Writing Review

MLA Heading

MLA Heading You will need to have your MLA heading on EVERYTHING you turn in. If you turn something in without the MLA heading, points will be deducted. Your MLA header belongs in the top left-hand corner of the paper. Exception: the only time you do not need your MLA header is if the paper has a line for your name. Name: ____________

Parts of the MLA Heading There are 4 parts to the MLA heading: Name Teacher Class Date The date for your heading should be written in the order of day, month, year Write out the month, do not use a number Do not use dashes or commas in the date

Example MLA Heading John Smith Mrs. Worthen Period 5 18 August 2017

3.8 Paragraphs

What is a 3.8 paragraph? A 3.8 paragraph is a paragraph that has… 8-10 Sentences 3 Main Points

What does that look like? Topic Sentence Point 1 Explain/Support Point 2 Point 3 Conclusion Sentence *This format gives the writer 8 sentences. However, the writer can use more than 1 sentence to explain each main point.

Writing Rules

Writing Rules Throughout the year, you will hear me refer to writing rules anytime you are writing a paragraph or essay. My writing rules include No2Sentences No Contractions No 1st or 2nd Person Pronouns Dead Words

No2Sentences This rule means that no 2 sentences start with the same word in the same paragraph. This rule is important because it helps you vary the words you use and stops your writing from sounding boring. It is not interesting to read a paragraph where the sentences all start with the same word. I like to play basketball. I like to go shopping. I like to watch movies.

No Contractions This rule means that you do not use any contractions in your writing. Contractions are when you combine 2 words into 1 using an apostrophe. Cannot = can’t Should not = shouldn’t This rule is important because it helps your writing sound more formal, which is very important for testing and college.

No 1st or 2nd Person Pronouns This rule means that you are not to use 1st or 2nd person pronouns in your writing. The only exception to this rule is when you are writing about a personal experience. I, me, mine, my, you, your, yours, we, us, our, ours 3rd person pronouns can be used. He, she, they, them, it

Dead Words Dead words are words that can easily be overused in a paper. You will be allowed to have a certain number of dead words in large writing assignments. You will usually not have to worry about dead words during smaller writing assignments. Dead words include: Thing Stuff Said Very In this paragraph/essay OR This paragraph/essay will discuss

How can you avoid dead words? The best way to avoid using dead words is to substitute it with a more specific or higher-level word. Examples: The author says… The author explains… The boy is very excited. The boy is ecstatic.