Content

The papers you write for English 101 must be analytical; that is, they must offer a single, clear, and arguable thesis statement or claim, and they must include coherent, cohesive, organized, and developed support of that thesis statement.  For our purposes, that support must include pertinent, varied, and well-integrated research.  Those writing more than three papers who wish to experiment with different persuasion methods may do so only after securing my approval.

General Format Requirements:
For Papers and Assignments

• Please type your written work using only Times New Roman, 12-point. Any draft you share with another reader must also be typed and clean.  In short, type everything.

• Please maintain one-inch margins on top, bottom, and sides.

• I applaud the use of clean recycled paper; please just make sure that the only printing on it is yours.  Thank you.

• When you quote from or reference a text, please correctly employ the MLA conventions for punctuation of quoted material. Please also include a works cited section; if the works cited will fit at the bottom of your essay's last page, please place it there rather than devoting an additional page solely to it.

• All papers and assignments submitted are public discourse: they will benefit from peer response and Endorsement Groups.

Additional Requirements for Papers

In addition to the above general requirements, please also meet the following:

• Length:

  • If you plan to submit four papers (for an A), at least two of the papers must reach four full pages, the third must reach at least three full pages, and the fourth must reach at least two full pages.  (Please note the A Deadline.)

  • If you plan to submit three papers (for a B), at least two of the papers much reach four full pages; the third paper must reach at least three full pages.

  • If you plan to submit two papers (for a C) both papers must reach at least four full pages.

  • By "full pages" I mean pages upon which text extends all the way to the bottom margin.  For instance, a paper that reaches 3.9 pages is only a three-page paper. 

• Full Pages: the first page of your essay must contain 19 lines of text (not including your header and title lines).  Full pages (for your second and subsequent pages) must contain 23 lines of text.  Turning off the Widow/Orphan control on your word processor will help you to meet these minimums.

• Line Spacing: please double space your papers and indent the first line of each new paragraph by five spaces. Please do not quadruple space between paragraphs.   Note that some word processors by default inserts an extra space between paragraphs; please adjust accordingly.

• Please title your papers. Please do not include a title page.

• Please staple papers together in the upper left-hand corner, and please include a completed Endorsement Group Routing Sheet—with both sides completed—to your paper, name side out.  I cannot accept papers submitted without a completed Endorsement Group Routing Sheet (that's both sides of the sheet, please).

• Headers: please number your pages, and please provide a single-spaced, right-justified header on your first page that includes the following information:

Your Name
Paper #: Draft # (Paper #2: Draft 7)
Date
English 101

Additional Requirements for Assignments

In addition to the above general requirements, please also meet the following:

• Length: a maximum of one page (unless otherwise noted).  Except for the RPs, I strongly recommend aiming for the bottom of that page.

• Line Spacing: please single space your assignments.  Do not indent the first line of each new paragraph; instead, double space between paragraphs.

• Headers: please provide a single-spaced, right-justified header that includes the following information:

Your Name
Assignment Name (Unpacking Clichés)
Date
English 101

Letter Format Requirements

• Observe 1-inch top, bottom, and side margins.

• The letter's first line should contain the submission date, left justified.

• Skip two lines (hit the "Enter" key three times) and type the following address information: 

  • Tracy Duckart

  • English Department

  • Humboldt State University

  • Arcata, CA  95521.8299

• Skip two lines (hit the "Enter" key three times) and type the following salutation:

  • Dear Tracy:

• Skip one line (hit the "Enter" key twice) and then type your letter.  Please note that business letter format requires single-spaced text.  To begin a new paragraph, simply skip one line (double space); do not indent the first line of the paragraph.

• After you conclude your letter, skip two lines (hit the "Enter" key three times) and then close the letter with an appropriate ending (Sincerely, etc.) and your name.

Updated: 02.03.13