MLA Format Argument Paper Checklist

Use this check sheet to be sure your paper is ready to turn in. If you have met each of these requirements, you are on your way to earning a great grade! (Please use the sample paper as a guide as well.) First page: On the left hand margin My name Teachers name (spelled correctly: Mrs. Tinkey) Class (__ Period Social Studies) Due Date (Oct. 7, 2013) Centered Title of paper, double-spaced line below heading (two blank lines). NOT underlined, in italics, bold, all caps, large font or anything else fancy. Format of Paper: Font is Times New Roman and is 12-point in size printed in black ink (if typed) or handwritten in black ink (final draft!) printed or written every other line (this is called double spacing). To accomplish this in Microsoft Word, go to format, then paragraph, then line spacinguse the drop down menu to choose double. Use one side of paper only. all pages have a header on the upper right top margin. If you are hand writing your paper, the header for each page should be in the large white space at the top of the page one-inch margins no extra blank lines between paragraphs ALL paragraphs are indented Correct capitalization, punctuation, grammar, etc. No spelling errors, no contractions It is written in 3rd person no 1st or 2nd person pronouns (I, You, we etc) End punctuation for sentences is AFTER the parenthetical citation Parenthetical/internal citation is in proper format, for example (Davis 14). If no page numbers are available, skip. If there is no author, use title of work with quotation marks around it Introduction Paragraph: Has an interesting attention-getter includes a strong thesis that tells the reader what is to come States the three supporting details to argue the thesis, but does not give too much detail.

 has no phrase resembling anything even remotely close to Im gonna write about or This paper is about etc. Body Paragraphs: written from your 4-square and follow your thesis statement internal citation is used when needed throughout out the paper, for both direct quotes and reworded/paraphrased quotes if it came off of a website or article or book it has to be cited the information you have included is accurate clearly states the reasons for your argument with support PLEASE NOTE: if any part of your paper is copied from a source and is not noted as either a direct quote or paraphrased and it is not cited internally, it will be considered plagiarism Opposition Paragraph: (Needs to have one of the following) uses another topic to contrast with argument has clear opposing viewpoints against the original topic All must have: has at least 2 opposing viewpoints listed Conclusion Paragraph: has a logical conclusion that ties together the main points of the paper it should restate your thesis does not end with the words the end contains no phrases even somewhat close to In this paper I taught you or I hope you liked my paper or Now that youve read my paper etc. Works Cited page: a separate page includes your running header titled as Works Cited and centered at the top of your page entries are alphabetized by authors last name, when available. First word of title is used in other cases entries are not numbered double-spaced (every other line) hanging indent 100% proper MLA formatuse your help sheets!!! each source listed is used at least one time in the paper if you do not include a works cited page you have plagiarized and will receive a failing grade. Mechanics:

Correct capitalization, punctuation, grammar, etc Complete sentences No spelling errors End punctuation for sentences is after the internal citation You have read your paper to yourself ALOUD and it makes sense.