Introduction to MLA: Writing a Research Paper in MLA Format

So….what is MLA? Note: MLA stands for Modern Language Association

Writing in MLA Format MLA format is_____________________.

Writing in MLA Format MLA format is a specific way to organize and write a research paper.

Writing in MLA Format MLA format is a specific way to organize and write a research paper. One of the most important aspects of writing in MLA format is citing your researched information.

Font: 12 point Times New Roman or Arial Entire Paper is double-spaced Heading in top left includes your name, teacher’s names, class names, and date General Formatting Requirements:

Page Numbers: top right corner, your last name and the page number Title: centered below heading, no bold, underline, or italics Margins: One Inch on all sides General Formatting Requirements:

Lets take a moment to practice writing in MLA format.

Writing in MLA Format Citing your work means to___________.

Writing in MLA Format Citing your work means to show the reader where you got your information. When you don’t cite your information, it is called plagiarism. Never plagiarize!

Writing in MLA Format A paraphrase/summary citation is when you___________.

Writing in MLA Format A paraphrase/summary citation is when you write your researched information in your own words. You still give credit to the original author.

Original Text from the book: The outbreak of the civil wars of nearby villages was the most prominent reason that the Chinese Dynasty dissolved between 1320 and My paraphrased citation: The Chinese Dynasty collapsed mostly because of the civil wars during the 1300s (Lawrence 46).

Original Text from the book: During the 1400s, a large group of people started to settle in different regions of China. Your Turn! - Write a paraphrase/summary citation - Author is Miller Page Number is 34

Original Text from the book: During the 1400s, a large group of people started to settle in different regions of China. My citation: A concourse of settlers began a migration to varying areas of China during the 1400s (Miller 34).

Writing in MLA Format A direct quote citation is when you___________.

Writing in MLA Format A direct quote citation is when you copy the original words from the source. This is not used as often as paraphrased citations. However, sometimes there is a line that you just need to use.

Original Text from the book: The activist believed that a lack of strong gun control in America creates a clear and present danger to society. My paraphrased citation: According to a recent article, one activist said that our gun control policy “creates a clear and present danger to society” (Baxter 132).

Original Text from the book: After studying many patients, the doctor decided that dreams are an incredible warning system of our minds. Your Turn! - Write a paraphrase/summary citation - Author is Clemens Page Number is 16

Original Text from the book: After studying many patients, the doctor decided that dreams are an incredible warning system of our minds. My citation: The doctor, having studied the dreams of several patients, believed “that dreams are an incredible warning system of our minds” (Clemens 16).

Lets practice some more citations using the story of Malala Yousafzai. She won the Nobel Peace Prize this past Friday.

Assignment: Write one paraphrase/summary citation and one direct quote citation for each paragraph. Example: Paragraph 1, Paraphrase Citation: Malala was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize because she fights for equal education for all women (Williams 1). Paragraph 1, Direct Quote Citation: According to the article, Malala “is now the youngest person to have won it!” (Williams 1).

Ideas from the video: During a 2008 study in England, researchers found that many children are afraid of clowns. They called this fear “coulrophobia.” A phobia is an unreasonable fear of something that can create panic attacks. Your Turn! - Write a paraphrase/summary citation - Citation is “Is your fear a real phobia”

Assignment: Write one paraphrase/summary citation and one direct quote citation for paragraphs 1-3. One paraphrase citation for paragraphs 4-7. Example: Paragraph 1, Paraphrase Citation: Malala was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize because she fights for equal education for all women (Williams 1). Paragraph 1, Direct Quote Citation: According to the article, Malala “is now the youngest person to have won it!” (Williams 1).