This document provides an overview of assignments and deadlines for an English composition class. It lists that an MLA introductory paragraph is due for drop box submission. It then provides checklists for proper MLA formatting of papers. The document outlines expectations for introductions, body paragraphs, conclusions, citations, and works cited pages. It includes in-class activities on being concise, determining what needs to be cited, responding to criticisms, and supporting claims. It concludes by listing upcoming due dates and study sessions.
3. Basic Formatting
Times New Roman 12 pt. font
Double spaced
Heading double spaced
Works Cited double spaced
Margins 1 inch
Indented the beginning of each paragraph
Used proper MLA heading
Paper has a title
1 space away from heading and introduction
Paper has properly formatted page numbers
There is only 1 space between periods and new sentences
uses the “No Spacing” style on Word
Uses third person
4. Introduction
Begins with an attention grabber
Introduces any texts crucial to the argument
Literary analysis
Responding to work of others
Has a thesis sentence
Thesis is 1-2 sentences
Thesis clearly states the argument
Thesis gives an idea or lists main points
Is concise
Transitions into body with ease
5. Body
Double spaced
Supports main points
Does not deviate from the argument
Is fair and unbiased
Ideas, thoughts, and sources are separated into their own paragraphs
Employs effective transition sentences
Varied sentence lengths
Avoids excessive summary
Covers all main points introduced in thesis
6. Conclusion
Restates the thesis
Restates the conclusion of the argument
Recaps main points
Finalizes main points
7. In-text citations
Cite anything that is specific to a text
Don’t cite when generalizing a theme or concept from a work
Attributive citations
Every source is first given an attributive tag
The author and work is given in the attributive tag
Page in located in parenthesis at the end of quote or paraphrase
Parenthetical citations
Name and page number is given after quote or paraphrase
Direct quotes must be enclosed in quotation marks
Period is after enclosing parenthesis …end quote” (Irving 7).
All in-text citations have an entry on the Works Cited page
8. Works Cited Page
On its own page after paper
“Works Cited” centered on top of page
Hanging indent for each entry
Alphabetically organized
Has a page number
Proper MLA format
Can be found in your book
9. Your Argument
Communicated clearly
Communicated concisely
Communicating with authority
Employs logos, pathos, and/or ethos
Is supported with textual/ scholarly evidence
Has main points
Each main point is supported by evidence
Acknowledges the opposition
Suggests change or further research
10. In-class Activity: Being Concise
Rewrite the following sentences concisely. Remove overly ornate and flowery
phrases. Reword the sentence to communicate its intent clearly. Use commas
to separate ideas.
1. The conclusion which they had reached allowed the smart, intelligent scientists to
debunk the predecessors outrageously insulting lies about this topic in particular.
2. The essays we found out were on the other hand of some use to the people of the
university’s science department and the university’s astrology department.
3. It turns out shockingly that the school was appalled to find that the previous
science team had been taking bribes and lying about research and padding the
results of their studies.
4. Gratefully the new group of scientists were very appreciative of the opportunity
they received to reestablish the truth about these seriously dangerous
environmental hazards.
11. In-Class Activity: What to cite
Cite specific evidence from any text you are analyzing
Cite any theory or idea that is not your own
Cite any graphs, charts, or images you use
o Ichabod Crane stayed in the houses of his pupils and flirted with their sisters.
o Ichabod’s horse galloped quickly toward the bridge.
o The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is set in the 1700s and is one of
Irving’s most famous novels.
o Ichabod Crane represented how a fool’s imagination turns mischief into magic.
o Alice Cummings, in her review of Sleepy Hollow, stated that Ichabod Crane
represented how a fool’s imagination turns mischief into magic.
o The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was written by Washington Irving.
o Ichabod was not feeling confident about his relationship with Katrina when he left
the Van Tassel’s party
12. Textual/Scholarly Evidence
Any claim you make in response to a text must be supported with textual
evidence
Main points are claims that must be supported with textual or scholarly
evidence
Each main point must have textual evidence
Example: Ichabod Crane did not love Katrina for her soul, but for her money.
Support: Irving uses the setting of the Van Tassel’s party to reveal Crane’s true
intentions. Crane fantasizes, not about his wife, but of land, food, and horses (9).
Example: Sleepy Hollow is written to be a spooky town where anything is
possible
Support: We know this about the setting because Irving uses specific imagery such
as, “the occasional whistle of a quail or tapping of a woodpecker, is almost the
only sound that ever breaks the uniform tranquility,” which suggests a momentarily
interrupted peace (1).
13. In-Class Activity: Support it or Cite it
Does the statement below require textual/ scholarly support or a citation?
1. It is beneficial to children’s health to take physical education classes in middle
school and junior high.
2. A recent study done by the University of California showed that over 60% of young
children get less that 15 minutes of exercise.
3. The children of America are number one in global rankings concerning childhood
obesity.
4. Schools should take some of the responsibility in helping students get active.
5. Eighth grade instructor, Carl Dunn, explains in his article that, in his 15 years of
teaching, nothing was worse for the students than the dismissal of the physical
education program.
6. “They just can’t concentrate,” Dunn claims, “physical education was a time to
learn about the body and let the mind take a rest. Now what? Are we only brains?”
7. The dismissal of physical education programs is a step backward for any education
system.
15. Responding to Criticism
Proper criticism is never personal
You do not have to take all criticism presented to you
Consider your facts: Is the statement/theory in question correct? Are you sure?
Consider your stance: Do you believe this statement/theory supports your claim?
Consider your audience: Are you constructing your argument coherently?
Consider personal biases: Can this statement/theory be seen as offensive?
Consider the opposition: Can this statement/theory be easily debunked?
Decide what is best for the paper by:
Responding to the criticism
Changing your stance
Let it be
Do not be afraid to change your stance or opinion
16. In-Class Discussion: Responding to
Criticism
Criticism from Tuesday’s in-class writing activity
Consider: facts, stance, audiences, bias, and opposition
Respond, change, or let it be
I am rushing through the power points during lectures
I do not make power points available for notes
I should spend more time explaining citations
I get out of breath and nervous when lecturing
Changes in the volume of my voice
Do not like the power point methods
Lectures can move faster
17. DUE:
Tuesday 10/11
Bring a copy of your MLA rough draft to class AND submit a copy to drop box
Study for your Mechanics Test Midterm (10/13)
Your final draft of the MLA Short Essay is due 10/13
No journal this week
Study group: After class 10/11
Bring a copy of the midterm