1. MLA: Modern Language Association A writing format to unify all fine arts/English coursework.

2. What is MLA? MLA stands for Modern Language Association Header Heading Title Margins Spacing

3. Thesis/Outline Thesis: the main idea put in one sentence at the end of the introduction paragraph of a paper. (Some professors like it at the start of the introduction. It can be more than one sentence depending on teacher preference.) Outline: an informal description of the main topics you wish to include in your paper.

4. Plagiarism Plagiarism is when you do not properly give credit to someone else’s work. It is illegal and the punishment can be severe if caught. Avoid this by summarizing and quoting information and citing all sources correctly.

5. In-Text citations & Signal phrases Parenthetical or In-Text citations: Provides source information, that can be matched to the Works Cited Page. Ex: John Brown conducted an experiment showing, “kids don’t get enough sleep” (Brown 12). Signal Phrases: Provides the same information above, but in another way. Ex: John Brown conducted an experiment showing, “kids don’t get enough sleep” (12). Vary both styles throughout your writing.

6. Quotes, ellipsis, and brackets. Use quotes/quotation marks (“ “), when you are using exacts words from a source other than yourself, and when your paper involves dialogue. Use the ellipsis mark (…) when you need to leave words out of a quote. Use brackets [ ] when you need to insert words into the quote.

7. Works Cited Page The Works Cited page is where you cite (give credit to the source you found your information) your references. Not having this page will be considered plagiarism. Refer to MLA Bedford Handbook page 529, 8 th ed.

8. Works cited Hacker, Diana and Nancy Sommers. The Bedford Handbook 8 th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2010. Print.