RenArts ESSAY GUIDELINES

 

1. Write your name on the top of this handout and keep it (along with the MLA handout) in your expandable file for future reference on all drafts of all RenArts essays.  Refer to it  BEFORE handing in your essay.

2. Follow dictates of MLA format precisely regarding set up of paper, headings, citations, attributions, page numbering, etc.  Double check your MLA handout before turning in essay.

 

3. Put your group number in heading (ie Humanities 4a) and staple essay pages together. 

 

4. Return advisor-annotated 1^st draft with your rewrite.   If your rewrite is not accompanied by the 1^st draft, it will not be accepted.  This also holds true for 2^nd and 3^rd or (heaven forbid) 4^th drafts that require rewrites. 

 

5. Proof-read each draft for mechanical sense before turning it in: 

• check your spelling (use spell-check but also check spell-check to make sure the computer is checking spelling on the word you mean to use…)
• make sure each sentence has a discernible subject and verb;
• make sure each sentence ends in a grammatically timely fashion;
• make sure each punctuation mark conveys your intended meaning;
• make sure that number agreement tracks between nouns and verbs;
• make sure that your sentence construction makes clear to whom each pronoun refers;
• re-read once just tracking your tenses;
• double-check the spelling of title and author’s name (yes, it has happened…);
• do not use contractions – do not!

 

6. Read your paper aloud to another sentient being – preferably a parent or older sibling – and listen respectfully to his/her comments.  If something does not make sense to your listener, that is important information for you as a writer.  Please consider carefully the questions and suggestions of your listener and make appropriate revisions BEFORE handing in the essay.

 

7. Use present tense when referring to action within the text (ie The monster ‘opens’ – not ‘opened’ – his yellow eye).  It will help simplify your tense issues throughout the rest of the essay.

 

8. Look carefully at your text citations and edit them to maximize their impact while maintaining authorial intent.  You can use ellipses (…) to indicate omitted text.

 

9. Make certain that you fully understand what each essay assignment specifically entails.  Make notes in group and refer back to essay prompt.  You only have 3-5 pages in which to examine a complex text in a convincing fashion.  You cannot afford to make sweeping statements that are not supported by a thorough and detailed reading of the text and a careful examination of the author’s use of language. 

 

10. Avoid direct assertion of personal opinion except in specific types of personal essay assignments – think carefully before using 1^st person pronouns.

 

11. Appropriation of outside sources must be fully credited per MLA guidelines.  Any unattributed use of other people’s writing from any source will nullify the entire essay and result in an immediate parent conference.