Format Issue: Headers
The following instructions, depending on the version you have, should assist you in the creation of headers for all papers written in MLA style:

Word Perfect:

• Go to Format: Choose Header/Footer
• Choose Justification (This may be under the Format column)
• Align Right
• Type your last name and a space
• Go to Insert:  Choose Page # (There may also be a # symbol to insert instead)
• Close Header box

• View: Header/Footer
• Right-Click inside header box
• Choose Paragraph
• Choose Alignment
• Choose Right
• You can also go under Format: Paragraph: Align: Right
• Type your last name and a space
• Insert: Page #
• For Outlines:  Page #s should be in the form of Roman Numerals:
• View Header/Footer
• Do Not Type in Last Name
• Insert: Page Numbers
• Alignment:  Right
• Format:  Number Format:  "i,ii,iii..."
• OK:  OK
• Close Box

• What is a Thesis?
• A statement that summarizes the central idea of the paper, for which the author intends to argue.
• Where is it usually located?
• Final sentence of 1st paragraph
• What three functions does the thesis serve?
• Establishes a boundary around your subject, keeps you from straying
• Charts an orderly course for the paper
• Gives reader an idea what to expect

• What comes first, notes or thesis?
• Notes:  Thesis is central idea that summarizes the information gathered on the subject.

• What three things should a thesis do?
• Be clear, direct, and comprehensible
• Predict major divisions in the structure of the paper
• Commit you to an unmistakable course, argument, or point of view, unlike these examples:
• This paper will discuss the use of imagery in Hurston's "Sweat."
• This paper will compare the marriage of Joe and Missie May to that of Delia and Sykes.

• Don't ask questions in your writing.
• Ask questions as part of pre-writing process, then supply your answers in the paper.

• Describe the most effective title.
• Clear, specific, informative
• Includes keywords from subject of paper
• Usually NOT a sentence
• Thesis statement can be SOURCE (but not identical)

• What is an Outline?
• What is the minimum number of sub-categories?  Why?

• What does "equal ranking" refer to?

• What is a sentence outline?
• Avoid using Direct Quotes in Your Outline!!

• What is plagiarism?
• How can one avoid it?

• What four things should you do before beginning your rough draft?
• Formulate thesis
• Go over notes for relevant material
• Organize notes in order of appearance
• Sketch outline or abstract
• What should you do during composition of your rough draft?
• Use spell-check
• Afterwards, PROOFREAD with OWN eyes!
• Save your work OFTEN
• Do not wait until the end!
• Revise on hard copy, make changes on screen

• Providing information about the source of borrowed ideas

• ANYTIME you introduce a borrowed idea from another person, whether as a Quote, Paraphrase, or Summary:

• Must be smooth, blending logically into the surrounding discussion
• Do not Begin or End a Paragraph with a Quotation !!
• Using quotes as part of sentence:  1st word not capitalized (98)
• Should not be OVERused:  Your thoughts should dominate (106)

• Long Quotes (Prose = Over 4 lines, Verse = 4+ lines)
• Indented 10 spaces
• Introduced with long sentence and colon
• No quotation marks
• Need to be explained in detail:  On 100 is an example of a quote that is not properly explained:  Explain more specifically what words create "a trancelike mood" (100).

• Use slashes with short quotes (less than four lines)
• Cite line numbers, not page numbers

• Internal Quotes

• Ellipsis:  Book says they are ok at end (104), NOT at beginning (106), but both are unnecessary.

• What is UNITY?
• Sticking to thesis without rambling
• Follow the lead of your thesis

• What is COHERENCE?
• Sticking together:  Clear connections between ideas
• Precise word reference
• Parallel structures
• Transitional markers
• What are transitions?
• Avoid mixed constructions

• What is the appropriate tense when discussing literature?
• Present Tense

• For this class (although maybe not for others), use MLA style and Parenthetical Citation
• Other classes may require different systems of documentation

• When do you provide documentation?
• ANYTIME you introduce a borrowed idea from another person, whether as a Quote, Paraphrase, or Summary

• Shelley describes Victor as "********************" (57).
• "**************" (Shelley 75).

• "**********" (Shelley, Frankenstein 58).

• What is the Works Cited?
• What is its purpose?