Use transition sentences to move from one paragraph to the next. 
  Read your paper aloud. Does the reading flow, or is it “choppy?”
  Use only third person.
   Revise. Revise. Revise. It is the key to successful writing.

Formatting

Font: Use an easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman. A “10” or “12” point size is standard. Check with your instructor.

Title Page: A research paper does not need a title page. Instead, beginning one inch from the top of the first page and flush with the left margin, type your name, instructor’s name, course number, and the date on separate lines, double-spacing between the lines. Double space again and center the title. Double-space between the title and the first line of text. Do not underline your title or put it in quotation marks or type it in all capital letters.

 If your instructor requires a title page, the usual format is as follows: center and double-space title, name, course, hour, and date. Check with your instructor for any other requirements such as a protective cover or folder.

Margins: Except for page numbers, use margins of one inch around text on all sides. Indent the   paragraph five spaces from the left margin. Indent set-off quotations (four or more lines) ten spaces from left margin

Spacing: Double-space your entire document, including quotations, notes, and the list of works cited. In a hand-written paper, skip every other ruled line.

Page Numbering/Header: Number all pages consecutively throughout the research paper in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. Type your last name before the page number with no period or hyphen and only one space. Word processors feature automatic page numbering and will save you time. Be sure to check with your instructor for any other requirements.

Works Cited Page: This is the last page after your research paper. The words “Works Cited” should be centered at the top of the page, and then double-space to begin your citations. Don’t indent the first line of each citation, and indent each line five spaces thereafter. Use one inch margins all around.