Basic MLA Formatting Quiz Questions

1. Margins on both sides of your paper should measure:

1/2"

1"

1.5"

2"

The correct answer is 1" because having equal margins on both sides of the paper helps to maintain a balanced and visually pleasing layout. It also allows for easy reading and prevents important content from being cut off when printing or binding the document.

Explanation

The correct answer is 1" because having equal margins on both sides of the paper helps to maintain a balanced and visually pleasing layout. It also allows for easy reading and prevents important content from being cut off when printing or binding the document.

2. The title at the top of your page of sources should be called:

References

Sources Cited

Bibliography

Works Cited

The correct answer is "Works Cited" because this is the most commonly used term in academic writing to refer to the list of sources that have been cited in a paper. It is a standard practice to include a "Works Cited" section at the end of a research paper or essay to provide readers with the necessary information to locate and verify the sources that have been used.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Works Cited" because this is the most commonly used term in academic writing to refer to the list of sources that have been cited in a paper. It is a standard practice to include a "Works Cited" section at the end of a research paper or essay to provide readers with the necessary information to locate and verify the sources that have been used.

3. If you begin a sentence with the name of the author, you do NOT have to write the author's name in parentheses at the end of that sentence.

True

False

When beginning a sentence with the name of the author, it is not necessary to include the author's name in parentheses at the end of that sentence. This is because when the author's name is already mentioned at the beginning of the sentence, it is clear that any subsequent information or ideas are being attributed to that author. Therefore, the statement "True" is correct.

Explanation

When beginning a sentence with the name of the author, it is not necessary to include the author's name in parentheses at the end of that sentence. This is because when the author's name is already mentioned at the beginning of the sentence, it is clear that any subsequent information or ideas are being attributed to that author. Therefore, the statement "True" is correct.

4. How many spaces should you place between the main title of your paper and the first line of your first paragraph?

1

2

3

4

The main title of a paper should be separated from the first line of the first paragraph by two spaces. This spacing helps to visually distinguish the title from the rest of the text and makes the paper look more organized. Using two spaces also follows the standard formatting guidelines for academic papers.

Explanation

The main title of a paper should be separated from the first line of the first paragraph by two spaces. This spacing helps to visually distinguish the title from the rest of the text and makes the paper look more organized. Using two spaces also follows the standard formatting guidelines for academic papers.

5. Which lines are in the wrong place in the following heading:Jane SmithENG101Professor DunkinJune 16, 2014

Line 1 and 2

Line 2 and 3

Line 3 and 4

Line 1 and 4

not-available-via-ai

Explanation

not-available-via-ai

6. What should be found in the upper right hand corner on the title page of your research paper?

Page number

Professor's Name and Page Number

Author's Name and Page Number

Author's Name Only

The upper right hand corner on the title page of a research paper should include the author's name and page number. This is important for identification and organization purposes. Including the author's name ensures that credit is given to the correct individual, while the page number helps in navigating through the paper.

Explanation

The upper right hand corner on the title page of a research paper should include the author's name and page number. This is important for identification and organization purposes. Including the author's name ensures that credit is given to the correct individual, while the page number helps in navigating through the paper.

7. Using full URL addresses is highly recommended by the MLA Handbook.

True

False

Using full URL addresses is not highly recommended by the MLA Handbook. The MLA Handbook suggests using shortened URLs or DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) instead of full URL addresses. This is because full URLs can be lengthy and may disrupt the flow of the text. Shortened URLs or DOIs are preferred as they provide a concise and stable link to the source.

Explanation

Using full URL addresses is not highly recommended by the MLA Handbook. The MLA Handbook suggests using shortened URLs or DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) instead of full URL addresses. This is because full URLs can be lengthy and may disrupt the flow of the text. Shortened URLs or DOIs are preferred as they provide a concise and stable link to the source.

8. On your works cited page, how many inches should you indent the second line of your sources?

1"

1/2"

None

3/4"

The second line of sources on a works cited page should be indented by 1/2". This is a standard formatting rule in academic writing and citation styles such as MLA and APA. Indenting the second line helps to visually distinguish the different sources and make the page look neat and organized.

Explanation

The second line of sources on a works cited page should be indented by 1/2". This is a standard formatting rule in academic writing and citation styles such as MLA and APA. Indenting the second line helps to visually distinguish the different sources and make the page look neat and organized.

9. Your name does not have to appear in the header on the Works Cited page.

True

False

The explanation for the given correct answer is that according to the guidelines of MLA formatting, the Works Cited page should include the name of the author or authors, but it does not require the inclusion of the name of the student or writer. Therefore, the statement "Your name does not have to appear in the header on the Works Cited page" is false.

Explanation

The explanation for the given correct answer is that according to the guidelines of MLA formatting, the Works Cited page should include the name of the author or authors, but it does not require the inclusion of the name of the student or writer. Therefore, the statement "Your name does not have to appear in the header on the Works Cited page" is false.

10. How far down should the header be from the top edge of the page?

1/2"

1"

Double Spaced

1.5"

The header should be placed 1/2" down from the top edge of the page. This ensures that there is enough space for the header to be clearly visible, but also leaves enough room for other elements on the page. Placing the header too close to the top edge may make it appear cramped, while placing it too far down may result in wasted space at the top of the page. Therefore, 1/2" is the optimal distance for the header placement.

Explanation

The header should be placed 1/2" down from the top edge of the page. This ensures that there is enough space for the header to be clearly visible, but also leaves enough room for other elements on the page. Placing the header too close to the top edge may make it appear cramped, while placing it too far down may result in wasted space at the top of the page. Therefore, 1/2" is the optimal distance for the header placement.