YAY! We're ALMOST done! Read the tips below before completing your DRAFT!
Introductions & Conclusions
The introduction and conclusion are important paragraphs of you essay. Think of these paragraphs as the spot where you tell your read why he or she should care about your topic. Are you writing about a health issue? Why should I care? Are you writing about a political issue? Why should I care? Are you writing about cars? Why should I care? Are you writing about something else? Why should I care?
The introduction should include an engaging hook, any necessary background information, the reason why the reader should care, and it should end with your thesis statement.
The conclusion should begin with a transition phrase, review all the key points of your essay, emphasize what the reader should "take-away" from the essay, and end with a re-statement of your thesis statement.
These paragraphs, although important, do not have to be very long. Try to aim for 5-7 sentences each.
The introduction should include an engaging hook, any necessary background information, the reason why the reader should care, and it should end with your thesis statement.
The conclusion should begin with a transition phrase, review all the key points of your essay, emphasize what the reader should "take-away" from the essay, and end with a re-statement of your thesis statement.
These paragraphs, although important, do not have to be very long. Try to aim for 5-7 sentences each.
Body Paragraphs
Body paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence. This sentence should be an overview of the contents of the paragraph. Be sure that all the ideas of a body paragraph relate to the topic sentence. If there is a random idea in a paragraph, consider moving to to a different paragraph.
In a research paper, your body paragraphs should contain researched information. This means that each body paragraph will have at least one citation. You body paragraphs, however, should also include your own thoughts and ideas. It's best to "sandwich" a piece of researched information between your own words. You should strive for a balance of your own ideas and your researched information.
your words/ideas
research with citation
your words/ideas
In a research paper, your body paragraphs should contain researched information. This means that each body paragraph will have at least one citation. You body paragraphs, however, should also include your own thoughts and ideas. It's best to "sandwich" a piece of researched information between your own words. You should strive for a balance of your own ideas and your researched information.
your words/ideas
research with citation
your words/ideas
Citations & Plagiarism:
It is plagiarism if you DO NOT cite a piece of information, either paraphrased or directly quoted.
It is plagiarism if you DO NOT put exact words in quotation marks.
PLAGIARISM will result in a failing grade and a disciplinary consequence.
Be sure to include proper MLA parenthetical citations when directly quoting or paraphrasing information.
If you include the name of the author in the sentence, you do not need a parenthetical citation.
Example: According to Hinman and Crissman, you can earn money off prom by selling bingo tickets.
If your source one author -- (author's last name)
For other types of sources, please visit this website to learn how to complete the parenthetical citation.
It is plagiarism if you DO NOT put exact words in quotation marks.
PLAGIARISM will result in a failing grade and a disciplinary consequence.
Be sure to include proper MLA parenthetical citations when directly quoting or paraphrasing information.
If you include the name of the author in the sentence, you do not need a parenthetical citation.
Example: According to Hinman and Crissman, you can earn money off prom by selling bingo tickets.
If your source one author -- (author's last name)
- You can earn money off prom by selling bingo tickets (Hinman).
- You can earn money off prom by selling bingo tickets (Hinman and Crissman).
- You can earn money off prom by selling bingo tickets (Hinman, Crissman, and Sullivan).
- You can earn money off prom by selling bingo tickets (Hinman et al.).
- You can earn money off prom by selling bingo tickets ("Prom").
- You can earn money off prom by selling bingo tickets ("How to earn").
For other types of sources, please visit this website to learn how to complete the parenthetical citation.
Pronouns:
Remove ALL first person and second person pronouns.
- In my essay, I plan to discuss statistics, case studies, and research. (NO!)
- This essay will cover statistics, case studies, and research.
- My essay is about eating disorders because it is an important topic. (NO!)
- Eating disorders are an important topic because they are a common disease among teenagers.
- I think marijuana should be legalized. (NO!)
- Marijuana should be legalized.
- Drunk driving can have an impact on you because you could be in an accident. (NO!)
- Drunk driving can have an impact on anyone because anyone could be in an accident.
- You might consider an abortion if you cannot take care of a child. (NO!)
- A woman might consider an abortion if she can't take care of a child.
- When you are looking for a mechanic, you should do your research. (NO!)
- When one is looking for a mechanic, one should do one's research.
Contractions:
A formal essay should not have contractions. Spell out all your words!
don't = do not shouldn't = should not ** If you do not know how to make your contraction into two words, ask!
won't = will not let's = let us
they're = they are that's = that is
can't = cannot it's = it is
don't = do not shouldn't = should not ** If you do not know how to make your contraction into two words, ask!
won't = will not let's = let us
they're = they are that's = that is
can't = cannot it's = it is