Faculty and researchers: We want to hear from you! We are launching a survey to learn more about your library collection needs for teaching, learning, and research. If you would like to participate, please complete the survey by May 17, 2024. Thank you for your participation!
ESSAY FORMAT
Specifying acceptable/desirable essay and assignment formats, while not required, clarifies expectations for students and lets them know that presentation is important (and that you are not an office supply store!). The following policies offer a variety of examples of communicating format standards to students.
EXAMPLE #1
This format must be followed for all papers (first and final drafts) written outside of class. Papers that do not adhere to this format will be downgraded up to 10%. Follow instructions for formatting a paper in MLA style on page 130 of the Little Seagull Handbook. Papers must be stapled. Papers that are clipped together or have “dog-eared” corners will not be accepted. First and final drafts must be carefully spell-checked and proofread for careless errors. Read your papers aloud to find careless errors—sloppy first drafts will not be accepted; sloppy final drafts will automatically drop one full letter grade.
You must submit all supporting material requested for each paper. Required supporting material will be listed on each assignment sheet.
EXAMPLE #2
For each major assignment, you will be given detailed directions. All writing assignments/homework will be typed and double-spaced. Papers must have one inch margins on all four sides of the page. Include your name, class, date, and essay type in the upper left-hand corner of the first page. Your title should be centered on the next line. The title should be original and define your topic. Successive pages must be numbered on the top right hand corner. Please use only Times New Roman (12).
EXAMPLE #3
All writing assignments for class, unless told otherwise, must be word-processed using a standard word font (such as Times New Roman or Calibri), 12 font size, standard margins and double-spacing and must include your name, the date, the course and section numbers, and a title or description of the assignment. Please staple and paginate your work. Your work must be handed in during class time, not emailed to me. Running out of ink, paper, or time is not an acceptable excuse. I will not print your work for you. Attention to these details is important; work that does not comply with this format will receive zero credit.
EXAMPLE #4
All essays and reading responses must be typed, doubled-spaced, with standard 1-inch margins and MLA headings (see p.55 in A Writer’s Reference). Awkward formats that are clearly designed to fill up space or reach the required page length limit are not only obvious to readers, but also, result in substandard presentation. Always include your name, number the pages, and attach your work with a staple or paper clip. Presentation matters.
