Synthesis Paper Guidelines (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

numbered. In short, there is no cover page.

! An Abstract should follow and be bold-faced.

! All pages should be numbered in the bottom center as “Page #.”

! Indent paragraphs; do NOT leave a line between each.

! Section titles should be CAPITALIZED and center-justified.

! Formal Linnaean groups should be capitalized, except when not in formal form (e.g.,

Bivalvia; bivalves; and Therapsida; therapsids).

! Genera and species are always italicized (or underlined); Genera are capitalized; species

are not (e.g., Dicynodon feliceps).

! Citations should be in a section entitled “References Cited,” which will include only

those references that you cite. The References Cited section should be single-spaced,

and hanging indents (Word: Format-Paragraph-Special Hanging) must be used.

Contents:

1. Abstract – This is a brief statement describing what the problem was about, your

approach, and what you concluded (one paragraph).

2. Approach – Describe how you went about solving the problem and answering the

questions associated with the problem.

Be specific about assumptions made, the facts that support them, and the sources

of information used.

Lay out explicitly all calculations (when used). Remember to use and list

appropriate units, and keep them straight. Equations when appropriate are

expected; please number them.

Use appropriate terms throughout.

3. Conclusions – Describe what you can and cannot conclude regarding the answer(s) to the

problem. Identify possible approaches to those parts of the problem for which you

could not reach conclusions. DO NOT summarize your paper (e.g., write a second

Abstract) in the Conclusions section.

Other: Do not make dumb grammatical errors. For example:

! Data are plural; datum is singular.

! It’s is a contraction for “it is;” its is possessive.

! Utilize the resources provided by Miller Library’s Farnsworth Writing Center several

days before the synthesis paper is due.

Tips on How to Write (the Cliff Notes version):

Write a thesis statement (that is the focal point or raison d’etre) of your entire work.

This statement should be the last sentence of your first paragraph.

Outline your work. The outline should be composed of the topical sentences of each

paragraph.

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Synthesis Paper Guidelines Page 2