1. Writing Reminders

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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…”)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!