Category Archives: Speak

Prepare your essay so that it represents proper MLA and Internet format. MLA format represents the rules followed in the world of English education, which you will see again at the university level. Internet format, well, that should be self-explanatory by now.

MLA FORMAT

In-text Citation

• Format: “Quote” (page #).
• Speak example: “I am Outcast” (4).
  • Please note that there is not a period or a comma inside the second quotation mark.
  • The only time a punctuation mark does appear inside the second quotation mark is when the quote is a question (so a question mark) or an exclamatory remark  (so an exclamation point).

Author Recognition

The first time you refer to the author, you use her full and proper name, Laurie Halse Anderson. Every time after that you merely call her by her last name, Anderson.

The first time you refer to the main character, you use her full and proper name, Melinda Sordino. Every time after that you merely call her by her first name, Melinda.

Tenses

During an analysis essay, you refer to the writer and the actions of the characters in present tense.

• Speak example: Anderson describes Melinda as an “Outcast” (4) who isolates herself from her peers, parents, and teachers.
• Melinda rejects the social interactions of her peers after she is raped.

Titles

Titles must be directly related to the purpose of the paper. They must give the reader insight into the context of the writing; therefore, Speak Analysis Essay is inappropriate. It in no way indicates what the paper is actually about.

Strong MLA titles contain a verb along with the subject that is analyzed.

• Speak example: Silence to Security: Speak Mirrors Teenage Angst

INTERNET FORMAT

Quick reminders:

• Paragraphs should be in block format, no indents.
• Title of book should be italicized, no quotes or underlining.
• “I” or “you” should not be present within your analysis essay. If you feel the need to address your audience when indicating some greater truth, use the universal “we”.
• Your essay should be hyperlinked to your essay title. DO NOT copy and paste the URL directly into your blog post.

PUBLICATION

Prepare your Google document: PDF

1. Read and address all of the comments in your document. Once you have made all of the revisions you will make, “Resolve” all of the comments in your Google Document.
2. Make sure the paragraphs are in block style: one space between each,  no indents.
3. At the top of your page, create an original title for your essay. Use 12 point font and center it.
4. Proofread.
5. Publication
   1. File: Publish to the web…
   2. Check the box next to “Automatically Republish When Changes are Made”
   3. “Start Publishing”
   4. Copy “Document Link” and close
   5. Continue following directions at step 6.
6. Login to your blog and create a new post. Begin the reflection. See directions below.