Proper MLA Format
- name class teacher date
- header with page numbering
- centered title
- 2x space, 12 point font
- in-text citations
- Works Cited page with hanging indents
Intro/Thesis
- intro discusses story or subject in general terms and flows into thesis
- subject assertion how shown/why/how
Body Paragraphs
- introduce idea (I) of paragraph which demonstrates an aspect of the thesis
- provide relevant details (D) with explanations of their meanings and significance (E)
- quote critical details (D) that are relevant to the idea being developed
- finish with analytic conclusion (AC) that directly ties point of paragraph to thesis: use key words
- effectively use set-up phrases and transitions between and within paragraphs
Quotations
- mostly integrated quotes
- direct quotes utilize explanatory set-up phrase with a colon or comma before the sentence long quote
- provide key words and phrases which help explain
- do not merely repeat what has already been summarized or paraphrased
- citations at end of sentence only
Conclusion
- returns to thesis (not a mere repeat)
- feels like a resolution to essay
- consider using resolution of story or other critical moment to illustrate thesis