Thesis and Argument
A sentence that presents the main argument or point of an essay
What is a thesis statement?
A preliminary version of a piece of writing that is subject to revision and editing
What is a draft?
A unit of writing that presents a single idea or point
What is a paragraph?
The opening section of an essay or other piece of writing that provides background information and sets the stage for the main argument or point
What is an introduction?
Modern Language Association
What does MLA stand for?
A statement or series of statements intended to persuade someone of a particular point of view
What is an argument?
The process of reviewing and editing a draft in order to improve its clarity, coherence, and effectiveness
What is revision?
MLA BONUS: Times New Roman, 12 pt
What is the correct font and font size for MLA papers?
MLA BONUS: To provide a list of all sources cited in the paper, so that readers can find them easily
What is the purpose of a Works Cited page in an MLA paper?
The intended readers or listeners of a piece of writing
What is an audience?
Facts, data, statistics, or other information used to support an argument or claim
What is evidence?
MLA BONUS: Last name, First name. Title of Book [in italics]. Publisher, Publication Year. [Publisher city is no longer required]
What is the proper way to format a Works Cited entry for a book with one author?
A sentence that expresses the main idea or focus of a paragraph
What is a topic sentence?
The main part of an essay or paper that provides detailed and specific information and evidence to support the thesis or main idea
What is a body paragraph?
The reason why a piece of writing is written, such as to inform, persuade, or entertain
What is a purpose?
The process of examining something in detail in order to understand it better and draw conclusions
What is analysis?
A plan or framework that organizes the main ideas and supporting details of an essay
What is an outline?
A word or phrase that connects one idea or paragraph to the next
What is transition?
MLA BONUS: Whenever you quote or paraphrase someone else's words or ideas
When should in-text citations be used in an MLA paper?
A category or type of writing, such as an essay, short story, or poem
What is a genre?
The act of combining different ideas or information to create a new understanding or perspective
What is synthesis?
MLA BONUS: Last name, First name of first author, and First name Last name of second author. Title of Book [in italics] or Article [in quotes]. Publisher, Publication Year.
What is the correct way to format a citation for a source with two authors in an MLA paper?
MLA BONUS: Last name, First name (if available). "Title of Page or Article." Title of Website, Publisher or Sponsor of Site, Date of Publication or Last Update, URL.
What is the proper way to format a Works Cited entry for a website?
The final part of an essay that restates the main ideas and presents a final judgement or opinion based on those ideas
What is a conclusion?
The act of using someone else's work or ideas without giving proper credit or citation
What is plagiarism?