Assignment Guide: Writing the Essay Adapted from: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 5 th ed. New York: The Modern Language Association of America,

Assignment Guide:Assignment Guide:

Writing the EssayWriting the Essay

Adapted from:Adapted from:MLA Handbook for Writers of MLA Handbook for Writers of

Research PapersResearch Papers..55thth ed. New York: The Modern ed. New York: The Modern

Language Association of America, Language Association of America, 1999.1999.

First Page SetupFirst Page Setup

• Paper and FontPaper and Font• Assignments should be typed on Assignments should be typed on plain white 8 ½ x 11 paperplain white 8 ½ x 11 paper. Do not use coloured . Do not use coloured

or patterned paper. Use a plain or patterned paper. Use a plain 12 point font12 point font, such as , such as ArielAriel or or Times New Roman.Times New Roman. Use the same font throughout, for titles and other headers as well as the main text. Use the same font throughout, for titles and other headers as well as the main text. Use Use one inch margins on all sidesone inch margins on all sides, except for page numbers. The entire paper, , except for page numbers. The entire paper, including headings, all quotations, and the works cited, should be including headings, all quotations, and the works cited, should be double spaced.double spaced.

• Assignments are to be Assignments are to be written in 3rd person Point of Viewwritten in 3rd person Point of View (POV), and in the (POV), and in the present tensepresent tense. Therefore, events are being written of as occurring, not as having . Therefore, events are being written of as occurring, not as having occurred. occurred.

• First Page SetupFirst Page Setup• Assignments in MLA Assignments in MLA do do notnot use title pages use title pages. Instead, in the top left hand corner of . Instead, in the top left hand corner of

the page, type your name, your instructor’s name, the course code, and the date, the page, type your name, your instructor’s name, the course code, and the date, double spacing between lines. Double space again and centre the title. Double double spacing between lines. Double space again and centre the title. Double space between the title and the first line of the text. space between the title and the first line of the text. Do notDo not underline your title underline your title (except for an included book title), put it in quotation marks, use all capitals, or use a (except for an included book title), put it in quotation marks, use all capitals, or use a different font. Capitalize the first word and all key words in the title. Note that the different font. Capitalize the first word and all key words in the title. Note that the first page is numbered in the same way as the others.first page is numbered in the same way as the others.

Sample First PageSample First Page

Schmidt 1Schmidt 1

Rudolf SchmidtRudolf SchmidtMs. GalatiMs. GalatiENG 1D1ENG 1D111 Nov 200311 Nov 2003

Minor Characters in Minor Characters in The Princess BrideThe Princess Bride

Some novels focus on the life of one main Some novels focus on the life of one main

character; some are told entirely from that character’s point of character; some are told entirely from that character’s point of

view. This does not necessarily mean, however, that all the view. This does not necessarily mean, however, that all the

minor characters in the book are insignificant in comparison to minor characters in the book are insignificant in comparison to

the primary characters. Indeed, secondary characters are the primary characters. Indeed, secondary characters are

among the most important in terms of developing the plot, among the most important in terms of developing the plot,

establishing character, and illustrating themes.establishing character, and illustrating themes.

1”

½”

Double space consistently.

Succeeding PagesSucceeding Pages

• Page NumbersPage Numbers• Pages are numbered in the top, right-hand corner, ½ “ from the top, and right justified. Put your last name Pages are numbered in the top, right-hand corner, ½ “ from the top, and right justified. Put your last name

followed by one space and the number. Do not use commas, periods or abbreviations such as “p.” or “pg.”. followed by one space and the number. Do not use commas, periods or abbreviations such as “p.” or “pg.”. On a word processor, it is easiest to insert page numbers using a “header”. Note that the “Works Cited” On a word processor, it is easiest to insert page numbers using a “header”. Note that the “Works Cited” page is also numbered.page is also numbered.

• Following Pages SetupFollowing Pages Setup• The remaining pages in the body of the assignment are set up with the same margins and page numbers; The remaining pages in the body of the assignment are set up with the same margins and page numbers;

however, the four heading lines and the title are not repeated on each page.however, the four heading lines and the title are not repeated on each page.• Each new paragraph should be indented one tab or 5 spaces. Do not put extra spaces between paragraphs.Each new paragraph should be indented one tab or 5 spaces. Do not put extra spaces between paragraphs.

Schmidt 2

play a very important role in the evolution of the main character and

are representative of what happens when idealism is taken to an extreme.

The character of Inigo in The Princess Bride is an excellent example

of how such minor characters can impact how the main character is

1”

Indent 1”

The 5 Part EssayThe 5 Part Essay

• IntroductionIntroduction• The introduction for a formal literary essay should be in the inverted pyramid The introduction for a formal literary essay should be in the inverted pyramid

format, moving from the general to the particular. The first sentence(s) format, moving from the general to the particular. The first sentence(s) should be general statements to introduce your topic. They should also get should be general statements to introduce your topic. They should also get the reader’s attention. The middle sentence(s) should begin to narrow your the reader’s attention. The middle sentence(s) should begin to narrow your topic, and introduce the specific book and author which you are discussing. topic, and introduce the specific book and author which you are discussing. The final sentence(s) should contain the actual thesis and plan for your essay The final sentence(s) should contain the actual thesis and plan for your essay (list of arguments). The last thing in your introduction should be the specific (list of arguments). The last thing in your introduction should be the specific arguments that you will use to prove your thesis.arguments that you will use to prove your thesis.

• Thesis and PlanThesis and Plan• The thesis should be given in the form of a statement. It should state the The thesis should be given in the form of a statement. It should state the

point that your essay will attempt to support. It should not merely state the point that your essay will attempt to support. It should not merely state the obvious, but be something worth proving. The thesis should be followed by obvious, but be something worth proving. The thesis should be followed by the specific arguments that you will use to support your thesis, stated the specific arguments that you will use to support your thesis, stated conciselyconcisely in parallel form. Do not attempt to argue your essay in the in parallel form. Do not attempt to argue your essay in the introduction!introduction!

• Poor: Technology has changed a lot recently. (states the obvious, no plan)Poor: Technology has changed a lot recently. (states the obvious, no plan)• Poor: The increase in technology is harmful because there is a loss of Poor: The increase in technology is harmful because there is a loss of

privacy, unhealthy, and increased crime. (not in parallel form: clause—privacy, unhealthy, and increased crime. (not in parallel form: clause—adjective—adjective/noun)adjective—adjective/noun)

• Good: The increase in technology is harmful because it causes loss of Good: The increase in technology is harmful because it causes loss of privacy, bad health, and increased crime. (parallel form: adjective/noun—privacy, bad health, and increased crime. (parallel form: adjective/noun—adjective/noun—adjective/noun)adjective/noun—adjective/noun)

Essay StructureEssay Structure

General statements to introduce the topic.Clarify and expand on Thesis, followed by plan for essay.

Topic sentence 1, followed by reasons, details, examples and quotations.

Topic sentence 2, followed by reasons, details, examples and quotations.

Topic sentence 3, followed by reasons, details, examples and quotations.

Rephrase thesis and plan.Summarize main arguments.Concluding comments, overall applications.

QUOTATIONSQUOTATIONS

Quotations must reproduce the original source Quotations must reproduce the original source exactlyexactly. You must construct a . You must construct a clear, grammatically correct sentence that allows you to introduce or clear, grammatically correct sentence that allows you to introduce or incorporate a quotation smoothly and accurately.incorporate a quotation smoothly and accurately.

Short quotationsShort quotations of of 1 to 4 typed lines1 to 4 typed lines are put into quotation marks and are put into quotation marks and included, double spaced, included, double spaced, in the bodyin the body of the assignment. They are of the assignment. They are introduced by a comma (,) unless they are a continuation of a body introduced by a comma (,) unless they are a continuation of a body paragraph sentence; the appropriate punctuation, or none at all, is then paragraph sentence; the appropriate punctuation, or none at all, is then used. Quotations are followed by the page reference in parentheses (see used. Quotations are followed by the page reference in parentheses (see below) and then the period.below) and then the period.

Long quotationsLong quotations Of more than 4 lines are set off from the body of the Of more than 4 lines are set off from the body of the assignment. Begin a new line, indented by one inch or 10 spaces. Type assignment. Begin a new line, indented by one inch or 10 spaces. Type the quotation double spaced, without using quotation marks. Do not the quotation double spaced, without using quotation marks. Do not indent the first line more than the others unless you are quoting two or indent the first line more than the others unless you are quoting two or more paragraphs. A long quotation is introduced by a colon (:) unless it more paragraphs. A long quotation is introduced by a colon (:) unless it forms a continuation of a body paragraph sentence; the appropriate forms a continuation of a body paragraph sentence; the appropriate punctuation, or none at all, is then used. Long quotations are followed punctuation, or none at all, is then used. Long quotations are followed directly by a period, and then the page reference in parentheses directly by a period, and then the page reference in parentheses

““

Sample QuotationSample Quotation Schmidt 2

The true villainy of Prince Humperdinck is shown when he lies to

Buttercup about sending her letters out to find Westley. He pretends to help

her but, in reality, he as he thinks:

There was no doubt whatsoever in his mind that he wasgoing to seem too fond of her in the days ahead. Becausewhen she died of murder on their wedding night, it was crucial that all Florin realize the depth of his loss, the

epochalsize of his loss…and although he was just the least bit perturbed, since he had never actually killed a woman

beforewith his bare hands, there was a first time for everything. Besides, if you wanted something done right, you did it

yourself. (213-214)

This shows the Prince’s real motivation in getting married, and illustrates

what an evil, power-hungry man he truly is, in planning to murder his bride

on their wedding night and using that tragedy to begin a war with a

neighboring country.

Parenthetical Parenthetical DocumentationDocumentation

• If you leave anything out of a quotation, put in three spaced If you leave anything out of a quotation, put in three spaced dots (an ellipsis) in square brackets [. . .] to show the dots (an ellipsis) in square brackets [. . .] to show the omission. Do not put ellipses at the beginning or end of the omission. Do not put ellipses at the beginning or end of the quotation unless the individual sentence involved is quotation unless the individual sentence involved is incomplete.incomplete.

• The page number of the quotation is placed in parentheses The page number of the quotation is placed in parentheses () at the end of the quotation. Do not use short forms such () at the end of the quotation. Do not use short forms such as “p.”. If the author of the quotation is perfectly clear, put as “p.”. If the author of the quotation is perfectly clear, put only the page number. Only if the author is in unclear, only the page number. Only if the author is in unclear, especially when more than one source is quoted, put the especially when more than one source is quoted, put the author’s last name and the page number, with no author’s last name and the page number, with no punctuation. If there are two books by the same author punctuation. If there are two books by the same author and the source is unclear, put a key word from the title, and the source is unclear, put a key word from the title, underlined, and the page number.underlined, and the page number.

The IntroductionThe Introduction• The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an

idea of the essay's focus.idea of the essay's focus.

• Thematic or Hook statementThematic or Hook statement. . • This attention grabber you use is up to you, but here are some ideas: This attention grabber you use is up to you, but here are some ideas:

Startling informationStartling informationThis information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make. readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make. If you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration. If you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration.

AnecdoteAnecdoteAn anecdote is a story that illustrates a point. Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point. Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully. relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully.

Summary InformationSummary InformationA few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis. A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.

QuotationQuotationAn interesting quote can kick-start an essay by illustrating the opinion of an authority on the An interesting quote can kick-start an essay by illustrating the opinion of an authority on the topic. Be sure it is taken from a recognized source. Follow it with an analysis of the quote.topic. Be sure it is taken from a recognized source. Follow it with an analysis of the quote.

Rhetorical QuestionRhetorical QuestionAn interesting question regarding the topic can stimulate discussion and start the essay on a An interesting question regarding the topic can stimulate discussion and start the essay on a controversial note. Use sparingly. Always answer these questions when you raise them.controversial note. Use sparingly. Always answer these questions when you raise them.

• 2. Harnessing Sentences.2. Harnessing Sentences. If the attention grabber was only a sentence or If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader from your opening to your two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement. Develop your topic sentence and begin to apply it to your area of thesis statement. Develop your topic sentence and begin to apply it to your area of focus.focus.

• 3. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.3. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement. • A basic thesis statement should be clear and take one side of the issue, identifying the A basic thesis statement should be clear and take one side of the issue, identifying the

ways you will prove your thesis. For example: “D is true (or false) because of A, B, and ways you will prove your thesis. For example: “D is true (or false) because of A, B, and C.” or “Because of A, B, and C, D is true (or false).”C.” or “Because of A, B, and C, D is true (or false).”

Body Paragraphs & The Body Paragraphs & The ConclusionConclusion

• Body ParagraphsBody Paragraphs• 1. Topic Sentence:1. Topic Sentence:• This sentence will introduce the reason why your thesis is correct.This sentence will introduce the reason why your thesis is correct.• 2. Arguments:2. Arguments:• The next few sentences will be dedicated to proving how your reason is correct. The next few sentences will be dedicated to proving how your reason is correct.

There should be two strong arguments as well as two quotations from the play/novel There should be two strong arguments as well as two quotations from the play/novel to support your argument.to support your argument.

• After each quotation is cited, you must discuss the importance and relevance of this After each quotation is cited, you must discuss the importance and relevance of this quote. Explain how it develops character, the plot, or themes in the play/novel.quote. Explain how it develops character, the plot, or themes in the play/novel.

• 3. Concluding Statement / Transition:3. Concluding Statement / Transition:– This statement should restate the point made at the beginning of your This statement should restate the point made at the beginning of your

paragraph, showing why your reason was valid.paragraph, showing why your reason was valid.– The transition should link this paragraph with your next paragraph.The transition should link this paragraph with your next paragraph.

• The ConclusionThe Conclusion• 1. Restate the Thesis:1. Restate the Thesis:

– This statement should identify and focus on what you have proven is your essay. This statement should identify and focus on what you have proven is your essay. It should also indicate the three reasons used to prove it. It should also indicate the three reasons used to prove it.

• 2. Summarize your Main Arguments:2. Summarize your Main Arguments:• Briefly summarize the points presented in your essay.Briefly summarize the points presented in your essay.• 3. Final Thought:3. Final Thought:• This statement should leave your reader with something to consider about what you This statement should leave your reader with something to consider about what you

have proven in your essay.have proven in your essay.• It can be a rhetorical question, a secondary source quotation, or a dynamic point.It can be a rhetorical question, a secondary source quotation, or a dynamic point.

Sample EssaySample Essay

Jane DoeJane Doe

Ms. AriganelloMs. Ariganello

ENG 1P1-01ENG 1P1-01

11 November 200311 November 2003

Character Responsibilities in Character Responsibilities in HolesHoles

Many people in life make decisions on a regular basis. Whether they are major or Many people in life make decisions on a regular basis. Whether they are major or minor decisions, they all have consequences. Most people try to make good decisions because minor decisions, they all have consequences. Most people try to make good decisions because making a bad decision may have a negative response. In the novel making a bad decision may have a negative response. In the novel HolesHoles, Stanley Yelnats is , Stanley Yelnats is faced with many decisions and he tries to make the right decision. In fact, there are three faced with many decisions and he tries to make the right decision. In fact, there are three specific times in the novel when Stanley accepts the consequences for his actions. Stanley specific times in the novel when Stanley accepts the consequences for his actions. Stanley accepts responsibility for stealing Clyde Livingston’s running shoes, stealing Mr. Sir’s sunflower accepts responsibility for stealing Clyde Livingston’s running shoes, stealing Mr. Sir’s sunflower seeds, and for teaching Zero to read.seeds, and for teaching Zero to read.

Although Stanley did not steal Clyde Livingston’s running shoes, he accepts the Although Stanley did not steal Clyde Livingston’s running shoes, he accepts the consequences for having them in his possession. The running shoes fell on Stanley’s head as he consequences for having them in his possession. The running shoes fell on Stanley’s head as he was walking home from school one day and he decided to take the shoes since they would be was walking home from school one day and he decided to take the shoes since they would be helpful for his father’s experiments. Stanley did not know that the shoes were stolen and when helpful for his father’s experiments. Stanley did not know that the shoes were stolen and when he was accused of stealing them, he accepted his punishment of going to Camp Green Lake: “…he was accused of stealing them, he accepted his punishment of going to Camp Green Lake: “…and suddenly a pair of sneakers fell on top of him, seemingly out of nowhere, like a gift from and suddenly a pair of sneakers fell on top of him, seemingly out of nowhere, like a gift from God […] it turned out the sneakers had been stolen from a display at the homeless shelter” (24). God […] it turned out the sneakers had been stolen from a display at the homeless shelter” (24).

Even though Stanley did not steal the shoes, he agrees to go to Camp Green Lake Even though Stanley did not steal the shoes, he agrees to go to Camp Green Lake because the shoes were not his and he had them in his possession.because the shoes were not his and he had them in his possession.

Sample Essay Continued…Sample Essay Continued…

Doe 2Doe 2

Stanley also accepts responsibility for stealing Mr. Sir’s sunflower seeds. One day when they boys were Stanley also accepts responsibility for stealing Mr. Sir’s sunflower seeds. One day when they boys were digging holes, Magnet took Mr. Sir’s sunflower seeds and threw them around as a joke. Then Zigzag digging holes, Magnet took Mr. Sir’s sunflower seeds and threw them around as a joke. Then Zigzag threw the bag to Stanley, and he missed it and the sunflower seeds fell all over his hole. When Mr. Sir threw the bag to Stanley, and he missed it and the sunflower seeds fell all over his hole. When Mr. Sir saw this, he confronted Stanley:saw this, he confronted Stanley:

““So, tell me, Caveman,” said Mr. Sir. “How did my sack of sunflower So, tell me, Caveman,” said Mr. Sir. “How did my sack of sunflower seeds seeds

get in your hole?”get in your hole?”

““I stole it from your truck.”I stole it from your truck.”“You did?”“You did?”

““Yes, Mr. Sir.” (86)Yes, Mr. Sir.” (86)

Since Stanley wanted the boys to like him, he said that he stole the sunflower seeds. This way, he was Since Stanley wanted the boys to like him, he said that he stole the sunflower seeds. This way, he was able to get the boys to like him, even though he was in trouble. able to get the boys to like him, even though he was in trouble.

Lastly, Stanley admits to helping teach Zero to read even though he may get in trouble from the Warden. Lastly, Stanley admits to helping teach Zero to read even though he may get in trouble from the Warden. Stanley agreed to help teach Zero how to read because he wanted to help him and in return, Zero agreed Stanley agreed to help teach Zero how to read because he wanted to help him and in return, Zero agreed to help Stanley did his holes. The other boys became jealous of Zero digging Stanley’s holes so they told to help Stanley did his holes. The other boys became jealous of Zero digging Stanley’s holes so they told the Warden, but Stanley wasn’t concerned: “Why can’t I dig my own hole, but still teach Zero to read?” the Warden, but Stanley wasn’t concerned: “Why can’t I dig my own hole, but still teach Zero to read?” he asked. “What’s wrong with that?” (139). Stanley was not afraid of being punished by the Warden and he asked. “What’s wrong with that?” (139). Stanley was not afraid of being punished by the Warden and he told her Zero was digging his holes because he was teaching him to read. Although the others laughed he told her Zero was digging his holes because he was teaching him to read. Although the others laughed when they heard about this arrangement, Stanley did not care because he was happy about teaching Zero when they heard about this arrangement, Stanley did not care because he was happy about teaching Zero how to read.how to read.

In closing, Stanley accepts responsibility for the decisions he makes in three particular situations. First, In closing, Stanley accepts responsibility for the decisions he makes in three particular situations. First, he agrees to go to Camp Green Lake as a punishment for stealing Clyde Livingston’s shoes. He also he agrees to go to Camp Green Lake as a punishment for stealing Clyde Livingston’s shoes. He also admits to stealing Mr. Sir’s sunflower seeds so that he can maintain his friendship with the boys in Group admits to stealing Mr. Sir’s sunflower seeds so that he can maintain his friendship with the boys in Group D, and then he tells everyone that he is teaching Zero how to read even though they laugh at him. D, and then he tells everyone that he is teaching Zero how to read even though they laugh at him. Accepting responsibility for the decisions you make in life is not always an easy thing to do, but you will Accepting responsibility for the decisions you make in life is not always an easy thing to do, but you will learn to be a better person if you do.learn to be a better person if you do.

Works CitedWorks Cited

All SourcesAll Sources should be listed on the “Works Cited” page at the end of the should be listed on the “Works Cited” page at the end of the assignment.assignment.

Form for a basic book:Form for a basic book:

Works CitedWorks Cited

Goldman, William. Goldman, William. The Princess BrideThe Princess Bride. New York: Ballantine,. New York: Ballantine, 1973.1973.

Sachar, Louis. Sachar, Louis. HolesHoles. New York: Random House Inc., 2000.. New York: Random House Inc., 2000.

The words “Works Cited” are centred and are not underlined. Sources are listed The words “Works Cited” are centred and are not underlined. Sources are listed in alphabetical order by author’s last name. No numbering is used. Each entry in alphabetical order by author’s last name. No numbering is used. Each entry is a double spaced hanging paragraph (the second and following lines are is a double spaced hanging paragraph (the second and following lines are indented). The title of each source is underlined. Follow the punctuation closely.indented). The title of each source is underlined. Follow the punctuation closely.