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 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 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 for formal papers) No very – it doesn’t mean anything!