Introduction: A one paragraph introduction needs to introduce the reader to the main topic(s) of the paper. Things you should consider including are answers to the following: Why is this topic important? What is the main purpose of your paper? Be sure to gradually introduce the reader to the topic and provide some context for understanding the articles.

Main Text: Pretend that the person who reads your paper has never read these articles. What key points would your reader need to learn about in order to understand the information? Organize your writing around your selected themes. Do not waste time providing research details that are not necessary to understanding the key points addressed. Remember the big picture and provide enough detail to make sense of the information — but not so much as to overwhelm the reader.

Conclusion: After discussing the main themes, wrap up with a conclusion. Be sure to tie your conclusion to the introduction.

Length: The entire paper should be three pages, NOT including your cover page and references.

Formatting: Use a 12 point font, standard double-spacing, 1 inch margins.

First Page: You may include a cover page if you wish, but the cover page does not count toward the 3 pages needed for this assignment. The first page of the actual paper should contain a centered title, followed by a blank line, then the text of the paper. See APA manual for examples.

Page Header: All pages of an APA text need numbered Page Headers in the upper right corner. The Page Header should contain your last name, a few words of the title and a page number.

Headers: The paper should have a header between the introduction and body, and parallel headers as appropriate throughout the rest of your paper. See APA manual.

References: The articles should be cited and placed in a reference list at the end of the paper (does not count towards the 3 pages assigned).

Style: All APA rules should be followed for headers, citations, references, etc., even if we have not yet highlighted them in class. Use your APA manual!