Writing Tips
1. Formal essays should be written in the third person. Do not use any of the
following pronouns in a formal piece of writing: me, my, I, we, us, or you.
2. Do not use slang words (Indian vs. Native American) or internet speak (u).
3. Do not use ambiguous terms such as “thing” “stuff” “ones”, search your
vocabulary for a better and more precise word.
4. Do not reference your own essay while writing a formal paper. Example: “In
this essay I will discuss…”
5. Be concise with the words you choose. Don’t throw in unnecessary words as
“padding”.
6. Try not to use too many contractions in your essay (don’t, won’t). Usually
more than 5 is too many, write out the words to make it sound more formal.
7. Make sure you underline the title of the novel. If typing an essay you may put
the title in italics. If you are writing about an article or a poem you put the
title in quotations marks.
8. The first time you use an author’s name, you must use the full name. After
that the last name is enough.
9. Correct MLA citations if using quotes or paraphrasing information that is not
your own.
Example: “The someone dim coal fire was the only light” (Hawthorn 25).
Example: The only light in the house was a coal fire that was someone dim
(Hawthorn 25).
10. NEVER begin or end a quote from an novel, essay, article, etc. with an ellipsis
(…). Only use an ellipsis to combine two parts of a work into the same quote.
Example: “It was impossible for Spangler not to notice the girl’s isolation…He
reached the girl, paused a moment, and kissed her on the cheek” (Lee 78).
11. Make sure all words at the beginning of the sentence, names, essential words
in titles, and other words that should be capitalized are capitalized.
12. Any number 99 or below should be spelled out (ninety nine). Numbers over
99 can be left as numerals.
13. Use specific and concrete examples to prove your thesis.
Thesis Statements
1. These are the last sentence of your opening paragraph.
2. What you are going to prove, explain, or demonstrate to your reader.
3. You should be able to logically follow a thesis throughout the essay with
evidence.
Example Question: The theme of individual versus society: Discuss the personal
desires and aspirations that Romeo and Juliet have and the social responsibility
that each face. While Romeo and Juliet love each other, gender, familial and
societal realities obstruct their desire to be to together. Discuss the pressures
that these lovers face, and provide examples of how each lover rebels against
these forces.
Example Thesis: In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare the theme of
individual versus society is demonstrated through the rebellion of Romeo and
Juliet against pressures relating to gender, family, and society.
Introduction
Conclusion
Begin with a broad statement
Restate you thesis differently
Add details necessary and background
Summarize each proven point
Thesis statement
Broad statement as summarizer