MLA:
More Literature Always
More Literature Always
Which sentence correctly follows MLA citation rules?
A) Gatsby has an “extraordinary gift for hope.” (Fitzgerald 2)
B) Gatsby has an “extraordinary gift for hope” (Fitzgerald 2).
C) Gatsby has an “extraordinary gift for hope.” (Fitzgerald, 2)
D) Gatsby has an “extraordinary gift for hope.” (2 Fitzgerald)
B) Gatsby has an “extraordinary gift for hope” (Fitzgerald 2).
What is a quote called when it appears in an essay without any introduction or signal phrase?
A floating quote.
Name one weak intensifier (adverb) students should avoid in academic writing.
Very, really, extremely, totally, incredibly
The scientist explains that “cats secretly judge humans all day”. (Whiskers 12)
The scientist explains that “cats secretly judge humans all day” (Whiskers 12).
"You're killing me, Smalls!"
The Sandlot
What two pieces of information are typically included in an MLA in-text citation for a novel?
Author’s last name and page number.
What punctuation mark is used to show words have been removed from a quote?
Ellipses (…).
Why should words like always and never be avoided in analysis?
They create overgeneralized or absolute claims.
In the article Why Dogs Think They Are In Charge, the author explains that dogs enjoy routine.
In the article “Why Dogs Think They Are in Charge,” the author explains that dogs enjoy routine.
"Everything is awesome."
The Lego Movie
If the author’s name already appears in the sentence, what information must still appear in the parenthetical citation? Bonus 100: Provide an answer for both novel and shorter works.
The page number (novel)
The title of article (shorter work)
What punctuation is used to modify or clarify words inside a quotation?
Brackets [ ].
Name two vague nouns that should be avoided.
Things, stuff, lots, parts, something, nothing
The study claims that “students perform better when they eat breakfast.” (Lopez 44)
The study claims that “students perform better when they eat breakfast” (Lopez 44).
"Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates."
Forrest Gump
How should the title of a novel appear in prose? How should the title of an article (shorter work) appear in prose?
Quotation marks (shorter work)
What is the purpose of a signal phrase?
To introduce a quote and provide context.
Why is the sentence “This quote is very interesting” weak commentary?
It uses vague language and does not analyze the significance of the quote, but only provides a description of the quote.
The researcher wrote that “dinosaurs may have been fluffy like giant chickens” (72).
The researcher writes that “dinosaurs may have been fluffy like giant chickens” (Nguyen 72).
"But the children love the books!"
Elf
What is wrong with the formatting of this quote? Name ALL FOUR:
Mrs. Hershberger, Lakewood Park's new teacher, embarrassingly admitted that " [SHE] does not know all the words in the English language," (Hershberger, 7).
1. Past tense verb in the signal phrase
2. Space between " and first word of quote
3. "SHE" does not need capitalized
4. Too many commas
When must a quote be formatted as a block quote?
When it is longer than four lines of prose
Fill in the blank with a strong verb:
Fitzgerald _________ that Gatsby possesses "an extraordinary gift for hope."
Examples: argues, suggests, claims, observes, emphasizes
In the book “The History of Extremely Dramatic Squirrels,” the author explains how squirrels defend their territory.
In the book The History of Extremely Dramatic Squirrels, the author explains how squirrels defend their territory.
"If you're a bird, I'm a bird."
The Notebook