1101: The First Steps

Writing: the First Steps Dr. Gerald Lucas

Writing: the First Steps MLA Format Title Opening Sentence Introduction Thesis Statement

MLA Format Hacker, pages 355-412

MLA Format 1” margins all around Do not justify right margin 12 point serif font — double spaced Title centered 1/2” right justiﬁed header: Lastname page#

Title Required aspect of all essays

Title Required aspect of all essays Gets attention — never too long or vague

Title Required aspect of all essays Gets attention — never too long or vague Informs of subject, purpose, and audience

Title State a position — no questions

Title State a position — no questions Explicitly state subject — colon effective

Title State a position — no questions Explicitly state subject — colon effective Imply audience, if possible

Title State a position — no questions Explicitly state subject — colon effective Imply audience, if possible Capitalize every noun and verb

Title State a position — no questions Explicitly state subject — colon effective Imply audience, if possible Capitalize every noun and verb Do not use quotation marks

Title Examples A Call to Action: Regulate Use of Cell Phones on the Road

Title Examples A Call to Action: Regulate Use of Cell Phones on the Road Star Trek’s Positive Vision: The Future of Humanity

Title Examples A Call to Action: Regulate Use of Cell Phones on the Road Star Trek’s Positive Vision: The Future of Humanity Treasured Memories: Keeping a Hope Chest

Opening Sentence Make a general statement

Opening Sentence Make a general statement Keep it short

Opening Sentence Make a general statement Keep it short Interest your reader

Opening Sentence Not a topic sentence

Opening Sentence Not a topic sentence Lures your reader into your essay

Opening Sentence Not a topic sentence Lures your reader into your essay Excites but does not alienate

Opening Sentence Not a topic sentence Lures your reader into your essay Excites but does not alienate Offers only a taste: appetizer

Opening Sentence Examples Cell phones are often irritating, and sometimes they are deadly.

Opening Sentence Examples Cell phones are often irritating, and sometimes they are deadly. Life in the twenty-third century is great.

Opening Sentence Examples Cell phones are often irritating, and sometimes they are deadly. Life in the twenty-third century is great. Imagine a convenient and attractive place to keep your dreams.

Introduction Encompasses the ﬁrst paragraph

Introduction Encompasses the ﬁrst paragraph Moves from general to speciﬁc

Introduction Encompasses the ﬁrst paragraph Moves from general to speciﬁc Introduces subject

Introduction Encompasses the ﬁrst paragraph Moves from general to speciﬁc Introduces subject Flows logically to thesis statement

Introduction Encompasses the first paragraph Moves from general to specific Introduces subject Flows logically to thesis statement Difficult but most important

Introduction Begins with opening sentence

Introduction Begins with opening sentence Gains detail and focus

Introduction Begins with opening sentence Gains detail and focus Ends with thesis statement

Hourglass

Intro Examples The pallet, the canvas, and the different paints. They all contribute to my ﬁnal product: a landscape with towering trees and majestic mountains, or maybe a simple sunset casting the shadows of two lovers. These are some of the ideas that I use while painting a picture. Painting is very important to my life because it allows me to relieve stress and express my imagination.

Like many other college students, I have many hobbies to help me relax when times are hectic. They include video games, drawing, hanging out, or just sleeping. However, the hobby that is most important to me and consumes most of my time is drumming. I have been playing drums for seven years and only death could make me give it up. Drumming remains my favorite hobby because it allows me to relieve stress to build my conﬁdence, and to express myself.

Thesis Statement Explicitly states the subject

Thesis Statement Explicitly states the subject Provides direction and structure

Thesis Statement Explicitly states the subject Provides direction and structure Suggests scope

Thesis Statement Explicitly states the subject Provides direction and structure Suggests scope Makes a promise to the reader

Thesis Statement Explicitly states the subject Provides direction and structure Suggests scope Makes a promise to the reader Clearly explains the why and how

Thesis Statement Relates directly to topic

Thesis Statement Relates directly to topic Be sure you stay on topic

Thesis Statement Relates directly to topic Be sure you stay on topic Be speciﬁc — narrow your scope as much as possible

Thesis Statement Relates directly to topic Be sure you stay on topic Be speciﬁc — narrow your scope as much as possible Suggest reasons for your subject (purpose)

Thesis Statement DO NOT

Thesis Statement DO NOT State Facts

Thesis Statement DO NOT State Facts Ask Questions

Thesis Statement DO NOT State Facts Ask Questions Use Unsupportable Language

Thesis Statement DO NOT State Facts Ask Questions Use Unsupportable Language Announce

Thesis Examples Cell phone regulation is needed because drivers using cell phones are seriously impaired.

Thesis Examples Cell phone regulation is needed because drivers using cell phones are seriously impaired. Star Trek should not be cancelled because its vision represents a positive view of humanity built on science and logic.

Thesis Examples Cell phone regulation is needed because drivers using cell phones are seriously impaired. Star Trek should not be cancelled because its vision represents a positive view of humanity built on science and logic. Hopes, dreams, and memories make us humans: an organized and thoughtful hope chest not only beneﬁts the maker, but her children for many generations.

Title, Opening, Thesis Introduction

Title, Opening, Thesis Introduction Most important part of the essay

Title, Opening, Thesis Introduction Most important part of the essay Makes ﬁrst impression

Title, Opening, Thesis Introduction Most important part of the essay Makes ﬁrst impression Gives direction

Title, Opening, Thesis Introduction Most important part of the essay Makes ﬁrst impression Gives direction Provides focus and scope

Title, Opening, Thesis Introduction Most important part of the essay Makes ﬁrst impression Gives direction Provides focus and scope Makes clear your subject, purpose, and audience

1101: The First Steps

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