Handouts and Files

Download and use the paper template below for all of your papers. Read the very important note below the paper template link before using it.

For PDFs, right-click on the link, select "Save as," save the file to your hard disk, and then read it using Adobe Reader.

For RTFs, do the same but use a word processor to view and use the file.

Paper Template (RTF)

Use the manuscript format given in the Reading and Writing Handbook. Use this paper template only if you are asked to by the instructor. Make extra copies of the file and store them in different places, then rename and edit one copy to write your paper.

Very important note: if you highlight a whole line including what appears to be an extra space after the last character of the line and delete the selection, the format of the line may also disappear. Make sure that the extra space is not highlighted then, or use the delete or backspace key to erase each character, or overwrite the sample text with your own. A better option is to highlight some lines then type your own words. That way, the format remains.

Do not forget to enter the correct numbers in the word count section before printing out your work. Do not forget to follow guidelines concerning print quality, paper size, and so forth given in the Reading and Writing Handbook. The same goes for research materials such as bibliographic cards, note cards, photocopies and other media, envelope and folder types and sizes, etc.

Presentation Guidelines (PDF)

Use these guidelines for group presentations. This handout is also included in the reading and writing handbook.

Reading and Writing Handbook (PDF)

This is a draft of collected guidelines for the whole process of reading fiction, non-fiction, and verse, and writing various types of papers.

Sample Student Essay (PDF)

If you are looking for an example of how one may write about non-fiction, fiction, or verse, try the dozens of literature and writing textbooks available in the market and in your library. If you need one more example, try the sample student essay linked above, which is a literary essay about Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. Its main features include looking at different sides of an event or issue (as seen in eyewitness reports, feature articles, other expository patterns which include description), argumentation, and interpretation (which is part of evaluative writing and literary essay).

For this sample essay, note the presence of a thesis or main point, the supporting points that develop that thesis, the depth of interpretation employed to develop those supporting points, the arguments made for and against various interpretations (which for the writer involves looking at possible counter-arguments), the presence of a conclusion with implied recommendations, lists of works cited or consulted, and the number of words used.

Finally, some students who were asked to evaluate the sample essay gave it a C+ or 2.5 out of 4.0.

Student Information Sheet (PDF)

You may be asked to download this file, print it out, and answer it, and submit it to your instructor sometime during the beginning of the term.

Sources for Statistical Information (PDF)

This is a partial list of sources that may offer statistical information about various topics and may be used to supplement information provided by local libraries. They may also offer you a starting point on what to consider first before pursuing your topic further for many types of papers.