MLA Formatting & Citations
Thesis
Argument
Research & Sources
Rhetorical Awareness
100

This page contains only your sources and begins on a new page.

The works cited page

100

A thesis needs to share these two things.

A topic and a comment (or claim)

100

This is the logic that supports a claim.

A reason (or premise)

100

This database is commonly used for academic articles.

JSTOR, EBSCO

100

This term refers to the reason a writer is creating a text.

Purpose

200

This font style and size are standard for MLA formatting.

12-point Times New Roman

200

This type of thesis makes a specific, debatable claim.

An argumentative (or analytical) thesis

200

This argumentative move directly addresses opposing viewpoints.

A counterargument (or concession)

200

This kind of source is written by someone who directly witnessed events.

A primary source

200

This element of the rhetorical triangle relies on logic and evidence.

Logos

300

This Works Cited element uses a unique indentation for every entry.

Hanging indent

300

This question helps test whether a thesis is arguable.

“Can someone reasonably disagree with it?”

300

This logical fallacy relies on an assumed chain of events.

Slippery slope

300

This problem occurs when a writer combines source language too closely.

Patchwriting

300

This appeal targets the audience’s emotions or values.

Pathos

400

This attributive tag introduces an author’s name before a quotation.

Signal phrase

400

This type of claim makes a judgment about what is good, bad, or worthwhile.

A claim of value

400

This logical fallacy attacks the person instead of the argument.

Ad hominem

400

When this happens, a source loses its original meaning due to missing cues.

Taking a source out of context

400

This appeal refers to the audience’s trust in the writer.

Ethos

500

This is required in a parenthetical citation when a source has no page numbers.

The author’s last name (or shortened title)

500

This type of claim argues that a term has a debatable meaning.

Claim of definition

500

This is the Toulmin Model term for an assumption.

Warrant

500

This test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) evaluates sources.

The CRAAP test

500

This rhetorical choice reveals an author's attitude toward their subject.

Tone

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