Standard Essay Format for English Learners By Don Ault 25 December 2010 HCMC, Viet Nam

Standard Essay Format  Following are guidelines and an example of how your essays should be formatted.  This format follows most standard MLA (Modern Language Association) 2009 guidelines.  Some modifications (changes) have been made for the ESL learner.

Page One Upper Left Corner  Student Name = given name then family name  Mr. Don Ault  PSB Pre-Intermediate 1 or  PSB Pre-Intermediate 2  Date Example = 28 December 2010 Double space

Example Upper Left Page 1 Sally Student Mr. Don Ault PSB Pre-Intermediate 1 28 December 2010 Double space

Center the Title  Do NOT use Italics.  Do NOT use all capital letters.  DO capitalize important information words.

Example of Title The Effect of Global Warming on Viet Nam Double space

Paragraphs  Indent each paragraph.  Indent 12 spaces.  Indent by using the “Tab” button.

Paragraphs cont’d.  Indent each paragraph.  Double-space between each paragraph.  Press the “Enter” button two (2) times.

Font  Two fonts are permitted. 1.Times New Roman 2.Arial  Font size is 12 for everything.

Page Numbers  Insert page numbers at the bottom right of each page.  Show number on the first page. 1. “Insert” 2. “Page Numbers” a. Position: Bottom of Page (footer) b. Alignment: Right 3. Click “OK”

Spacing  Double-space between each line on practice essays.  Do not double-space between each line on final drafts.  Do not double-space between lines on writing tasks and exams!

Contractions and Numbers  Write out all words.  Do not use contractions.  Spell all numbers from zero to one hundred.

Plagiarism  Plagiarism is stealing.  Plagiarism is illegal.  Plagiarism will result in a “0” grade. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!

Example First Draft Sally Student Mr. Don Ault PSB Pre-Intermediate 1 28 December 2010 Double space Center My First Proper Essay Double space TabWriting an essay is not hard if you follow proper rules. All you need is a little practice. Soon you will be Double space writing fantastic essays in English! Double space TabThe first thing to remember is the format your teacher wants. If you follow those guidelines you are off to Double space a great start. Remember, a paragraph should contain at least three sentences. Of course they can be much Double space longer. Double space Tab Do not worry if you make mistakes. Mistakes are how you learn. Just be careful you do not make the Double space same mistake twice. Learn from your mistakes and adhere to the etiquette of writing. If you do this writing Double space good essays is easy. 1.

Example Final Essay Sally Student Mr. Don Ault PSB Pre-Intermediate 1 28 December 2010 My First Proper Essay Writing an essay is not hard if you follow proper rules. All you need is a little practice. Soon you will be writing fantastic essays in English! The first thing to remember is the format your teacher wants. If you follow those guidelines you are off to a great start. Remember, a paragraph should contain at least three sentences. Of course they can be much longer. Do not worry if you make mistakes. Mistakes are how you learn. Just be careful you do not make the same mistake twice. Learn from your mistakes and adhere to the etiquette of writing. If you do this writing good essays is easy. 1.

Coming Soon!  Plagiarism  Citations  Tet

By Don Ault You may use and share this presentation in its whole and entirety if no change is made to the original. Credit must be given to the writer. Contact me at Photos courtesy of