The Writing Commandments I.E. Things I will never, ever, ever do again (or will always do) in formal writing assignments. Starting now and for the rest of my life.

Formal vs. Informal Formal Any analytical essay about a piece of literature. In-Class Essays When in doubt, err on the side of caution and assume it’s formal Informal Journal entries Answers on a vocabulary quiz Free Writes BrainstormsNotes

1. I will never refer to myself. Example: “I believe…” or “I feel this shows…”

2. I will never refer to the audience or reader directly. This means using “you,” “we,” “us,” or “our.” As in: “You might ask yourself, what is a hero?” As in: “You might ask yourself, what is a hero?”

3. I will never use contractions. Examples: “He’s” should be “He is” or “Doesn’t” should be “does not.” Contractions are a sign of laziness.

4. I will always, always write about literature (and films) in the present tense. I.E. “Edward goes to Karl and offers himself as a sacrifice, thereby saving the town of Ashland.”

5. I will always capitalize character’s first AND last names. I.E. Atticus Finch is correct. Atticus finch is not.

6. I will always format titles correctly I.E. Big Fish or Big Fish are both correct. “Big Fish” or Big Fish are not.

7. I will always put page numbers after a quote. Always. No exceptions.

8. I will avoid using the phrase “this quote shows” when starting my analysis.

9. I will never refer to the author by his first name. I will always refer to him by his last name. Unless you are close, personal buddies with the author. Then see me. And maybe introduce me. No, seriously…

10. I will always double- space typed works. This is one of those other “no exceptions” rules.

11. I will always proofread my own paper before handing it in. I will do this by reading my paper out loud.

Or Else!!!!! I will take 1 point off your assignment grade for every instance of a commandment error. For example, if you use three contractions and put the book title in bold = 4 points off your paper grade. Forget to capitalize the author’s last name? Another point. Use “you” seven times? Seven more points. I’m not kidding. Don’t tempt me. Seriously.