Final Steps

Quotations and Other Mechanics

Quotations

• • • Quotations four typed lines or shorter are put in quotations marks and page number is provided outside the quotation marks, in parentheses, but before the period. example: "Major said to shoot the cat" (59).

    • Quotations more than 4 typed lines are different. They start on a new line and are indented 10 spaces by adjusting the markers in the document. Do NOT use quotation marks, but do provide the page number in parentheses after the final punctuation mark. (Is this confusing, or what? But it is MLA format!)

    • When you quote a non-spoken passage from a text, use regular double quotation marks like this ".........."

    • When you quote a quote (something a character actually said), you need to use a double quotation mark and then an single quotation mark together like this "'..........'”

Use the following resources for more help with using quotations and how to set them up and punctuate them correctly in MLA format.

• MLA Formatting Quotations

• Using short quotes and block quotes in MLA

Mechanics for Titles

• The titles of short stories are in quotations marks and the titles of novels are underlined or in italics.

  • • Short Stories: "The Gift of the Magi"

    • Books: The Hunger Games

    • The title of your essay does not go in italics or need quotation marks. See sample below.

• Capitalization Rules

  • Knowing which words to capitalize in a title can be tricky. Use the book as a guide.

    • First and last words

    • Most words except little ones like: a, the, an

  • For the easy way out, use this tool to cut and paste your title and have it automatically capitalized for MLA style.

Some tips for finishing up your paper:

• In formal essay writing, DO NOT use "I." This means no "I think," "I feel," "in my opinion" or "my first reason." (I allow this in the conclusion with your opinion. Some teachers will never allow it.)

• Use 12 point in a normal, plain font like Times or Helvetica.

• Double space the whole essay. Do not put extra space between paragraphs.

• Take the time to reread your paper to make sure it makes sense and says what you intended. When possible, let some time pass between when you finish your draft and when you reread/revise.

• Check the mechanics. It can be really helpful to have someone else read through your paper to give you feedback and help you check the mechanics.

• Make sure the formatting is correct:

  • Correct heading (see below)

  • Double space

  • Appropriate margins (1" all around)

  • Appropriate font/size (Arial, Times New Roman, etc. and size 12)

• Left justification for all text except title, which is centered.

Heading & Paper Set-up

Name

Class

Teacher

Date

Title of Paper (Try to be appropriately creative)

Here is the start of my paper. It is a great paper written by the most insightful student the teacher has ever had. The ideas are brilliant and clearly expressed. Because of the marvelous quality of the ideas, this paper should receive an A+.