Final answer:
Correcting run-on sentences, properly formatting quotations, and creating clear paragraph structures are key elements in academic writing. Using periods to end sentences, including proper citations, and effectively using headings facilitate clarity and coherence.
Step-by-step explanation:
When working on academic writing assignments, it is essential to construct clear and well-organized documents. This includes understanding how to correctly format headings and sentences, and cite sources throughout your work.
Run-on Sentences and Proper Punctuation
One common error in writing is the run-on sentence. A run-on sentence occurs when two or more complete sentences are not separated by appropriate punctuation. To correct this, consider options such as using a period to create separate sentences or employing coordinating conjunctions, semicolons, or subordinating clauses to link ideas more effectively. Proper punctuation ensures clarity and ease of reading.
Quotation Formatting and Citations
When introducing long quotations, use a colon at the end of the leading sentence, indent the quotation without using quotation marks, and include the source's page number after the period. Citing sources correctly is crucial for attribution and maintaining academic integrity. When quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing, always provide the author's last name and the page number(s) where the original material appeared, using a hyphen for page ranges.
Paragraph Construction and Heading Use
Each paragraph should conclude with its own analysis, and run-in headings should end with a period. When creating complex or compound sentences, aim for grammatical correctness to avoid giving the impression of error. Lastly, conclusions and recommendations should be marked with a clear, bold heading to signal the end of discussion and start of summary.