1. Common Research Paper Mistakes

2. Attribution/citation of authority
Failing to introduce and attribute quotations, not just document them
Wrong: “Journeys are the midwives of thought” (4)
Correct: University of London professor Alain DeBoton writes in his 2002 book, The Art of Travel, “Journeys are the midwives of thought” (4)

3. Introductory Tags (authority’s name + strong verb)
Acknowledges
Comments
Explains
Submits
Admits
Considers
Proposes
Suggests
Affirms
Criticizes
Reveals
Writes
Argues
Declares
Speculates
Asks
Defends
States

4. NEVER use a contraction in a formal paper!
Using Contractions
NEVER use a contraction in a formal paper!
Wrong: Jamison’s theory doesn’t agree with the data.
Correct: Jamison’s theory does not agree with the data

5. Only 1 reason to use ITS…to make something possessive

6. Their= Possessive pronoun There= Adverb showing place (too vague for research) They’re= Contraction (they are) which does not belong in research

7. There is no such word as alot

8. Words, phrases, symbols to avoid
Starting sentences with IT or THERE
Intensifiers such as “very” “too” “really” “extremely”
“I think” (personal pronouns in general)
Abbreviations
Etc
&
Text speak

9. Never use an apostrophe to create a plural
Apostrophes indicate possession; they are NEVER used for making nouns plural. NO exceptions!