Recipe for Writing

MLA Research Essay Format #1

Paragraph #1

(Intro Paragraph)

  1. Hook Sentence- A sentence that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to read more (remember your essay’s premise)
  2. Country and generally introduce the topic
  3. Linking sentence(s)- Provide background information about the topic (who is involved, conflict, duration of the problem, be specific and comprehensive)
  4. Thesis Statement- LAST sentence in paragraph (thesis topic + position+ examples (3 ways the conflict is impacting the country), always 1 sentence

SAMPLE: It is imperative that the United Nations intervenes in and assists with the issue of human trafficking in Costa Rica because ______, ______, and ______.

Body Paragraphs (Paragraphs #2, #3, and #4)

  1. Topic Sentence: The main idea of your paragraph; what you are trying to prove or describe in your paragraph.Introduce the first example from your thesis.
  2. Concrete Detail/Your Point: A specific example from your research that supports your topic sentence. This helps to prove that the topic sentence is true. It usually starts with “For example,” or “For instance.”
  3. Direct Quote/ Evidence: A quote taken directly from your research that directly supports your Concrete Detail. It also helps prove your Topic Sentence. It MUST be integrated and cited properly in MLA.
  4. Commentary/Explanation/Analysis: Your analysis or explanation. Where you explain how the Concrete Detail and the Direct Quote prove your Topic Sentence.Interpret your evidence, explaining the significance of your example.
  5. Commentary/Explanation/Analysis: Your analysis or explanation. Where you explain how the Concrete Detail and the Direct Quote prove your Topic Sentence. Justify why intervention is necessary.
  6. Concrete Detail/Your Point: A specific example from your research that supports your topic sentence. This helps to prove that the topic sentence is true. It usually starts with “Another example,” or “Also.”
  7. Direct Quote/ Evidence: A quote taken directly from your research that directly supports your Concrete Detail. It also helps prove your Topic Sentence. It MUST be integrated and cited properly in MLA.
  8. Commentary/Explanation/Analysis: Your analysis or explanation. Where you explain how the Concrete Detail and the Direct Quote prove your Topic Sentence.Interpret your evidence, explaining the significance of your example.
  9. Commentary/Explanation/Analysis: Your analysis or explanation. Where you explain how the Concrete Detail and the Direct Quote prove your Topic Sentence.Justify why intervention is necessary.
  10. Concluding Sentence: This statement must tie back to your Thesis Statement and make a conclusion that links ideas between the body paragraphs. (Only link between paragraph 2 and paragraph 3.) Punch your thesis!

Conclusion Paragraph #5

  1. Sum up ideas
  2. Restate Thesis (may be more than one sentence)
  3. Offer a solution to your issue and justify why this solution will work
  4. Refer back to your Intro

Recipe for Writing

MLA Research Essay Format #2

Paragraph #1

(Intro Paragraph)

  1. Hook Sentence- A sentence that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to read more (remember your essay’s premise)
  2. Country and generally introduce the topic
  3. Linking sentence(s)- Provide background information about the topic (who is involved, conflict, duration of the problem, and offer a solution be specific and comprehensive)
  4. Thesis Statement- LAST sentence in paragraph (thesis topic + position+ examples (Offer 3 ways why your solution will work), always 1 sentence

SAMPLE: The United Nations can help resolve the problem of human trafficking in Costa Rica because ______, ______, and ______.

Body Paragraphs (Paragraphs #2, #3, and #4)

  1. Topic Sentence: The main idea of your paragraph; what you are trying to prove or describe in your paragraph. Introduce the first example from your thesis.
  2. Concrete Detail/Your Point: A specific example from your research that supports your topic sentence. This helps to prove that the topic sentence is true. It usually starts with “For example,” or “For instance.”
  3. Direct Quote/ Evidence: A quote taken directly from your research that directly supports your Concrete Detail. It also helps prove your Topic Sentence. It MUST be integrated and cited properly in MLA.
  4. Commentary/Explanation/Analysis: Your analysis or explanation. Where you explain how the Concrete Detail and the Direct Quote prove your Topic Sentence. Interpret your evidence, explaining the significance of your example.
  5. Commentary/Explanation/Analysis: Your analysis or explanation. Where you explain how the Concrete Detail and the Direct Quote prove your Topic Sentence. Justify why intervention will work.
  6. Concrete Detail/Your Point: A specific example from your research that supports your topic sentence. This helps to prove that the topic sentence is true. It usually starts with “Another example,” or “Also.”
  7. Direct Quote/ Evidence: A quote taken directly from your research that directly supports your Concrete Detail. It also helps prove your Topic Sentence. It MUST be integrated and cited properly in MLA.
  8. Commentary/Explanation/Analysis: Your analysis or explanation. Where you explain how the Concrete Detail and the Direct Quote prove your Topic Sentence. Interpret your evidence, explaining the significance of your example.
  9. Commentary/Explanation/Analysis: Your analysis or explanation. Where you explain how the Concrete Detail and the Direct Quote prove your Topic Sentence. Justify why intervention will work.
  10. Concluding Sentence: This statement must tie back to your Thesis Statement and make a conclusion that links ideas between the body paragraphs. (Only link between paragraph 2 and paragraph 3.) Punch your thesis!

Conclusion Paragraph #5

  1. Sum up ideas
  2. Restate Thesis (may be more than one sentence)
  3. Explain the significance of your paper in terms of real world/life – explain why the topic is relevant today.(Remember the premise of your paper.)
  4. Refer back to your Intro