Module Formatting and Grammar Guidelines

**Failure to adhere to these guidelines will cost you many points**

Grammar

Proof-read your paper to ensure there are none of the following writing mistakes:

  • Missing or misplaced period
  • Spelling error
  • Incorrect word, example: their or there
  • Capitalization error
  • An abbreviation that has not already been explained
  • Possession mistakes
  • Sentences that don’t make sense
  • When using a quote that contains a quote within it, use apostrophes instead of quotations for the quote within it
  • Incorrect use of numerals (spell out numbers under 10, “two”; use figures for 10 and above “16”)

Formatting

Proof-read your paper to ensure that there are none of the following organizational mistakes:

  • Missing page break (each exercise should begin on a new page)
  • Missing cover page
  • Missing name or group number on cover page
  • Ink lines from printer on pages
  • Missing staple or binder clip – you may NOT use a paper clip or hair pin to secure your paper
  • Inconsistent indentation
  • Extra spaces in text
  • Double space anywhere in your module, except for your reference page
  • Missing exercise number on articles/attachments
  • Loose newspaper articles – they should be mounted (stapled, glued, or taped) to a blank sheet of paper and then put behind the page the exercise falls on
  • Be sure to put your answers underneath the line that says "Part X score:_____," and the bulleted instructions, not before it.
  • Unless otherwise stated, begin your answer directly after the colon.

Other

  • Whenever you use a source in your answer, including all quotes, you must provide an APA style internal citation and a full APA style guide on the Reference page, except for personal communications. For personal communications you need only to include an internal citation. HINT: Most of these exercises require sources unless otherwise specified. Reference the APA Citation Guide found on the PAF 101 website.
  • All newspaper articles must be dated within the past six months. Only attach an article if required by exercise directions. Whenever you attach an article, it must be directly behind the exercise in which it appears, and it must be clearly labeled with the exercise number and letter to which it pertains. Attach only the first page of the article unless otherwise stated.
  • ALWAYS use Microsoft Word. Do not use Pages.
  • Anytime you take direct information from somewhere, you must internally cite the source, even if the exercise says no source is needed. If you fail to do so, you will receive a 0 on your module.
  • Don’t use fancy internal citations. Follow this example at all times even though APA permits other formats: (Coplin, 2007, p. 4).
  • NEVER use international policies or sources in any module.