Standard Essay Format for English Learners

By Don Ault

25 December 2010

HCMC, Viet Nam

Standard Essay Format

Following are guidelines and an example of how your essays should be formatted.

This format follows most standard MLA (Modern Language Association) 2009 guidelines.

Some modifications (changes) have been made for the ESL learner.

Page One Upper Left Corner

Student Name = given name then family name

Mr. Don AultPSB Pre-Intermediate 1 or PSB Pre-Intermediate 2Date Example = 28 December 2010

Double space

Example Upper Left Page 1

Sally Student

Mr. Don Ault

PSB Pre-Intermediate 1

28 December 2010

Double space

Center the Title

Do NOT use Italics.Do NOT use all capital letters.DO capitalize important information words.

Example of Title

The Effect of Global Warming on Viet NamDouble space

Paragraphs

Indent each paragraph.Indent 12 spaces.Indent by using the “Tab” button.

Paragraphs cont’d.

Indent each paragraph.Double-space between each paragraph.Press the “Enter” button two (2) times.

Font

Two fonts are permitted.1. Times New Roman

2. Arial

Font size is 12 for everything.

Page Numbers

Insert page numbers at the bottom right of each page.

Show number on the first page.

1. “Insert”

2. “Page Numbers”a. Position: Bottom of Page (footer)

b. Alignment: Right

3. Click “OK”

Spacing

Double-space between each line on practice essays.

Do not double-space between each line on final drafts.

Do not double-space between lines on writing tasks and exams!

Contractions and Numbers

Write out all words.Do not use contractions.Spell all numbers from zero to one

hundred.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is stealing.Plagiarism is illegal.Plagiarism will result in a “0” grade.

DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!

Example First DraftSally StudentMr. Don AultPSB Pre-Intermediate 128 December 2010Double spaceCenter My First Proper EssayDouble spaceTab Writing an essay is not hard if you follow proper rules. All you need is a little practice. Soon you will be Double spacewriting fantastic essays in English!Double spaceTab The first thing to remember is the format your teacher wants. If you follow those guidelines you are off toDouble spacea great start. Remember, a paragraph should contain at least three sentences. Of course they can be muchDouble spacelonger. Double spaceTab Do not worry if you make mistakes. Mistakes are how you learn. Just be careful you do not make the Double spacesame mistake twice. Learn from your mistakes and adhere to the etiquette of writing. If you do this writingDouble spacegood essays is easy.

1.

Example Final EssaySally StudentMr. Don AultPSB Pre-Intermediate 128 December 2010

My First Proper Essay

Writing an essay is not hard if you follow proper rules. All you need is a little practice. Soon you will be writing fantastic essays in English!

The first thing to remember is the format your teacher wants. If you follow thoseguidelines you are off to a great start. Remember, a paragraph should contain at leastthree sentences. Of course they can be much longer.

Do not worry if you make mistakes. Mistakes are how you learn. Just be careful youdo not make the same mistake twice. Learn from your mistakes and adhere to theetiquette of writing. If you do this writing good essays is easy.

1.

Coming Soon!

PlagiarismCitationsTet

By Don Ault

You may use and share this presentation in its whole and entirety if no change is made to the original. Credit must be given to the writer. Contact me at

engtalkdon@gmail.com

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