1. Proofread! Copy-editing is an important step in making your paper reader friendly. Spelling errors, bizarre grammatical constructions, and other deviances from normal practice can compromise the potential effect of even the most original idea. More importantly, these are college papers that the Music Department views as a significant part of your attempt to earn three college credits in a course required for your major. Sloppy work will not serve you well.
  2. Punctuation matters. For example, a comma should follow an introductory prepositional phrase. It also divides two independent clauses contained in the same sentence.
  3. Avoid contractions and other colloquialisms. Examples: use “cannot” instead of “can’t,” or “would not” instead of “wouldn’t.” Formal English features contraction avoidance.

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