Modern Language Association
Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation – Remember to use your computers to check for any spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. After you have finished your essay, be sure to re-check. There is no excuse for errors and they significantly demote your work.
Format – Stick to Modern Language Association (MLA) format throughout your paper (including your “Works Cited” page). No blue font, no paragraph headings, no bold font, etc.
Length – If you are asked to write a 3-page, double-spaced paper then please write a 3-page, double-spaced paper. Don’t hand in a 1-page paper. Don’t hand in a 5-page paper.
Introduction – Your introduction should start with general comments and end with a specific point; namely, your thesis statement (which is the point you are trying to make: “In this paper, it will be argued that X…”).
Body – Your body should be comprised of a list of reasons in defense of your position. In a 5-page paper, for instance, if you list three reasons, then make the first paragraph of the body of your essay about the first reason, the second paragraph about the second reason, etc. Along with each, make sure you acknowledge any reasons a reader might argue against you. For example:
First paragraph of the body… “Although some might argue against X because… this is not a valid argument since X is the case for the following reason…” Continue on to the second con and pro to your thesis statement, and so on, to build the body of your essay.
Conclusion – Your introduction should start out with a specific point (a reinstatement of your thesis statement: “In this paper, it was argued that X…”) and end with more general comments. It should be balanced with your introduction in terms of length.
General “Don’ts” for Formal Writing:
Do not use first-person language (e.g., “I”, “We”, “Our”, etc.) that renders your argument arbitrary and subjectively based. It is already understood by the reader that you stand by what you write. Stressing the first-person perspective weakens your position. You want the reader to accept your view not because YOU happen to present it but because it is reasonable to accept it.
Do not use words linked to first-person language that further render your argument arbitrary and subjectively based (e.g., “I believe”, “I feel”, “I think”, etc.). You want the reader to accept your view not because YOU happen to believe it or simply because it is your opinion but because it is reasonable to accept it.
Do not use acronyms without first spelling them out. For example, do not simply throw out the acronym “PAS” without defining it. Write “physician-assisted suicide (PAS)” and then you may simply use the acronym throughout the rest of the essay.
Do not use colloquialisms (e.g., “rehab”, “idiot”) unless part of a quote.
Do not use contractions (e.g., “don’t”, “can’t”, “I’m” – a double no-no since first-person AND a contraction, etc.) unless part of a quote.
Do not write about a topic that is not one of the approved topics from the course textbook.
Do not plagiarize the works of others.
