Guidelines for writing essays in Language Arts

All essays or major writing assignments should follow these guidelines. Failure to do so will affect your grade.

Format:

  • Head you paper with MLA format heading, double spaced in upper left hand corner

Your name (your name)

Teacher’s name (Mrs. Edwards)

Course name (English 7)

Date (18 October 2009)

  • If typed, double space your entire paper; do not just double space between paragraphs
  • Use 12 point Times New Roman or Arial font; nothing larger; this is for the entire paper
  • If typing, use 1 inch margins on all four sides of your paper; if handwriting, do not write in the margins
  • It hand written, write neatly in blue or black ink
  • Indent each new paragraph; if handwriting, indent a finger’s width or so
  • Title your essay; center it and do not add extra spaces between it and your first paragraph. The entire paper should just be double spaced.
  • Do not write on the back of your paper. Start on a fresh sheet.
  • Never hand in paper that has ratty, torn edges on it. Take pride in your work!
  • Do not illustrate, decorate, add color or pictures, etc. unless told to do so

Writing tips: Remember to check for these things when proofing your paper

  • Choose one point-of-view and stick with it; if you start the paper saying “I” using first person, do not shift to second person using “you”
  • Also, choose one verb tense and stick with it; do not start out with present tense then switch to past tense unless you intend to write the story that way
  • Avoid sentence fragments and run-on sentences!
  • Do not use too many exclamation points; use them only as really needed
  • Check your spelling and usage; (make sure you are using the correct “there” or “their” or “they’re”; “your” or “you’re” – that kind of thing)
  • Use a variety of sentence structure; short and longer sentences, some simple, compound and complex sentences with different beginnings and endings.
  • Be sure to use good transitions to make your paper “flow” between main points
  • You must have a strong thesis in your introduction; your thesis should include the main points you will be talking about; your paper is only as strong as your thesis
  • Do not “state the obvious” in your paper! That means saying things like: In this paper I will tell you about…or Here are my three points…
  • Do not use contractions in your paper – no “don’t” , spell it out
  • Do not use abbreviations or symbols in your paper – no & or b/c or w/; do not use the same language you use in emails and texts

Notes: