MLA FORMAT
What does "MLA" stand for?
Modern Language Association
Explain the difference between compare and contrast
To"compare" means to identify and discuss the similarities between two or more subjects, while "contrast" means to identify and discuss their differences
True or False: An argumentative claim can be phrased as a question.
False!!!!! (Claims must be statements, not questions.)
This is the required action a writer must take when quoting more than four typed lines of prose (or three lines of verse) in an essay.
Indentation/no quotation marks
How are entries arranged on the Works Cited page?
Arranged alphabetically by author's last name
This key component of an essay must clearly state the two subjects being discussed and the main argument about their relationship.
Thesis Statement
This is the opposing viewpoint or the "other side" of the argument that a writer must address.
Counterclaim (or counterargument)
When using an acronym for the first time in an essay, you must first do this: spell out the full term and place the acronym in parentheses immediately after.
Define the acronym (or spell it out)
What is the basic information required for an in-text (parenthetical) citation
Author's last name and page number from the source
(Author Page Number)
This two-word phrase is the opposite of "in contrast" and is used to signal a likeness between two ideas.
likewise and/or both
In an essay, evidence should not just be dropped in; it must be followed by this, which explains how the evidence connects back to the main claim.
An analysis (or reasoning/explanation)
This punctuation mark is used to incorporate a direct quote smoothly into a sentence, especially if the quote itself isn't a complete sentence.
Colon
What information should be included in the four-line header on the first page, and in what order?
Student's name, instructor's name, course title and number, and the date in day-month-year format
This organizational structure involves addressing one specific point of comparison for Topic A, then immediately addressing the same point for Topic B, before moving to the next point.
Point by point method
This is the writer's response to the counterclaim, where they explain why the opposing argument is less valid or flawed.
A rebuttal
In an essay title, every major word should be capitalized, but these specific types of small words, such as "in," "of," or "a," are typically left lowercase.
Prepositions or articles
If a quotation ends with a question mark or exclamation point that is part of the original quote, where does that punctuation mark go relative to the quotation marks and the citation?
Place it inside the quotation marks. If the quote ends the sentence, place the parenthetical citation immediately after the quotation marks, followed by a period at the very end of the sentence.
A writer might use this punctuation mark to link two independent clauses that are closely related in a comparison, replacing a conjunction.
The goal of this type of writing is not necessarily to "win" the argument, but to persuade the audience that the writer's opinion is valid and worthy of consideration.
An argumentative writing
The term for a transition word placed at the beginning of a sentence, which must be followed by a comma.
Conjunctive adverb