Essay Instructions: Research Paper Checklist
1. The paper should be an analysis of an issue critical to the development of
the theory and practice of homeland security where the student
researches the issue, and prepares his or her original thoughts and at
least one credible recommendation related to future Homeland Security
policy. The recommendation should be part of the conclusion.
2. Review the assignment instructions before submitting your papers. Ensure
that your paper begins with a proper introductory paragraph, which
includes a strong topic sentence, supporting context for the topic sentence
and thesis statement, and the thesis statement as the last sentence of this
paragraph.
3. Ensure that your paper ends with a proper conclusion that includes how
the paper defended it thesis statement.
4. The analysis of ideas, positions taken (based on the research), and writing
must be clear and organized.
5. Use quotes and paraphrasing appropriately, and support positions taken
based on your sources. REMEMBER, the writer is not allowed to be a
source for the paper.
6. First person narrative is not allowed in formal writing and papers unless it
is being quoted and referenced. Examples include, “I think, I recommend,
we should, etc.” In addition, avoid using personal pronouns in generally
since they are often used incorrectly. For example, students might write,
“We should tighten border security” when in fact, they are not employed by
the Border Patrol. “We should strengthen the laws dealing with whatever,”
when in fact, they are not members of the legislative body that passes
such laws.
7. Research papers must adhere to the APA Style guidelines. If you are not
familiar with the APA, take some time and review them. It is imperative
that students reference the work of others properly. Papers submitted
without in-text citations will not be graded.
8. The paper must be 2,000 words long, not counting the “Title” page and
“Works Cited” page and no longer than 2,500 words.
9. Ensure the amount of copied material in the paper does not exceed 30%
(not counting the “Works Cited” page).
10. Papers must be based on at least six, and preferably eight to ten credible
sources, which are properly listed on the Works Cited page and
referenced by citations according to the APA format.
11. Papers must be submitted in MS Word, preferably 2007, or 2010 format.
Students should not use formats other than “.docx” or “.doc.”
12. Submit your paper to Turnitin before submitting it for grading. In addition,
review carefully the assessment report for your paper and make sure you
reconcile any instances of copied material identified to ensure they are
properly referenced. It usually takes less than hour (often, less than ten
minutes) for Turnitin to review papers. By submitting your paper for
grading through the Assignments section of the classroom, you
acknowledge having reviewed the Turnitin assessment and having
documented all sources appropriately. There may be instances where
you disagree with parts of the assessment. Just make sure that you
reconcile any instances of disagreement.
13. Avoid losing credit due to careless grammatical and spelling errors.
Students should use the Spelling and Grammar Checking function in MS
Word as part of their proof reading process. I use it automatically when
grading.
14. PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED PAPERS OR PREVIOUS WORK MAY NOT
BE USED FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT. IF USED, THE GRADE IS AN
AUTOMATICE ZERO.
15. ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND COURSE TEXTBOOKS MAY NOT BE USED AS
SOURCES FOR THE RESEARCH PAPER
16. The paper should adhere to a consistent format
? Typewritten in double-spaced format with a readable style and font,
and submitted in MS Word
? Arial or Times New Roman styles, 11 or 12-point font
? Page margins Top, Bottom, Left Side and Right Side = 1 inch