For the informal research essay, you should have the following:

– 3 – 4 typed, double-spaced pages.

– Written in Times New Roman, size 12 font.

– A clear thesis.

– Follow the past tense rules of grammar.

– Follow the rules of MLA or APA (check owl@purdue if you are not sure what goes with what style). This applies to more than just the in-text citations, so I’d recommend double checking what you have.

– A minimum of three sources (one being an academic journal) that are listed on a resource page that matches the citation style you are using.