All papers you will write in the MSW program, whether reflection or research papers, are considered academic papers. Academic papers should always include integration of relevant academic content--citations in the body of the paper that match the references on the reference page. First and foremost, READ the assignment. Many writers have received poor grades because they do not follow the assignment. Next, make an outline for your paper based on the assignment. We live in a digital world, but you may find that writing your outline on paper (go analog) allows you to be creative and think critically. Ultimately, what works for you is best. What is NOT best for anyone is procrastination. Procrastination is costly and often what sets individuals up for unintentional or even intentional plagiarism.

Good papers always include:

An Introduction: Tell the reader what you are going to discuss. This should be at least a paragraph and sometimes two. The introduction should include a brief description of what will be discussed, your thesis (your interpretation of the literature). Typically, the introduction does not have citations unless quoting.

Body of the paper: Papers you write at the graduate level are NOT reports. They include an analysis and examination of the literature. This requires critical thinking. In this section you will provide support for the claims you are making. Your argument should include potential alternative points of view and why you do not favor those claims. For example, you may be arguing that schools need to assess the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) of all students, however you feel strongly that merely collecting data regarding trauma is unethical. How do you support this claim? You perhaps would use the literature on trauma informed care as well as the NASW Code of Ethics to support your argument (claims making). Your paper should be divided up into sections the start broad and narrow down to your absolute most critical claims. This is referred to as the inverted pyramid; starting with the broader literature and narrowing to the core of your thesis. The body of your paper should be well supported (many citations) from the relevant literature. Be sure you give proper credit to all the claims you are making. As a general rule, every paragraph should most likely have several citations.

Conclusion/Summary: The conclusion is a review of the major points of the paper. It is your last chance to emphasize you claims. It also may conclude with your own thoughts summarized. Typically, it will not include citations unless using quotes or summarizing an important author's point that supports your claims.

Now, after finishing, set your paper aside for a day or two and then reread. You will be surprised how many mistakes of unfinished thoughts you may find. Time away from your assignment is time well spent toward an excellent evaluation.

Resources:

The IUPUI Writing Center (the Writing Center can help you one-one to assist in writing papers).

The Purdue Fort Wayne Writing Center

How to Write Good Academic Papers

How To Structure An Academic Paper

Click here for some Resources at the IUPUI Writing Center