MLA Documentation MLA Handbook, 8th Edition 2016 Why Do We Need MLA Formatting? ▪ MLA format dictates how the essay is formatted and sources cited. ▪ Any information that is not your own, including but not limited to quotes (words), ideas, facts, statistics, graphs, charts, and examples, need to have credit given to whomever deserves it. We do this by using in-text citation and a works cited list. ▪ To avoid plagiarism, anything that is not your own needs to be cited and punctuated correctly. Basic Formatting of the Essay In-Text Citation ▪ When using sources, you need to cite each one in your essay (with in-text citation) and on the works cited page. ▪ In-text citation includes the author’s name and a page number, when available. Use title if author is unknown. ▪ Avoid dropped quotes by including signal phrases, and always use quotation marks for language that is not your own. ▪ Example 1: Reading is “just half of literacy” (Baron 194). ▪ Example 2: According to Naomi Baron, reading is “just half of literacy” (194). ▪ Example 3: The MLA Handbook states that “identifying the source in your text is essential” (57). ▪ Example 4: Common knowledge is the one exception to citation (MLA Handbook). Works Cited Page ▪ The second place you will cite your sources is on the Works Cited page. ▪ The citations on the Works Cited page are only the works you used in your paper. ▪ The Works Cited page is a page by itself, at the end of the essay. ▪ The citation format follows what is now called “containers,” which means you include the information available in the order prescribed. Not every source needs every aspect of the container. ▪ The list is alphabetized and double spaced, and it uses hanging indents. Basic Book Citation Hawkins, Paula. • Author The Girl on the Train. • Title of Source Riverhead Books, • Publisher 2015. • Publication Date Rosen, Meghan •Author “Misfires in the Gun Control Debate.” •Title of Article Science News •Title of Container Vol. 189, •Version Issue 10 •Number May 14, 2016, •Date pp. 16-21. •Location EBSCO, •Title of 2nd Container www.ebscohost.com. •Location Citation for an article found on Ebscohost How Examples Would Look on a Works Cited Page Works Cited Hawkins, Paula. The Girl on the Train. Riverhead Books, 2015. Rosen, Meghan. “Misfires in the Gun Control Debate.” Science News, vol. 189, issue 10, May 14, 2016, pp. 16-21. EBSCO, www.ebscohost.com. Punctuation Reminder Last Reminders ▪ Generally speaking: – Titles of books, magazines, newspapers, and movies are in italics. – Titles of articles, chapters, works in an anthology, and short stories/poems are in quotation marks. – Exceptions: Scripture, laws, acts, and political documents are capitalized like titles but not in italics or enclosed in quotation marks. This is just a quick overview of MLA format. Always check in the MLA Handbook, 8th edition, for more information. English 101 Rubric English 101 Rubric Criteria Ratings This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAudience Awareness: Essay demonstrates a willingness to engage readers in an academic environment, one characterized in content, tone, and inquiry. This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis: Essay has a clear point to it, a claim about the topic that challenges readers to think and to understand more than they already know about the topic. 2.0 pts Clear audience awareness 2.0 pts Clear, strong thesis This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDevelopment: Essay responds not only in focus, but also in length and scope, t the assignment. Paragraphs are fully developed, making ides clear, interesting, and convincing. Clear support is offered for the essay's main point. 2.0 pts Clear essay development This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization and Structure: Essay is well-organized, demonstrating attention to structure: it flows easily and logically, using transitions, signal phrases, and formal planning. 1.0 pts Well organized This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDiction, Syntax, and Grammar: Word choice is appropriate, word order is effective, and the spelling, punctuation, and sentence boundary choices all contribute to persuasive meaning. This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAcademic Conventions: Current MLA format is required for quoting and citation of sources, as well as for document design. Total Points: 10.0 PreviousNext 2.0 pts Clear use of language and grammar 1.0 pts Follows MLA format 1.0 pts Some audience awareness 1.0 pts Thesis, but needs work 1.0 pts Some development 0.0 pts No audience awareness 0.0 pts Thesis is unclear or confusing 0.0 pts Needs further development 0.0 pts Needs work on organization and structure 1.0 pts Word choice average, some grammar difficulties 0.0 pts Word choice and/or grammar needs improvement 0.0 pts Does not cite or format correctly