- roper structure: an introductory paragraph, several body paragraphs, and a short concluding paragraph. The introduction should include the title(s) of the text(s) and the name of the author(s). It should start with something that introduces your thesis and end with the thesis statement itself. The body paragraphs include support for your thesis statement.
- Support: your ideas about the literature, quotations (source material) from the literature that support your ideas, and your interpretation of those quotations (more of your own ideas). Paraphrases may be used in addition to quotations, but quotations are the best choice. All source material, whether quoted or paraphrased should be introduced with signal phrases, also called introductory signals. Follow those samples in the assignment handout for introductory signals. (Note: Your professor may limit the percentage of quotations you can add to your essays.)
- Documentation: MLA Parenthetical citations must be placed immediately after all quotations and paraphrases. Sample citations are included in each essay’s assignment handout. Follow those samples carefully. See the important note at the bottom of this section.
- The Honor Code: The code should be listed at the end of the last page of an essay. See Ground Rule #4 in the syllabus for the wording. Just copy and insert your name into the blank.
- Directions and Requirements:There is an assignment handout for each essay, provided in the essay’s Module.Listed below are resources available to you for research and revision
Revision Resources . . .
- Global Revision Checklist
- Literary Paper Checklist
- Sentence Level Revision and Editing
Help with Grammar and Mechanics . . .
- Active Voice
- Eliminating Distracting Shifts
- Prepositions
- Repairing Sentence Fragments
- Commas and Coordinating Conjunctions
- Commas and Introductory Elements
- Commas and Non-Restrictive Elements
- Unnecessary Commas
- Semicolons
- Using Punctuation with Quotation Marks
