The main text of the paper must be at least 2,500 words long. This excludes the

The main text of the paper must be at least 2,500 words long. This excludes the Works Cited list, parenthetical citations, title, captions to illustrations, and any identifying information (your name, the course name, the date, etc.).
You must have a clear and easily identified thesis statement.
You must provide ample support for your thesis.
The paper must be organized and all the supporting evidence for your thesis must be relevant.
You must use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and you must pay attention to diction and tone.
You are to follow MLA format throughout the paper.