ENGL 2210 World Literature II

Paper writing guides

In this course you will be required to write two shorter course papers. I am assuming that at this point all of you should have taken the English composition courses and should be familiar with the process of writing critical essays and papers. Below is a list of writing instructions that should help you in organizing your essays and papers.

Use the Writing process template for composing each of your paragraphs. Have this template handy when you come for consultations.

Read carefully and understand clearly the topic of your paper. I urge you to discuss points in the topic that are not clear to you.

Keep these points in mind as you compose your paper. I will take off points in any paper that does not follow these instructions!:

  1. Write your name on the top left
  2. Write the title of your paper, centered.
  3. The title MUST be focused, concise and related to the topic of the essay. Use 8-10 words to compose the title.
  4. Do not write "throughout the story|novel|poem|play" ANYWHERE in your paper!
  5. Do not write "the first example is, another example is, the next example is," etc., ANYWHERE in your paper.
  6. I will take off 10 points for any paragraph that does not have a topic sentence. Learn what a topic sentence is and practice writing them.
  7. Do not write "you|your|yours" ANYWHERE in your paper, unless it is in a quotation.
  8. Sentences may not be longer that two lines.
  9. Paragraphs may not be longer than 12 lines.
  10. Send papers as e-mail attachments in a format that can be read with Microsoft Word.
  11. I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE PAPERS WITHOUT A VALID UNIVERSITY EXCUSE.
  12. You may turn in a paper at least four days before it is due, in which case I will check it and send you comments.

Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a failing grade for the paper.

No matter how great the substance of your paper is, it may not convey what you want it to convey if the structure is confusing.

The staff at the Writing Center are ready to help you with any specific needs.