No contractions in formal papers.◦ Don’t – do not◦ Wasn’t – was not◦ Doesn’t – do not

Could of/Should of/Would of – NO!!!◦ You’re really saying could’ve/should’ve/would’ve which

should actually be could have/should have/would have because you are not supposed to use contractions in formal papers.

Do not use “you” or “I” in formal papers.◦ For you, say “the reader” or “a person.”◦ You do not need to use “I think” or “I feel” in formal papers.

It is obvious that you think or feel a certain way. It is your paper.

MLA format◦ “I ’ve often wondered why more colored girls never

passed over” (Larsen 25). Thesis statements

◦ Should be the last sentence of your first, introductory paragraph Your three main points should be listed in your thesis.

◦ Body paragraphs should follow the format of your thesis. Point A of your thesis should be the topic of your first

body paragraph, etc. Delete space between paragraphs.

Make sure to link your ideas to the story. Pick ONE turning point and have three

reasons or examples as to why it is the turning point.◦ The reasons or examples should be three effects

of the action or event.

Numbers◦ 20s, 30s

Not 20’s, 30’s◦ 1-9: spell out

One, two, three◦ 10+: use the numeral

10, 220, 1,309

Mistakes

Agreement◦ If a person has a problem with drugs, they have a

lot to figure out.◦ NO!◦ If a person has a problem with drugs, he/she has

a lot to figure out.◦ If people have a problem with drugs, they have a

lot to figure out.

5 standard areas◦ spelling◦ punctuation◦ sentence structure◦ paragraph structure◦ syntax errors

Transition use Use of quotes and cites 2 successes/2 areas of improvement Must be signed!

What do you know about writing a thesis statement? What makes for a good thesis statement?

A thesis statement indicates the purpose of the composition and makes clear what aspects of the topic you will discuss.

As you limited your subject and evaluated your topic, you focused on specific aspects of the topic.

Through classifying and arranging ideas, you found relationships between your ideas and details.

Remember to think in terms of 3s◦ You should have three points that back up what

you are trying to prove. The thesis statement is the last line of the

first paragraph.

Remember to:◦ Give the purpose of your composition◦ Make it clear what aspects of your topic you will

discuss Example: “In Othello, the theme of racism

is seen through Brabantio’s disapproval of Desdemona and Othello’s marriage, racist comments by the characters, and Othello’s isolation from others.”

Do Now How do you usually organize your paper?

What experience do you have with outlines?

A preliminary outline is a list of ideas to cover in your paper in the order you plan to cover them.

The order of the headings in your paper reflect your purpose.

Example:◦ Thesis: In Othello, the theme of racism is seen

through Brabantio’s disapproval of Desdemona and Othello’s marriage, racist comments by the characters, and Othello’s isolation from others. I. Brabantio’s disapproval of Desdemona’s marriage

A. He warns Othello that Desdemona deceived him and may deceive Othello too (Page 30).

B. Part of the reason Brabantio doesn’t like Othello anymore is because he is dark skinned (Smith, Bloom’s Notes).

C. Brabantio feels like Othello stole his daughter (Jones, Bloom’s Notes).