General Criteria for All Written Work

(Research and Writing Guidelines)

Prof. Leonard Assante

Volunteer State Community College

[Note: See specific criteria on individual assignment sheets as well.]

1. Typed, double-spaced 12 point or larger font.

2. 8.5" by 11" white, medium or heavy weight typing or photocopier/laser printer paper.

(Do not use color or onion-skinned paper.)

3. Dark ribbon if typed, near or letter quality printing. (Recommend laser printers.)

4. Bound by paper clip or staple in upper left corner.

5. A cover page which must include:

-interesting title (centered on top third of page)

-your name, course name, my name, date (all centered on bottom third of page)

6. One inch margins all around.

7. All pages (except cover page) are numbered.

8. Perfect grammar, style and spelling.

9. An INTRODUCTION that includes:

-interesting sentences that draw the reader into the paper

-thesis or purpose statement

-preview, explaining what will be discussed and in what order

10. A well-developed BODY that includes:

-support and evidence for all claims (sources cited in appropriate format)

-well-developed transitions between ideas

-clear, interesting and original ideas and insights

11. A CONCLUSION that includes:

-complete summary of all major points covered in paper

-insightful commentary concerning the thesis, purpose, study or nature of the assignment

12. Clear, dynamic, formal writing that includes:

-active (not passive) voice

-absence of cliches or colloquialisms

-absence of contractions

-vivid and concise language

13. Bibliographic citations that conform to MLA or APA style manual on a separate page headed ABibliography@. (See additional information below.)

14. Quotations, when used are integrated into the student=s own sentences and refer to appropriate page numbers [e.g., According to Jones (1998), Astudents are more mature today than they were in the fifties@ (p.16).]

15. All terms and concepts are defined and explained.

16. Examples are vivid, concise, interesting, and illuminate the idea or concept being discussed.

17. Analysis indicates a clear grasp on the issues addressed and provides insightful commentary. (A mere review without your analysis is not sufficient.)

18. Students avoid generalizing subjective experiences to others

19. Have fun! Humor (in moderation) can be effective.

Use of the Internet for Research

(all this applies to traditional sources as well)

In general, there are five basic criteria when evaluating the utility of any source. These also apply to Internet sources (web pages). As speakers, you are expected to provide accurate, expert, un-biased, current and complete information to your listeners. Internet resources should be no different. Use the following guidelines:

1. Accuracy:

Does the page have a bibliography or list of sources?

Is the page free of errors in spelling, grammar and/or typing?

What is the purpose of the document?

2. Authority:

Who is the author/organization sponsoring the page?

Are the author=s qualifications provided?

Does the organization provide a phone number and mailing address?

Is the organization listed in the Encyclopedia of Organizations? (VSCC library has a copy.) If so, what=s the purpose and scope of the organization?

What does the URL indicate? (.gov, .edu, .com)

Is any of the information protected by copyright? Who holds the copyright?

3. Objectivity:

Is the information provided fact or opinion?

Are opinions backed up with supporting evidence?

Is the site advertising-free? If there are ads., are they separate from the content?

Why was the page written and for whom?

4. Currency:

Is a date provided on the page? Does it show the last revision date?

Is the information kept up to date if it needs to be?

Are the links up to date? (No dead links.)

5. Coverage:

Is there any indication of the scope of the content?

Is the page Aunder construction@?

If there is a print version, is the entire work on the web or just a portion?

The more you can answer these questions with a Ayes@, the more reliable the source. Remember, use common sense and strive to inform your audience.

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