Form and Style: Research Papers, Reports, Theses [Paperback]

Carole Slade (Author), William Giles Campbell (Author), Stephen Vaughan Ballou (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0395676584 | ISBN-13: 978-0395676585 | Publication Date: November 1993 | Edition: 9th Sprl

This classic introductory text is renowned for its solid guidance in the writing, documenting, and formatting of research papers, reports, theses, and dissertations. Form and Style's comprehensive coverage of the research process ranges from choosing a topic and preparing a draft to documenting sources and creating a bibliography. The text provides models and explanations of four documentation styles: Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), and Columbia Guide to Online Style (CGOS). Students receive the most up-to-date information on MLA documentation with the enclosed tri-fold card providing NEW 2009 MLA Handbook formats.

--This text refers to the Spiral-bound edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (T); 9th Sprl edition (November 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395676584
• ISBN-13: 978-0395676585
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,158,059 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Useful Resource, July 16, 2000

By 

Jonathan Bennett (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Form And Style, Eleventh Edition (Form and Style, 11th ed) (Spiral-bound)

I first discovered this book when one of my history professors recommended it. Now, I always keep it nearby when I write. It gives directions for writing great papers and contains the latest citation information for the Chicago, MLA, and APA styles (different teachers often prefer different styles). Also, Slade gives the information in a concise manner (only 297 full size pages). Because of this, I highly recommend it for those who write research papers frequently, especially college students. Here is a chapter summary:

1) Writing a Research Paper: This section explains the basics of writing a research paper and is very useful to the novice. It deals with choosing a topic, preparing a bibliography, library research techniques, organizing the paper, writing drafts, and proofreading. This chapter also includes sample research pages.

2) Elements of Theses and Dissertations: Slade tells how to write abstracts, make title pages, organize chapters, and arrange reference materials. This section also includes sample pages.

3) Quotations: This part teaches the reader how to use direct and indirect quotations, as well as proper punctuation and capitalization. She also gives examples from the 3 major styles.

4) Style and Mechanics: Slade explains in detail the style (e.g. diction, tense, unbiased language) and mechanics (e.g. spelling, italics, hyphenation) of a good paper.

5) Tables, Figures, and Computer Materials: This chapter demonstrates proper usage and placement of figures and tables (including those generated by computer). Sample figures are provided.

6) The Finished Copy: Slade recaps previous chapters, explains about equipment and supplies (e.g. paper quality) and gives typing and printing instructions.

7) Chicago Manual Style: This section explains how to do endnotes, footnotes, and bibliographies in this style. There are examples from all types of sources (books, periodicals, etc.). She even includes electronic and web sources.

8) MLA Style: Slade explains how to cite works in the text and properly create a bibliography in the MLA style. As with the Chicago, she gives examples from many types of sources, including the internet.

9) American Psychological Association Style: This section demonstrates how to cite sources in the text and the bibliography according to the APA guidelines. It too explains how to cite many types of sources, including internet and electronic.

There is an appendix that includes legal citations and state abbreviations, a glossary of terms, and an index.

5.0 out of 5 stars Form and Style, March 25, 2010

By 

Rev. Dr. Zenobia A. James - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Form and Style (with 2009 MLA Update Card) (Spiral-bound)

This book is a must have resource for developing a research project for higher education. The examples of form and style for APA is good.I am continuing my education in a graduate Distance Education Program. Wow!
Dr. Zenobia A. James

5.0 out of 5 stars Form and Style, December 24, 2008

By 

Sue E. Houchins "shouchins" (Maine) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Form & Style: Research Papers, Reports, Theses (Hardcover)

I always list this book among the "recommended texts" for my classes. I tell students that they can use it from their first year until they finish their dissertations. This reference is easier to use than either the MLA or the Chicago Style sheets and, as such, is a very helpful supplement to them.