Most research papers and term papers in English Literature and Language are written in MLA Style. The format and the length of the paper vary with the type of paper written and the style.

Modern English is often said to be the lingua franca of the world and is dominant as the international language in science, business and communications. The expansion of the British Empire in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries combined with the military, economic and cultural power of the United States after the second world war have made English the most widely used international language.

A term paper, research paper or essay in English literature and language has to extremely well-organized with excellent presentation so that the reader finds it easy to follow. The paper must be written in a clear readable and interesting style. The most important thing about a paper for English major is that the paper has to be about idea regarding literary texts. The ideas are the key to a successful paper in English.

The paper should focus on the personal ideas regarding literary texts and marks are not given for quotes from critics and generalizations from literary history. The key aspect of an essay or paper has to be based on the key thoughts developed while reading specific parts of the literary texts. The text may be adduced by employing quotations in order to back up claims and opinions.

The process of writing a good essay or paper in Language and Literature involves extensive reading and reference to text. Since the most important part of an essay or research paper is the number as well as quality of the ideas presented, it is vital that there are relevant references to obscure literary texts and critics. The use of original texts is the hallmark of a great paper that will ensure excellent marks.

English language is a part of the western sub-branch of Germanic branch which in-turn belongs to the Indo-European language family. The grammar in English exhibits minimal inflection in comparison to other languages I the Indo-European family. It does not have grammatical gender or adjectival agreement and case marking has all but vanished, the remnants of inflection like plural marking have also become more regular.

English has over time become more analytic. It has developed features like word order and modal verbs which have been great resources in terms of enhancing the ease in conveying meaning. Auxiliary verbs are used to mark constructions like negative polarity, questions and passive voice as well as progressive tenses.

The language is written in Latin alphabets although this trend started after the 9th century before which the Old English was written with Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. English language has a multilayered spelling system and orthography that includes elements of French, Latin as well as Greek spelling apart from the native Germanic system. The phonology of English language has varied quite a bit.