1. How to Write and How to Cite
MLA Format for Professional
and Academic Skills

2. Essay Structure Review
Three parts of an Essay
Introduction
Introductory sentences
gives topic of essay, mentions title and author of the work you’re writing about,
Personalizes the topic
Thesis:
last sentence of introduction, an answer to a question
Question: Did George do the right thing in killing Lenny, why or why not?
Tragic circumstances force George to mercifully murder Lenny in order to save him from a lynching.

3. 2. Supporting Paragraphs
Support your Thesis
Contain all your cited proof
Begin with topic sentences
There are several examples of external conflicts in Beowulf.
Transition logically from one to the next
Though Beowulf faces many external conflicts, there are difficult internal conflicts he contends with, too.
Your supporting paragraphs are the foundation of your thesis

4. 3. Conclusion Rewords the Thesis for emphasis
Sums up essay’s main points
Connects the literary devices to the author’s purpose and/or the text
You should never need to cite in your conclusion

5. MLA Citing ReviewWhy Cite?
Because citing is easy
Because citing is the law
Because citing correctly creates a good impression in your audience
Because you can be fired or expelled (from college) if you don’t, and no college refunds tuition
CITE OR DIE CITE OR DIE.

6. How to Cite in MLA Format
You must cite when you quote directly or paraphrase.
All citations are placed in parentheses at the end of the sentence and before the period.
Novel/Short Story/Article—use the author’s last name and page numbers
Even after the birth of his son, Buck shows the protagonist’s paranoia when he thinks “It did not do in this life to be too fortunate” (Buck 41).
Even when his son is born, the protagonist stifles his joy and is paranoid he has had too much good fortune (Buck 41).

7. Remember …
Our goal in emphasizing the skills of writing and citing are to better prepare you for either professional and/or academic work.
These skills are mastered through practice, practice, practice.
With effort, you will be much better at this at the end of the year.