One of the most important aspects of your paper...

When writing any kind of paper the proper formatting is essential. In literary research we follow the MLA style. It has guideline for everything from margin size to proper in-text citations. While basic, this is some of the most important stuff in your paper so it's a good idea to give the guide a look-through. It's always depressing to see you've lost points on a paper because of improper page numbers. If this is a problem area for you or you just want to review the MLA format head over to the Purdue Writing Lab - it's easy to use and super useful when you're unsure of the proper form. Additionally, they provide examples implementing the techniques so you are able to see their application.

Guideline for Concise Writing

Sometimes, when we write, the flow of our thoughts become jumbled . In our minds, as we write, it seems like it all makes sense and that every word we write needs to be written, or the paper will fail. This is not the case, and most of the time much of what we write can be edited into fewer words to make a constant flow of thought. Here is a checklist from A Short Guide to Writing Literature for revising your draft to ensure the usefulness of each word, sentence or paragraph.

• Does every word count? Can any words or phrases be cut without loss of meaning?
• Are there any empty or pretentious words such as situation, factor, virtually, significant and utilize?
• Do intensifiers such as very, truly, and rather weaken your sentences?
• Are there any roundabout or long-winded locutions? Do you say, for example, at that point and time when you mean then, or for the simple reason that when you mean because?
• Do sentences get off to a fast start? Can you cut any sentences that open with "it is...that"?
• Can you replace forms of the verb to be, to have, and to make with precise and active verbs?
• Are there any redundancies or negative constructions?
• Can any sentences be improved by using subordination? (Barnet & Cain 299)

Information About Research Writing

This is a blog developed for a digital literature project for an English Research Writing Class. It will include the following:

1. Papers written by students who are members of this blog.
2. How the research writing process works.
3. Links to research sites and databases.
4. Tips on how to write a research paper.

Each contributing member of this blog will post at least one paper they have written while attending college. They will post their papers along with the process they underwent while writing. Photos of the editing process will be pictured along with outlines, annotated bibliographies, research notes, first drafts, edits, and final drafts of the paper. Links to resources used will also be provided in the entries.