Research Ess@y

Preparing your first page and Works Cited page:

Our activity this week is meant to ensure that all students are on the right track with their research paper’s focus and MLA in-text citations and Works Cited page.

Formatting: Follow MLA format—one-inch margins on all sides, remove extra space between paragraphs so the entire paper is double-spaced, center your paper’s title, use Times New Roman or Garamond 12-point font, insert your last name and page number in the header in the top right corner, etc . See the many videos in the MLA Videos folder in Content for assistance.

What should be in the first page?

1. Include a catchy title and introductory paragraph:

1. The introductory paragraph must include an attention-getter, enough information so that a reader understands the controversy, and it must end with the thesis statement.

2. The second paragraph should be the background/overview paragraph:

1. In this paragraph, give the reader enough background/overview so that the reader can understand the issue. (See OrganizingaResearchPaper).

2. In those two paragraphs combined, use information from at least three academic sources from the databases, with all information followed by a proper in-text citation.

1. Remember that in-text citations follow all information found/learned from a source, whether you directly quote that information or put it in your own words (which is called a paraphrase).

2. Final drafts of papers must use all three forms of incorporating source material—direct quotations, paraphrases, and summaries. ALL must be followed with in-text citations that refer the reader to the source on the WC page.

3. Color-code your draft. (See the color-coding video explanation on the main page of our course as well as this handout: Color Coding Explanation and Watercott Example Paragraph for Online Classes .)

What about the Works Cited page?

1. Include a Works Cited page with a Works Cited citation for each source used and followed with an in-text citation in your first page. (Do not include sources on the WC page that you have not yet used and followed with an in-text citation in the body of your paper.)

2. Your Works Cited page should be titled as such and be formatted according to the example on page 206 of your WR Handbook (all double-spaced, first line left justified, second and third lines indented half an inch, etc.).

3. Review this handout: Works Cited Quick Checklist.