Customer Reviews

Form and Style: Research Papers, Reports, Theses

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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.

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

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.

I am cruising in December and in March. I have already referred to this book several times and find that it is a great help in planning my upcoming vacations. The descriptions are short and precise. I would definitely recommend. Great book for the price.