Students can expect to write a formal essay at least once every two weeks.  During the first semester we will focus on reflective, expository and persuasive essays.  During the second semester we will focus on literary analysis.  Students should be prepared to present their essays orally to the class.  All essays should be typed in MLA format. See below the acceptable format for typed essays.  Remember that essays are 30% of your semester grade.  Realistically, you could skip a homework assignment, and your grade would probably not suffer; however, if you fail to turn in an essay, it will dramatically and adversely affect your grade.  Click here for help in citing your references.

Requirements for Written Work

• Use Times New Roman, size 12, doublespaced for ALL typed assignments.
• Use of 1st and 2nd person and contractions is forbidden.
• Use MLA formatting for ALL assignments:
  • Margins are 1 inch all around.
  • Indent (one tab) first word of each new paragraph.
  • Do not leave lines open between paragraphs.
  • Do not create a title page.
  • On first page you should have your name, the name of the teacher, the name of the class and period #and the date in the top left hand corner (align left). each item should be underneath the other, double spaced.
  • The title of the paper should be TNR, size 12 and centered. Do not bold. Underline the title if you want it to stnad out.
  • On each page you should have your last name and the page number in the top right hand corner (align right) one half an inch from the top. You will need to use the header option for this.
  • Use the attached MLA formatting sheet as a guideline for quotes, parenthetical references and works cited pages.
  • Each paper should have a works cited page unless it is a creative or autobiographical piece. If you are writing about, or reference, a novel, play, short story, article, web page ect. you need to prepare a works cited page.
• Spell check and proofread your work. Papers containing more than three gramatical or spelling errors will be returned with a grade of "F" CORRECTED papers must be returned the next day for full credit. Include the original paper with the corrected paper.
• Any essay that does not comply with the guidelines provided will be returned with a grade of "F".
• Mandatory writing tutorials will be assigned as necessary. Failure to attend will result of an "F" to every paper untill the student attends a tutoring session.