Use MLA Format
– Must have at least 4 sources
– Must be at least 1200 words
– Tell me everything about your topic – as if I have never heard of it.   Give me statistics, facts, ALL the info.
– Understand your topic well
 – Make sure you have a well written thesis statement (a sentence that summarizes the main point of your essay and previews your supporting points)
– Use your outline – this will help tremendously
– Have a great introduction – use this to explain the purpose of your paper and how you plan to approach your topic.   Is this a factual paper, a persuasive argument, etc,….?   Your intro should answer these questions, 1)   What is this?     2) Why am I writing it?  3) What do I want to do with the information.     State why your main idea is important and make people care about it.   Remember that the intro always includes the thesis. 
– Make sure you have supporting arguments for each point that you make.   Each body paragraph should be a point and you should show sources (refer back to MLA Format)
– Have a conclusion that restates your thesis, but is worded differently.   Your conclusion should also briefly summarize each of the points that you made throughout your paper. 
– Use complete thoughts and clear language throughout – don’t leave any questions unanswered.