Questions and Answers
What does MLA stand for and what is it used for?
MLA stands for Modern Language Association, it is used to write papers, cite sources and use a standard format.
How should your paper be spaced?
double
You should press the 'space bar' key how many time(s) after a period or other punctuation mark?
one
Margins should be set to ___ inch on ___ sides.
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Indent the first line of a paragraph ___ -inch (press ___ once) from the left margin.
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Should you make a title page?
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What should be labeled in the upper left hand corner?
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_________ again and _______ the title. Don't underline your title or put it in quotation marks; write the title in ________.
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_________ between the title and the first line of the text.
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Create a _______ in the upper -hand corner that includes your_, followed by a space with a ________; number all pages consecutively with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), one-half inch from the top and flush with the ______ margin.
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Begin your Works Cited page on a ______ page at the end of your research paper.
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Label the page __________ (do not underline the words Works Cited or put them in quotation marks) and center the words Works Cited at the top of the page.
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_________ all citations, but do not skip spaces between entries.
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________ each word in the titles of articles, books, etc., but do not capitalize articles, short prepositions, or conjunctions unless one is the first word of the title or subtitle.
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Use _______ for titles of larger works (books, magazines) and ___________ for titles of shorter works (poems, articles).
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What is a thesis statement?
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The thesis statement declares the _____ purpose of the entire paper.
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What is a poor example of a thesis statement?
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What is a good example of a thesis statement?
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List five (5) characteristics that a good thesis statement should possess.
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Study Notes
MLA Format Overview
- MLA stands for Modern Language Association; it provides guidelines for writing papers and citing sources.
- Standard formatting includes using double spacing throughout the document.
Spacing and Margins
- Papers should be double spaced, including between the title and the text.
- Margins must be set to 1 inch on all sides.
Formatting Titles and Indentations
- Indent the first line of each paragraph by half an inch using the tab key.
- Do not create a title page unless specifically instructed.
- Titles should be centered and written in Title Case, without underlining or quotation marks.
Header and Page Numbers
- Include a header in the upper right corner with your last name and page number.
- Pages should be numbered consecutively using Arabic numerals, half an inch from the top and flush with the right margin.
Works Cited Page
- Begin a separate Works Cited page at the end of the research paper, maintaining the same margins and header as the main paper.
- Center the title "Works Cited" at the top of the page, without underlining or using quotation marks.
- Double space all citations, without skipping spaces between entries.
Capitalization and Formatting Titles
- Capitalize all major words in the titles of books, articles, and other works, with exceptions for articles, short prepositions, or conjunctions unless they are the first word.
- Italics are used for titles of larger works (e.g., books, magazines), while quotation marks are used for titles of shorter works (e.g., poems, articles).
Thesis Statement
- A thesis statement is a single, clear declarative sentence that outlines the main idea of the paper.
- It serves as a vital organizational tool for both the writer and the reader, declaring the main purpose of the paper.
Characteristics of a Good Thesis Statement
- Fulfill the assignment requirements.
- Assert a single main idea.
- Be clearly articulated in specific terms.
- Explain its significance.
- Convey an attitude or opinion.
Examples of Thesis Statements
- A poor example: "There are serious objections for tracking students."
- A strong example: "A college education is a lifelong benefit."
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Description
Test your knowledge of MLA format with these flashcards! Each card features a question about MLA guidelines for writing papers, citing sources, and formatting. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of writing standards.
