MLA Tips and the Citation Sandwich

The Citation Sandwich

Step 1: Following the Outline Use the outline to help you see the big picture before you begin drafting. This helps you establish a logical organization to your essay. Remember the structure:  *Subtopic 1: (Why you are interested in the subject OR clarify the controversy to the reader):  Subtopic 2: (Support your side 2):  Subtopic 3: (Support your side 3):  Subtopic 4: (Support your side 1):  Subtopic 5: (Warrants):  Subtopic 6: (Rebuttal and Qualifier) * = optional

Step 2: Develop a Clear Topic Sentence Topic sentences discuss what each body paragraph is about. Like a thesis, your topic sentences guide each paragraph. EXAMPLE: Claim: Computer programmers should work as a team. Topic Sentence: In order to work in a team setting, it is important that computer programmers have good interpersonal skills.

Step 3: Use Evidence with In- Text Citations  Once you have developed your topic sentence, you need evidence to support your claims.  Like your research question and subquestions helped guide your research, use your research question and subquestions to support your argument in your essay.  In essence, your evidence is your an Appeal to an Authority to your reader.

How to do an In-Text Citation There are two ways to weave in an in-text citation in your essay. 1. Summarize the evidence: EX: According to the Microsoft Corporation, 90% of their computer programmers work in a team setting ( 2. Include an excerpt of a quote in a sentence: EX: According to the Microsoft Corporation, “as of % of Microsoft computer programmers work in a team setting” (

What if I use the same source multiple times? If you use a citation in a paragraph multiple times, you only need to cite it once. However, if you cite the same source multiple times in different paragraphs, you need to cite it once in each paragraph.

What’s the difference between an in- text citation and a works cited citation?  In-Text Citation: A citation you see within the essay. In-Text Citations mention the webpage or author and page number in parenthesis at the end of a sentence. EX: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the next ten years 75% of Special Education teachers will retire in the State of Washington (  Works Cited Citation: The complete MLA Citation you see in your Works Cited Page in the back of your essay. EX: Bernstein, Mark. "10 Tips on Writing The Living Web." A List Apart: For People Who Make Websites. No. 149 (16 Aug. 2002). 4 May *Remember, each source in your works cited page must be cited at least once!

Step 4: Citation Sandwich 1. Set-Up: Explain what the evidence is about and how it relates to your topic sentence. 2. Quote/Evidence: The evidence you are actually using with an in-text citation. 3. Analysis: Explain how this evidence should help persuade your reader to your side of the debate.

Step 5: Use Transitions between paragraphs Transitions help you connect paragraphs together. In a persuasive essay it is essential you use good transitions or you will loose the reader. Transition Words: -In addition –Similarly –Besides -Like –In Comparison –In Contrast -On the other hand… *Check Mr. Sun-K’s website for a list of more transition words.

Structure of Body Paragraph breakdown  Topic Sentence (States the main objective of the paragraph): In western states today, the mountain lion is no longer in danger of extinction.  Citation Sandwich: -Set-Up Evidence (context of why you are using the evidence) In fact, over the past thirty years, the population has rebounded dramatically. -Cite Evidence (Evidence you are using to support your thesis): In California, fish and game officials estimate that since 1972 lion numbers have increased from 2,400 to at least 6,000 (Baker, 27). -Analyze Evidence (How does evidence tie to your thesis?): This is significant because it demonstrates with the help of endangered species laws, governments can help maintain its natural resources.  Transition (Connects Paragraphs together): Similar increases are occurring outside of California, such as in Montana.

Is there a difference how to cite sources in the synthesis essay vs. the JRP?  Yes, in the synthesis essay you cite sources by citing Source A, B, etc.  In the JRP you use an in-text citation. Common examples: -Website : Simple URL: - Website with Author: Author, Title of Article, Source obtained: Jackson. “Feminism.” In Encyclopædia Britannica online. -Book: Author and page #: Sun-Kleinberger 24. -Video: Speaker, Title, Website, and Date Uploaded: Obama, Barack. "We Have a Lot of Work to Do." Speech. 2 Nov YouTube. 23 June Interview/Job Shadow: Interviewee’s last name and date interviewed. Sun-Kleinberger June 30 th, 2011.Work

Common MLA Errors  “Quote” (Citation). “Quote?!” (Citation).  Heading: Heading goes on page one. Include a Header on all pages.  In-Text Citations: Citations within the essay itself. You should have one citation per body paragraph  Works Cited Citations: Entire MLA information listed in the back of your essay with sources alphabetized. ALL sources referenced in your essay must be listed in your Works Cited page. Please Note: Works Cited Page must be in hanging format.  Titles: - Books: The Book - Essays/TV Shows/Poems: “The Sun-Ks” - Films: The Stud.

MLA Format Example Hanging Format in Works Cited Page Communication Assn., ERIC Document Reproduction Fuss-Reineck, Marilyn. Sibling Communication in Star Trek: The Next Generation: Conflicts between Brothers. Miami: Speech Sample 1 st Page using MLA Format

Any other MLA Questions?