips

Follow these formatting instructions for academic essays: double-spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman or similar with 1 inch margins, and use complete paragraphs (no bullets). Write a well-formed and supported (typically threefold) argument. Please proofread and check your spelling.
Make sure you integrate information from the assigned readings and lesson introductions. Show the instructor that you have read and understand the material.
Spelling, grammar, and sentence structure ARE part of your grade! Treat your paper/essay seriously. I recommend the KU Writing Center (http://www.writing.ku.edu) if you need assistance with writing or just want someone else to read your paper for helpful comments.
Use grammar rules you learned in junior and senior high school. For example, do not confuse “its/it’s” and “there/their.” Such errors should not appear in college-level writing. Do not rely on your word processor to pick up these mistakes.
Avoid unnecessary words. In revising your paper, ask yourself “Is this the most direct way I can state this point? Can I remove words without changing the meaning of this sentence?”
Avoid the passive voice. Use of the verb “to be” often indicates passive constructions. Pause every time you see the words “to be” or “been” and ask yourself if you can use a more active verb. Active voice equates better writing. See for yourself:

“I will tell you why I want to be enrolled in your class” OR
“I want to enroll in your class, and here is why:”

You can easily cut “to be” from your writing and make it “active.” Almost all students develop a passive writing style. I am not saying to eliminate it in your writing completely, just try to avoid it when writing social science papers. Recognize that your first draft will contain passive constructions and correct them in the revision process.
In academic writing, avoid contractions; use “cannot” instead of “can’t.”
Revision IS necessary (and improves your final grade). Complete a first draft as soon as possible and revise, revise, revise.
Revision should include having someone else read your paper aloud. This process may sound stupid, but it will highlight trouble spots.
Please do not plagiarize. If you use someone else’s words, you must indicate so with quotation marks and citation information; for example, “words said or written by someone else” (Sidel 1998:130). If you use someone else’s ideas or work, you must give them full credit by including a reference; for example, (Baca Zinn and Eitzen 2002).

And please, don’t put off writing until the night before. It shows!