Formal Writing |
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MLA Using Google Drive
Set up your document following the video (right).Share your document with your instructors using the following actions:
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Microsoft Word 2007-2010 MLA
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MLA Internal and Parenthetical Citation
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Introductory Paragraph
Sentence #1: Sentence introducing the controversy.
Sentence #2: Statistic/ fact from Icebreaker fact card that identifies the controversy as an issue. Cite this sentence. Sentence #3: Sentence about the side of the controversy that you do not support. Sentence #4: Sentence about the side of the controversy that you do support. Sentence #5: Sentence that is your thesis statement. A thesis statement is the side you will support and controlling ideas you will use to prove your argument. These two subtopics/ controlling ideas will be discussed in your body paragraphs. |
Introduction Paragraph Example
Steroids and other performance enhancing drugs have become a major controversy in professional sports. Bill Jenkins, a writer for USA Today, reports that "79% of players surveyed believe steroids played some role in record-breaking performances by high-profile players" (A 6). Opponents of harsh first time consequences to regulate steroid abuse argue that it logistically and financially would ruin professional sports. On the other hand, proponents of harsh consequences see strict regulation as a responsibility to maintain the integrity of the sport. Because it is a form of cheating and it poses health risks, stricter regulations and harsher penalties for offenders is necessary to maintain the integrity of sports.
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Body Paragraphs
Sentence #1: Topic Sentence: Introduce the first subtopic with a sentence about the subtopic and its relation to the topic. Sentence #2: Write a sentence about the first example that supports the subtopic. Cite this sentence. Sentence #3: Write a sentence with your own thoughts about this fact that analyzes the example. Analyze means make a statement that relates your thoughts as to how the fact helps prove your point. Sentence #4: Write a sentence about the second example that supports the subtopic. Cite this sentence. Sentence #5: Write a sentence with your own thoughts about this 2nd fact that analyzes the example. Sentence #6: Write a sentence about the third example that supports the subtopic. Cite this sentence. Sentence #7: Write a sentence with your own thoughts about this 3rd fact that analyzes the example. Sentence #8: Concluding Sentence(s): Write a sentence that rounds-off the paragraph by drawing attention back to the topic sentence. Note: You may add more analysis sentences where needed to develop your point. As your writing skills develop though high school and college you will find that each paragraph will contain more analysis, not just 1 sentence in between each cited statement. |
Body Paragraphs Example
Historically, athletes who have used drugs for performance advantages have been suspended in the past because it provided them an unfair advantage. For example, in 1988 during the summer Olympic Games, "Ben Johnson, a world-class sprinter, tested positive for steroid use and was stripped of his gold medal" (Glass). Olympic steroid testers concluded that Johnson had an unfair advantage, which assisted him in capturing the gold medal. The other athletes in the competition did not test positive for banned substances. Another example occurred when the cyclists of Cofidis, a French sponsored team, were expelled from the Tour de France for using a blood enrichment agent (Goodman). This agent, specifically EPO, allowed each cyclist to increase the amount of oxygen in their blood. Erik Chatwick, a researcher for LabCorpUSA concludes, "after four years of research that sustained steroid use...gave athletes at least a 20% increase in performance, compared to normal performance levels". This increase not only enables the user to have a major advantage over the competition, but it also taints the credibility of statistics posted as record breaking performances. Some steroid use may be warranted for medical purposes, such as asthma, but athletes that use performance enhancing steroids have an unfair advantage and are cheating athletically.
Controlling Idea #2 Steroids not only taint the integrity of professional sports, but they are also extremely harmful to the body. (continue with the formal writing pattern for the rest of the paragraph) |
Conclusion Paragraph
Sentence #1: Summarize the controversy.
Sentence #2: State that there is a need for a solution ("a call to action") or change. Sentence #3...: Write a “call to action” about the larger implications of the issue. Basically, this sentence must answer the question, “what will happen if something isn’t done about it?” and “How can it be done?”. If you cannot think of a solution of your own, you may want to “Google” the topic and find an idea for a solution or support group that can be contacted. |
Sample Conclusion Paragraph
The success of testing for the use of performance enhancing agents in sports has been under scrutiny as a result of masking agents and synthetically produced steroids. Consequently, there is an increased need to test professional athletes in order for fairness in competition and integrity in the record books. Regular testing, both in-season and off-season for all professional athletes is necessary. Funding for The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), a premier drug testing organization, can come from the professional leagues. Funding for WADA can further come from heavy fines paid by the teams whose athletes are caught in order to place the burden of responsibility on the backs of those who attempt to profit from unethical and illegal methods.
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The video (right) will show you how to do the following:
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For now use the Old Version of the Citation Machine!
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