MLA Format Guideline
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. This resource, updated to reflect the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7th ed.) and the MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing(3rd ed.), offers examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page.
For more on MLA format visit: Owl Purdue MLA
Or for all formats (remember MLA is just one) visit: Bedford
- MLA Quotes - practice reference sheet from class that shows the proper punctuation for using quotations in papers.
- MLA Power Point - presentation that has many visuals , yes pictures, to help you locate all the important information
Paper Writing: Generating Ideas and Conducting Research
General News Topics in Article Format
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General News Topics in Video Format
AVOID CLICHES AND CLICHE TOPICS - topics are stale and overwritten. Search for a different topic that interests you.
Abortion, Capital Punishment, Corporal Punishment Death Penalty, Dress codes (school uniforms) Drug Legalization (Marijuana for medical use, etc.) Sports (athletes') salaries |
Introductory Paragraph Notes Making Stronger Thesis Statements
Transitions Helpers
Conclusion Paragraphs Counter-Argument Examples
RHETORIC: THE ART OF PERSUASION
Tapping into rhetoric helps to build argumentative writing. While persuading the graders of ACT is important, that audience is not the only one you are attempting to win over with your linguistic prowess: professors, college admittance officers and interviewing committees are all panels that will be privy to your abilities to argue adeptly.
Know your types of rhetoric. More rhetorical terms are defined at Forest of Rhetoric Ensure that you do not commit logic fallacies. |
Evaluation and Growth: Standardized Tests, Peers and MOST importantly Individual
RUBRICS
Grading Rubric Criteria - from class: a "your" language guide to looking at writing and giving the specific growth language to set your goals and improve. ACT Rubric - Produced by ACT: this the original non-friendly rubric I showed in class. Instead of the familiar rows and columns it is in holistic paragraph form. ACT, however, did produce the document so it is important that you know the criteria they are assessing. *** The AWESOME focus of class -- you do know what ACT is assessment because you have their categories in your rubric. It is NOT different -- one is "adult/teacher talk" and one is learner talk ACT Codes - when ACT scores your writing they will send you a "coded number" response. The attached rubric from ACT explains the codes; however, here is a more FRIENDLY format in a traditional rubric relationship where the categories of writing are aligned with the codes. *** Again AWESOME testimony to the rubric you built as the rubrics share your writing categories and components. |
EVALUATION
While educators often have their own lingo for leaving comments on papers, there is commonalty that occurs. It is important that you are familiar with editor proofreading and grammar correction marks along with style references that are typical jargon of English professor. Knowing the meaning of the jargon ensures you can make corrections and learn from your errors. Style references |
FROM PLOT TO POINTS
Paper writing, at the root, stems from a rich idea. Without analytically thinking about the messages presented, there is not much to write about the text. Remember no AP Composition or Literature student has ever been awarded passing marks or collegiate credit for retelling the plot of a story.
You may be feeling out of sorts; it is difficult to create thoughtful ideas and even harder to articulate them in writing. Remember now is the time to take a risk -- if you never attempt to write on literary components you struggle to fully comprehend, then you can be certain you never will understand that concept.
Here is the model paragraph from class.
You may be feeling out of sorts; it is difficult to create thoughtful ideas and even harder to articulate them in writing. Remember now is the time to take a risk -- if you never attempt to write on literary components you struggle to fully comprehend, then you can be certain you never will understand that concept.
Here is the model paragraph from class.
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