All the "Writing Rules" I've Ever Learned

• Make every essay five paragraphs.
• No sentence fragments.
• Never use I.
• Verbs have to agree with their subjects.
• Don't use double negatives.
• Always hook the reader in during the introduction.
• Every introduction has to have a thesis statement.
• Establish your topic.
• Organize your ideas.
• Write a first draft.
• Proofread the final draft.
• Use an introduction, three main body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Use transitions.
• Write a bibliography.
• Use good sentence structure.
• Stay on topic.
• Avoid being redundant.
• Use complete sentences.
• Use appropriate punctuation. 

Most of these rules I learned from my high school english teachers.