Writing Reminders MLA format Heading Upper left corner

Writing Reminders

MLA format Heading – Upper left corner -your name -my name -course -date Margins – 1 inch Header – ½ inch from top right margin – last name page number (e. g. Jeter 5)

Introduction paragraph • General to specific (usually ending in thesis) • Begin with general information – grabbing the reader’s attention • Move to introduce your topic - If applicable Include title and author of works presented • Ends with thesis – clearly stating your idea and what you intend to prove

Thesis Statement In general a thesis statement: • answers the question your paper explores • makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper • is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper • is the last sentence of the introduction Two parts: • What (“This is my answer/idea…”) • Why/how (“because…”)

Body Paragraphs • Topic sentence • TELL: Support / evidence from the text (quotations with context) • SHOW: Analysis of support / connection to thesis • DO NOT introduce a new idea as a transition – save it for the topic sentence of the following paragraph

Conclusion • Specific to general • Begin by bringing reader back to idea of thesis – BUT NEVER restate thesis • Move from ideas of text to larger application • Leave a final impression on the reader

Other reminders • PRESENT TENSE when discussing literature • Diction -Use sophisticated language – not got – but don’t blindly insert words from a thesaurus • Clear tone – is it formal or informal? • POV – appropriate for paper (e. g. third person formal papers) • No very – it doesn’t mean anything! • Avoid ending in prepositions – unless rephrasing creates awkward sentences no one would ever use… • No contractions in formal paper • Overuse of ! (never in formal papers – unless direct quotation) • Avoid clutter / excessive wordiness in your writing. • Clear organization – both in entire essay and within paragraphs • Proofread – grammar and mechanics