HowTests Writing Rules
Effective Date: June 3, 2025
At HowTests, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of academic and editorial integrity. As a platform designed to support aspirants of competitive examinations, we strive to provide educational content that is original, accurate, respectful, and aligned with the requirements of these examinations. These Writing Rules apply to all contributors, including authors, educators, editors, subject specialists, and task submitters.
By submitting content to HowTests, contributors agree to adhere to the guidelines outlined below. Non-compliance may result in content rejection, removal, or permanent suspension of contributor privileges.
1. General Principles of Contribution
- Reflects originality, factual accuracy, and structural coherence.
- Adheres to formal academic tone and style.
- Respect legal, ethical, and intellectual property norms.
- Serves an educational purpose in line with HowTests' mission.
All content is subject to editorial evaluation and may be refined or modified to meet platform standards prior to publication.
2. Quality Standards for Content Submission
2.1 Originality and Plagiarism Prevention
- All submissions must be original works. Plagiarism in any form, including direct copying, improper paraphrasing, or self-plagiarism, is strictly prohibited.
- Submissions must not replicate or recycle previously published content unless properly cited and permission is granted.
- Appropriate in-text citations and references must be provided when external sources are used.
- Plagiarized content will be rejected, and repeated offences may result in contributor suspension.
2.2 Factual Accuracy and Source Credibility
- Contributors are responsible for verifying all facts, data, and references.
- Only credible sources should be cited (e.g., academic journals, official portals, CSSPrepForum, BBC, etc.).
- Unsubstantiated or manipulative content is not permitted.
2.3 Language, Structure, and Readability
- Use formal, grammatically correct English.
- Explain jargon and avoid overly complex language.
- Ensure coherence, flow, and clarity of arguments.
- Avoid excessively long paragraphs or ambiguous phrasing.
3. Formatting and Style Requirements
3.1 Structural Components
- Title: Accurate and non-sensational.
- Introduction: Concise and relevant overview.
- Body: Use headings, subheadings, and lists.
- Conclusion: Summarize key points.
3.2 Visual and Media Use
- Use legally permissible and relevant images only.
- Provide attribution for third-party visuals.
- Ensure media supports the content’s purpose.
3.3 Referencing and Citations
- Use consistent citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago).
- Ensure hyperlinks are secure and non-promotional.
- Avoid citing unverified sources like blogs or forums.
4. Ethical and Legal Obligations
4.1 Intellectual Property Compliance
- Respect copyrights and proprietary rights.
- Clearly attribute all quotes and paraphrased content.
- Disclose AI tool usage and apply human editing.
4.2 Respectful and Responsible Content
- Do not submit offensive or discriminatory content.
- Uphold inclusivity, empathy, and academic standards.
- No content that promotes cheating or dishonesty.
4.3 Non-Commercial Contribution Policy
- Do not include promotional content or affiliate links.
- Author bios may include credentials but must remain neutral.
5. Submission and Editorial Review Protocol
5.1 Submission Guidelines
- Submit via the official “Write for Us” portal.
- Include a brief author bio with qualifications.
- Format submissions per these rules.
5.2 Editorial Review and Refinement
- All content goes through multi-level review.
- Editors may request revisions or refinements.
- Final publishing is at the discretion of the editorial team.
6. Disciplinary Measures for Policy Violations
- Content Rejection or Removal: Immediate deletion of non-compliant content.
- Contributor Suspension or Ban: Temporary or permanent restrictions for repeated violations.
- Legal Repercussions: Possible legal action for copyright or defamatory violations.
7. Policy Updates and Revisions
HowTests reserves the right to revise this policy at any time. All contributors will be notified of major updates. The most recent version will always be available at www.howtests.com.
8. Contact for Contributor Support
For inquiries related to writing guidelines, submissions, or editorial processes, please contact us at:
- Email: contributors@howtests.com
- Website: www.howtests.com