Every instructor has there own quirks and peeves. Written homework are where these often come out. This page is designed to help you write a paper for ME. They may not work with others so watch out.
You are reading this so I am assuming you want a good grade on your paper. I will not dwell long on the assumptions but do not get the idea they are not important. I assume correct grammar and spelling, I also assume your have met (at least) the minimum requirement of the paper. A great paper on the wrong topic will not help you.
In my classes, writing assignments are given as a mental challenge and a process used to clarify your thoughts. Usually, I do not make written assignments to simply give you practice in writing or prove you have read something. Rather the goal is to make something interesting that stands on its own as something worth reading. The best papers will be approached in this manner.
For example, I may ask you to read three articles and write a report. Too many students will start their papers with, "I have read three articles for this report." It is boring and leave me asking, "Just three?" and "Why these three?" As the author, you should find a reason why I should care about the paper (even if I forced you to write it). Remember, I am reading many papers. You want yours to stand out for two reasons. First, you completed the assignment. Second, you made it worth reading.
The best suggestion I can make is simple. Think about your paper before you write it. Most of the papers I read show lack of thought. People who have not thought about their papers fail in two ways. First, they fail to understand the topic. You can not effectively write about something you do not understand. If you have not adequately thought about the topic, you miss connections and make factual errors.
Papers written without time thinking also tend to be poorly organized. You need to take the time to plan what you will say and in what order. The worst papers I read are those where someone has started writing and continued until they reach the minimum length. These papers are often redundant on some points and miss (or underdevelop) others. The planning process can also give you new ideas as you take a wide view of your topic.
You may know by now that I want you to use industry vocabulary. I think it is important for you to use the terms of our profession. It is a fine line between using the correct terms and meaningless jargon. Know what you are talking about. If you are not certain, define or use simpler words.
Start early and get a draft done. I am happy to grade papers early and allow you to change if you hand it in early enough.
You may e-mail your assignments to me. Text files work best but I can also support MS Word, WordPerfect, and Claris Works. Others are possible.
I will be much more concerned if the paper is too short rather than too long.
Ask me if you have any questions.