Format Issue: Headers The following instructions, depending on the version you have,
should assist you in the creation of headers for all papers
written in MLA style:
MS Word:
View: Header/Footer
Right-Click inside header box
Choose Paragraph
Choose Alignment
Choose Right
You can also go under Format: Paragraph: Align: Right
Type your last name and a space
Insert: Page #
For Outlines: Page #s should be in the form of
Roman Numerals:
View Header/Footer
Do Not Type in Last Name
Insert: Page Numbers
Alignment: Right
Format: Number Format: "i,ii,iii..."
OK: OK
Close Box
Thesis and Outline
What is a Thesis?
A statement that summarizes the central idea of the
paper, for which the author intends to argue.
Where is it usually located?
Final sentence of 1st paragraph
What three functions does the thesis serve?
Establishes a boundary around your subject, keeps you
from straying
Charts an orderly course for the paper
Gives reader an idea what to expect
What comes first, notes or thesis?
Notes: Thesis is central idea that summarizes the
information gathered on the subject.
What three things should a thesis do?
Be clear, direct, and comprehensible
Predict major divisions in the structure of the paper
Commit you to an unmistakable course, argument, or
point of view, unlike these examples:
This paper will discuss the use of imagery in
Hurston's "Sweat."
This paper will compare the marriage of Joe and
Missie May to that of Delia and Sykes.
Good and Bad Theses
Don't ask questions in your writing.
Ask questions as part of pre-writing process, then supply
your answers in the paper.
Describe the most effective title.
Clear, specific, informative
Includes keywords from subject of paper
Usually NOT a sentence
Thesis statement can be SOURCE (but not identical)
What is an Outline?
What is the minimum number of sub-categories? Why?
To what does "equal ranking" refer?
What is a sentence outline?
Avoid using Direct Quotes in Your Outline!!
Taking Notes
These thoughts are geared toward the research paper, but the ideas
presented are important for any critical discussion. The
main point is that you need to provide evidence to support your
argument and you need to provide proper citation for supporting
information obtained from other sources.
What is a summary?
What is a paraphrase?
Which is longer?
What purposes does a paraphrase serve?
What is a quotation?
What is plagiarism?
What three (3) things must you do to avoid plagiarism?
Notes => Rough Draft
What four things should you do before beginning
your rough draft?
Formulate thesis
Go over notes for relevant material
Organize notes in order of appearance
Sketch outline or abstract
What should you do during composition of your rough
draft?
Use spell-check
Afterwards, PROOFREAD with OWN eyes!
Save your work OFTEN
Do not wait until the end!
Revise on hard copy, make changes on screen
What is documentation?
Providing information about the source of borrowed ideas
When is it used?
ANYTIME you introduce a borrowed idea from another
person, whether as a Quote, Paraphrase, or Summary
Incorporation of Quotes:
Must be smooth, blending logically into the surrounding
discussion
Do not Begin or End a Paragraph with a Quotation !!
Using quotes as part of sentence: 1st word not
capitalized
Should not be OVERused: Your thoughts should
dominate
Long Quotes (Prose=5+ lines, Verse=4+ lines)
Indented 5 spaces
Introduced with long sentence and colon
No quotation marks
Need to be explained in detail
Quotes from Poetry:
Use slashes with short quotes (less than four lines)
Cite line numbers, not page numbers
Internal Quotes
Ellipsis: Unnecessary at the beginning or ending of
quotes.
Parenthetical Citation for Short and Long Quotes
What is another name for an indirect quote?
A paraphrase
Other Concepts
What is UNITY?
Sticking to thesis without rambling
Follow the lead of your thesis
What is COHERENCE?
Sticking together: Clear connections between
ideas
Precise word reference
Parallel structures
Transitional markers
What are transitions?
Avoid mixed constructions
What is the appropriate tense when discussing literature?
Present Tense
Documentation
Do not confuse MLA and APA styles!
For this class (although maybe not for others), use MLA
style and Parenthetical Citation
When do you provide documentation?
ANYTIME you introduce a borrowed idea from another
person, whether as a Quote, Paraphrase, or Summary
Be sure to introduce the name of the person whose ideas you are
using.
Shelley describes Victor as "********************" (57).
"**************" (Shelley 75).
Or, if using more than one work by the same author:
