Basic Paper Expectations

Do use MLA format, including heading, works cited, Times New Roman 12 point font, 1 inch margins, no spaces between paragraphs, page number, etc.

Create a title that accurately portrays what you will be covering in your paper.

Your paper needs to adhere to the project guidelines that I have specified at the beginning or it will be penalized.Although creativity is encouraged, laziness is not. If you have questions, ask.

Your introduction should be different than your conclusion, not just reworded, copied, or cut & paste.

Quotes need to be set up correctly. Quotes never stand alone and should not begin or end your paper (they need clarification/explication).

Contractions do not belong in a formal paper (can’t, don’t, won’t, it’s, etc.).

You need to proofread your paper. When the main character’s name is misspelled, I know you didnot check it. If I feel you didnot proofread your paper sufficiently, I will return it to you and an automatic penalty of 5 points will be assessed in addition to a 5 point late penalty every day until it is submitted a second time.

Staple your paper so nothing gets lost.

Cite everything you think could possibly need to be cited. Use MLA documentation format. There are guidelines available online – utilize your resources! This is excellent practice for college, but even more so, demonstrates your recognition that you used someone else’s information. If you do not cite them, it is called plagiarism.

Each of the following will be included in your grade. A general rubric I will be using often includes the following:

Content

Clarity

Organization

Style

Grammar/Spelling

When I provide comments on your papers, read them. I often find the same mistakes over and over, paper after paper. Use the comments to help improve your writing and use your mistakes as learning tools. If you have questions about your paper and your writing, let me know. If you would like comments on a rough draft, YOU MUST schedule an appointment AND turn the paper into me ahead of time. I will not review an essay the day before it is due.

We will keep all of your papers in your portfolio. Therefore, your graded papers should not leave the room and should instead be placed in your portfolio after you have finished reading the comments.

All papers should be turned in both hard copy in class and electronically in turnitin.com