■ One of the best ways to give your writing a little “oomph”
is to vary your sentence structure. Use short sentences
occasionally. Even very short. Without subjects. Use simple
sentences, complex sentences (an independent clause and
one or more dependent clauses), and embedded sentences
(combining two clauses using relative pronouns rather than
conjunctions). And despite what Mrs. Dougherty taught you
in eighth grade, it really isokay to start sentences with “and”
or “but.” And to use sentence fragments for emphasis and
effect. Really.
■ Always remember the point of the paper: to communicate
your ideas as clearly and concisely as possible. So don’t get
lost in the details. If you have to choose between that
“perfect” word and the most organized paper imaginable,
opt for the latter.Again, mark corrections on your draft with a colored pen or pencil.
No need to reprint your paper yet—unless it’s gotten so marked up
that it’s hard to read!
Step 10: Prepare Your Final Bibliography
Your bibliography should be at the end of your paper, on a separate
page or pages:
■ One inch from the top of the page: Center the title “Works
Cited” or “Works Consulted,” depending upon which type of
bibliography you’re doing.
■ Use the same margins as you did for the rest of your paper—
one inch all the way around.
■ Treat your bibliography pages as if they are a continuation
of the text of your paper and number them accordingly—
don’tstart repaginating.Chapter 7 ■How to Write Terrific Papers 165