1. No one can do her or his best work at the last minute, or by staying up all night (or for several nights!). Why don't you see if, this term, you can avoid the "paper crisis" syndrome?!
2. If you are having problems defining your topic, developing your arguments, finding appropriate source materials, etc.--or if you need any other type of substantive assistance in handling an assignment--consult your professor or TA. Plan ahead, and try to anticipate potential problems.
3. Make sure that the idea or thesis you intend to develop is stated clearly and explicitly, preferably toward the beginning of your paper. This is extremely important; to a great extent, your analysis will be judged in terms of what you say you intend to do. A clear statement of purpose is one of the single most important elements in any essay. A well-defined thesis or topic should plot the course of a paper; the entire discussion should be directed toward and focused around explication of this central idea.
4. Learn the difference between facts, analysis, and expressions of your opinion--and between intellect and emotion (as in, "I feel . . ."--which should never be used in reference to you or an author--it is appropriate only if you are writing specifically about someone's [gasp!] feelings!). Unless it is asked for specifically, instructors are relatively unconcerned with your emotional responses, or with whether or not you "liked" or "agreed with" the readings.
5. You must provide evidence--effective evidence (see above)--to document your arguments. Cite examples or other types of data. Unsubstantiated assertions do not constitute evidence. In other words, do not say: "The Vietnam War was utterly absurd," and leave it at that. If you believe that that was the case, then demonstrate its absurdity, with evidence and concrete analysis of it. Along these lines, avoid phrases like: "It is interesting to note...;" either your discussion will demonstrate that something is "interesting," or it will not. Mere assertion that something is significant is no substitute for proof.
6. Make sure that the ideas you attribute to others are actually contained in their works. Is there concrete evidence in Frederick Jackson Turner's "Frontier" essay, for example, to support the contention that he was a "racist," or a "propagandist for American overseas imperialism"? If so, cite it. Or, rather, are these implications that may be inferred from his writing? Implications, of course, should be considered, but should be so identified. And you must justify your own inferences (see above). Be careful!
7. Use reference notes whenever necessary; when in doubt, it is safer to use one than to omit it. Remember, references must be given for ideas that are not yours and for all except the most uncontroversial of facts (clearly established dates and places, for example), and not just for direct quotations. Also, when you refer to a selection from an anthology or periodical, your note should indicate the specific piece you used and its author, and not just the name of the volume, journal, or editor. Also, learn the value of informational footnotes, as opposed to those that merely cite references.
8. Quotations must fit grammatically, as well as substantively, into an essay. Indicate deleted words with ellipses (...), and added words are placed in brackets ([]). Do not "strand" quotes at the ends of paragraphs. And a quotation cannot replace your discussion or analysis.
9. Every paper must have a TITLE. It need not be elegant or flashy, but "Assignment Number 1" or "Term Paper" will not do. It should also bear some relationship to the purpose of the paper.
10. COMMON MISTAKES TO BE AWARE OF--AND TO AVOID:
11. Regarding synonyms: use a thesaurus ONLY if you know how to use it properly. But just because a word is classified as a potential synonym for another, you cannot use it indiscriminately. Words you choose must be appropriate and precise, within the contexts in which you want to use them.
12. When talking about the United States or the "American people," do not refer to it or them as "we" or "us." [Also, "United States" is singular; this is a philosophical and ideological, as well as grammatical, truth.] Plural first-person pronouns are not only historically inaccurate (e.g., were you really there when "we beat the British in the Battle of New Orleans"?), but they smack of jingoist nationalism, as well. In fact, whenever possible, avoid using both the first and second ("you") persons in formal writing.
13. Be conscious of the pitfalls of ethnocentrism, sexism, class bias, and so on--and avoid them. Not all Americans were--or are--male, white, middle class, native-born, Christian, etc. And not all people are Americans. Do not, for instance, refer to females by their first names ("Jane" for Jane Addams); would you call F. Scott Fitzgerald, "Scott" (or "F.")? And PLEASE avoid arbitrary use of male denotations for people generally. [In response to those who believe that "man" and male pronouns are "generic" terms, consider the implications of the following: "We want to hire the best man for the job"--or the statement (correct by "traditional" standards of usage) that "Some believe that it is up to each individual to decide whether or not he should have an abortion."] In short, do not assume or assert homogeneity or consensus where it does not exist--and do not ascribe your attitudes, gender, identity, or beliefs to the world at-large.
14. Please proofread papers carefully before handing them in. Even if you have someone else type your papers, you are responsible for proofreading--and for meeting deadlines (make SURE your typist will have your work to you in time or that you have timely access to a printer!). Also, it is a big tactical mistake to turn in a messy paper. Such work inevitably produces a negative reaction from instructors; further, it suggests (however unintentionally) that the writer does not care about the quality of work she or he turns in, or about the impression it makes. Do you want to imply that you have a poor self-image?
15. Learn from the unfortunate experiences of others. If you work on a computer, ALWAYS make a backup copy of your work--preferably on a separate disk. ["Losing" one's only copy when the computer "eats" it is not an acceptable excuse for turning in a paper late.] If you use a typewriter, make a photocopy of each paper before you turn it in. NEVER assume that a paper which is slid under an office door, placed on someone's desk in her/his absence, or placed in a mailbox is actually "turned in." Unless specifically directed to do otherwise, it is best to give the paper personally to your professor or T.A.