WRA /10/12 MLA Citation & Peer Review

What is MLA Citation? MLA (Modern Language Association) MLA style specifies guidelines for formatting manuscripts and using the English language in writing. MLA style also provides writers with a system for referencing their sources through parenthetical citation in their essays and Works Cited pages.

Why use a citation system? First, it gives people credit for their work. Second, it give you (the author) credibility. Think Ethos. If you use sources I am more likely to believe your argument.  Also can give your paper logos, or help establish a logical argument. Lastly, it helps you avoid plagiarism, or using other people’s work and calling it your own.

What are the basics of MLA? 1” margins around the whole paper Double spaced Indented paragraphs In-text citations Works cited page 12 point Times New Roman Font  There are other requirements for MLA but these are the most important ones for this class.

In-Text Citations In-text citations are citations that in the middle of your essay (makes sense, right?) You use these whenever you directly quote an author or paraphrase or summarizes another persons words or ideas. They help point the reader to your works citied page, and they generally follow this format: (author page number).  For example, if I wrote an article that you were quoting:  “Bioshock is an awesome game” (Lauckner 12).

In-Text Citations cont. It can get more complicated, but here are some more rules:  If you mention the authors name in the sentence you need to mention the author. For instance, “John says Bioshock is awesome” (12).  If more than three authors you don’t need to list them all. For example (Lauckner et al. 12).  If no author is available you give the name of the article, book, or website.  For more information about in-text citations see the following link:

Works Cited Page The works cited page is a on it’s own page (not a separate file). You should title the works cited page as “Works Cited.”  It should be NOT be in larger font, all capitals, or a different font. It should be 12 point Times New Roman. It is double spaced, and there shouldn’t be an extra space between the sources. It is in alphabetic order. There are websites that do it for you, and that are quite good: easybib.com. If you use these sites double check that they are correct. For more information:

So when do I use citations? You use citations whenever you quote an author, summarize a section of text, or paraphrase someone’s words A quote is using someone’s words exactly. Summarizing is what you do when you are trying to capture the main idea of large section of text such as a paragraph, chapter, or book. Paraphrasing is when you re-write someone’s words to better fit your writing style. YOU NEED TO CITE FOR ALL OF THESE!

MLA Activity (in-class blog) In a blog I want you to put one of your sources into MLA format (how you would do it in a works cited page).  You should also include an example of how to use it as an in- text citation. That’s it.

ELI Peer Review Now you can work on your Peer Review. It is due tomorrow (10/11). Please remember that these are graded and that not doing these will have a negative impact on your grade.

What a good comment does… 1. A good comment provides context  I see that you started the second paragraph by doing “x.” 2. A good comment assesses.  I think using an example was a good idea. 3. A good comment offers advice.  I think you need to have more context, maybe you should start by introducing the topic first.

Homework Your final draft is due to me Sunday by 11:59PM. This should be named correctly, have a writer’s memo, and should be in MLA format. Any questions you have about the paper should be sent to me before Sunday (Saturday is iffy, too). Monday we will start Assignment 3.