MLA Style and Incorporating Borrowed Materials Accuracy, Precision, Clarity, Relevance, and Significance

Purpose Give credit to others’ words, ideas, thoughts Provide clarity for reader to discern between author’s thoughts and those of others Avoid plagiarism

Signal Phrases Alert audience ◦ to whom information should be credited ◦ to why a quotation is included Allow writer to transition between own ideas and those of others

Unclear Incorporations Bennett states, in his article “Against Gay Marriage” that allowing gay marriage would damage society (284). He explains a study where teenagers say that it is “cool” to be gay (285). What Bennett does not think about is that by saying it is cool to be gay, the teens may just be saying that it is okay to be gay. Also, teens are getting confused because of the rise in “sexual identity crisis” among teens, but they may be claiming to be gay when they are not (285). Therefore, his evidence may not support his assertion and begs for additional interpretation.

Clear Incorporation Bennett states, in his article “Against Gay Marriage” that allowing gay marriage would damage society (284). He explains a study where teenagers say that it is “cool” to be gay, and that teens are getting confused as shown by the rise in a “sexual identity crisis” among teens (285). What Bennett does not think about is that by saying it is cool to be gay, the teens may just be saying that it is okay to be gay and not that they claim to be gay when they are not. Therefore, his evidence may not support his assertion and begs for additional interpretation.

Unclear Incorporation Americans will argue that marriage by definition is strictly between a man and a woman. Andrew Sullivan argues that marriage is a financial, psychological, and emotional bond between two people. However, the term, marriage, can include those who are heterosexual and also those who are homosexual. As people we are all in one classification: human beings. Therefore, by saying that, a heterosexual and a homosexual are the same. People may not be ready to hear that but Sullivan is really speaking words of truth. By classifying heterosexuals and homosexuals as one group he is making a valid argument to state his point (Behrens and Rosen 283).

Clear Incorporation Americans will argue that marriage by definition is strictly between a man and a woman. Andrew Sullivan argues that marriage is a financial, psychological, and emotional bond between two people (282). However, the term, marriage, can include those who are heterosexual and also those who are homosexual. As people we are all in one classification: human beings. Therefore, by saying that, a heterosexual and a homosexual are the same. People may not be ready to hear that but Sullivan is really speaking words of truth. By classifying heterosexuals and homosexuals as one group he is making a valid argument to state his point.

Unclearly Incorporated Quotation Many assumptions are made about technology and reading. Many assume technology makes us stupid and that we are incapable of reading material through a more mind processed way. “Deep reading is equal to deep thinking and since we’re not reading deep anymore, we’re obviously not deep thinking” (Carr 1). The concept of deep reading is taking the information that is being read and going into depth of what it means. Children who are able to think and read deeply were able to provide our society with well written books and essays. To society, these people are the sophisticated, well rounded people.

Clearly Incorporated Quotation Many assumptions are made about technology and reading. Many assume technology makes us stupid and that we are incapable of reading material through a more mind processed way. Nicholas Carr wrote an article based on Google’s CEO Eric Schmidt. In the article, Carr points out, “Deep reading is equal to deep thinking and since we’re not reading deep anymore, we’re obviously not deep thinking” (Carr 1). The concept of deep reading is taking the information that is being read and going into depth of what it means. Children who are able to think and read deeply were able to provide our society with well written books and essays. To society, these people are the sophisticated, well rounded people.