Introduction:
Now that your have almost completed each of the sections for your project, it is time to begin compiling and finalizing the report. Before you begin compiling
the project, think about how you want to present your discussion. Up until this point we have followed a specific order, but now, as the author, it is up to you to
decide how to present your argument to your reader. How do you want your reader to become acquainted with your topic? What order logically makes sense?
Should the history section be presented first? Will the descriiption section help lure your reader in? How do your sections connect? Do certain sections build
upon each either? Once you have decided upon the order, you can begin drafting a 1 page introduction. Think of the piece holistically. What is your overall
impression of the American diet? What will readers notice about your approach to the topic? What discoveries have you made? How does this shape your
vision of the topic? Use this introduction as an opportunity to direct your reader. Avoid trite introductions. Even though you’ve developed this paper in
sections, it should follow as one piece. Do not say, “in the history section I…. And in the descriiption section…” The 1-2 page introduction must establish the
framework for the project, not explain the method of development.
Conclusion:
Once you have completed your introduction, begin working on a 1 page conclusion to tie up the various aspects of the report. Avoid pointing out the various
sections of the report; rather, look at what the completed project adds up to. What conclusions can you draw about the American diet? How does the
information you researched support your conclusions? How do you view the American diet based on your research? What final points would you like to leave
your reader with? Do not use the conclusion as an opportunity to lump together information to fill space in the report. The conclusion should tie ideas
together and finalize the discussion.
Body:
Create a flow between the sections. Your paper should read as one complete piece. Do not use headers throughout the piece (analysis, history, etc). Once
you have decided upon the order, evaluate whether or not the sections naturally flow together. If they don’t, you will need to add transitional paragraphs to tie
the sections together. For instance, if you decide to put your persuasive (issue) section after the history, ask yourself if the history section lays the
groundwork for the persuasive section. If it doesn’t, you will need to add a paragraph that connects the two- perhaps how the history of the industry lead to
the current issue/problem. Really think about the connections.
Layout
The final step is to correctly format your project. Formatting the project correctly is a matter of audience. Chapter 1 of the MLA Handbook explains how to
set up your essay. Page 2 illustrates the visual layout of the page:
1. All of the text should be double-spaced with no additional spacing between paragraphs. Be careful if you work outside of Word
2. Use 12 point Times New Roman as your font. (Alternatively, you may use 10 point Verdana.)
3. Identify each page in the essay, beginning on the first page of your essay and throughout the entire work including the Works Cited page, with your last
name and the page number in the upper right-hand header. Use the header feature; do not type this directly on the page.
4. On the first page of the essay, place your name on the left hand side, followed by the instructor’s name (Professor Byrne), the course (English 1510), and
the date your project is due.
5. On the next line your title should appear (centered). Due to the length and depth of the project, create a title and subtitle. The title should include a
reference to a point made in the essay, and the subtitle should provide a bit of insight into your discussion.
6. Begin your essay on the line immediately following the title.
7. Provide the Works Cited page following MLA format on the first full page directly following the essay. See page 5 – 6 of the MLA Handbook.
Questions for the finished project:
Focus: Is your thesis clear? What POINT does all of your research add up to?
Descriiption: Do you “show” rather than “tell”? Do you use concrete language to engage the reader? Do you help the reader join the discussion rather than just
labeling and summarizing?4,500 words or more
300 points
4,200 words or more
280 points
3,900 words or more
260 points
3,600 words or more
240 points
Less than 3,600 words
Failing = 0
*Essays that do not achieve the “Intermediate” ranking in all areas will lose 20 points per criterion not met. *The total word count does not include the Work’s
Cited page.
Additional points on the project will be awarded on mastery as outlined below:
Mastery:
Criteria
Points
The essay follows MLA format. The essay is in Times New Roman, 12 point, double-spaced with no additional spacing between paragraphs.
5 additional points
The essay presents a concrete thesis (of one, no more than two, sentences) which sets the groundwork for the entire project at the end of the introduction
paragraph.
5 additional points
The essay is grammatically correct with fewer than 10 errors in total.
5 additional points
All quotes, summaries, and paraphrases within the project are cited correctly and free of any technical or grammatical errors.
5 additional points
The MLA Works Cited page is complete and correct without errors present.
5 additional points
Note: Mastery points are awarded only if the criteria is met in full.
Plagiarism and cheating: The course syllabus clearly outlines the course policy on academic honesty.
No student shall engage in behavior which, in the judgment of the instructor of the class, may be construed as cheating. This may include, but is not limited
to, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty, such as the acquisition (without permission) of tests or other academic materials and/or distribution
of the same. This includes students who aid and abet, as well as those who attempt such behavior.