MLA (Modern Language Association) style, the standard format used for writing and documentation in the humanities, is the style that you will use for paper assignments in English 1103.
Formatting a paper in MLA style requires changing the font because Times New Roman, used in MLA papers, is not the default font in Microsoft Word. You will also need to create a running header that includes both your last name and the page number. If you do not know how to change a font or create a running header, this YouTube video on MLA page set-up will show you how.
For additional models of MLA style, see the sample essays posted on Blackboard and the MLA Style center’s sample essays, including this one by Holly Nelson, an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University.
Bonus Assignment
As practice in both revision and MLA formatting, complete the assignment below. Students who do so will earn a bonus assignment credit in the short assignments (course work) category.
Directions
- Revise the introductory reflective writing that you began in class on August 18. If your literacy narrative focuses on one of the classes that you wrote about in your reflection, do not include that class in your revision; the content of your bonus assignment should be markedly different from the content of your literacy narrative. You do not need to begin with a paragraph of summary followed by a paragraph of commentary. Those specifics were included in your reflective assignment so I could assess your understanding of the differences between the two and your ability to follow directions.
- Compose a revision of at least two-hundred and fifty words, and type it into a Microsoft Word document that you have formatted to comply with MLA style. If you are unsure of how to change the formatting in a file, revisit the second paragraph of this blog post.
- Print a copy of your file, and submit your paper copy at the beginning of class on Friday, September 5. You will not submit a copy online. Posting to Blackbaord and WordPress is a requirement for your three major writing assignments only. However, if you want to publish your bonus assignment as practice in using WordPress, you are welcome to do so.
Next Up
For class on Monday, you will read “The Day Language Came into My Life,” which is the fourth chapter of Helen Keller’s autobiography, The Story of My Life. You do not need to print a copy; I distributed copies in class on Wednesday, August 27.
In addition to examining Keller’s chapter, we will review a couple of student literacy narratives written in previous semesters.
Jane Lucas 