Using a Style Sheet

Find time to sit down and read your style sheet or manual before you ever begin to write. Then you’ll be prepared to take notes that will set you up for the writing stage when you get there. For example, your style sheet may require information about editions. Have there been more than one? What is the difference in this one and the last one (or the next one). Don’t try to cheat on the requirements of your style manual. If you’ve written a research paper before and have used a different one, then beware! You’ll be expected to conform to the prescribed one on this paper.

Some things your style sheet or manual will dictate:

• Headings
• Punctuation
• Abbreviations
• Bibliography form
• Placement of notes
• Quotations
• Numbers
• Tables
• Appendixes
• Paper
• Spacing
• Margins
• Page Numbers
• Paragraphs and Indentation