Know The Basics Of MLA Style Manual
Think you know the basics of MLA Style Manual. Here is your chance to prove it. Take this test on MLA formatting.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What should one do if no author is given for the work they are citing.
- A.
Omit the author's name and list only the page number.
- B.
Use "anonymous" in place of the author's name.
- C.
Use N.A. in place of the author's name.
- D.
Use an abbreviated form of the title in place of the author's name.
Correct Answer
D. Use an abbreviated form of the title in place of the author's name.Explanation
If no author is given for the work being cited, one should use an abbreviated form of the title in place of the author's name. This allows the reader to identify the source even without an author's name.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The Wikipedia is a reliable source.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement "The Wikipedia is a reliable source" is incorrect. While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for research, it is not considered a reliable source for academic or professional purposes. This is because anyone can edit and contribute to Wikipedia articles, which can lead to inaccuracies, bias, or outdated information. It is always recommended to verify information from other reputable and authoritative sources.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The title of your paper should be both centered and bolded.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. The title of a paper should be centered, but it does not need to be bolded. Bold formatting is often used for headings or subheadings within the paper, but the title itself should be centered to create a visually appealing and organized layout.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Where does one put the page number on an MLA paper?
- A.
Top Left corner
- B.
Bottom Center
- C.
Top Right Corner
- D.
Top Center
Correct Answer
C. Top Right CornerExplanation
In MLA format, the page number is typically placed in the top right corner of the paper. This allows for easy identification and organization of the pages. Placing the page number in the top right corner also follows the general formatting guidelines for MLA papers, which require a header with the author's last name and the page number. This placement ensures consistency throughout the document and helps readers navigate the paper effectively.Rate this question:
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- 5.
One should include in the Works Cited, all the sources that they read when conducting research, regardless of whether they were cited within the paper.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
When conducting research, it is not necessary to include all the sources that were read in the Works Cited unless they were actually cited in the paper. The purpose of the Works Cited is to provide a list of all the sources that were directly referenced or used in the paper, allowing readers to locate and verify the information. Including sources that were not cited may confuse readers and make it difficult for them to distinguish between sources that were actually used and those that were not. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
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- 6.
If a source has more than one author, one of the choices that MLA gives you is to use et al. (See below). Fontela, Pablo, et al.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The given correct answer is true. In MLA style, when a source has more than one author, you have the option to use "et al." This abbreviation is used to indicate that there are additional authors beyond the first one listed. In the example provided, "et al." is used after the first author's name, Fontela, to indicate that there are more authors.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How many lines are included in an MLA heading?
- A.
One
- B.
Three
- C.
Four
- D.
Five
Correct Answer
C. FourExplanation
An MLA heading typically consists of four lines. The first line includes the student's name, followed by the instructor's name on the second line. The third line contains the course name or number, and the fourth line includes the date. These four lines provide essential information about the document's authorship and help in identifying and organizing the MLA-formatted paper.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Where is the title of an assignment located in a paper using MLA format?
- A.
Bottom left corner of the page
- B.
Centered below the heading, near the top of the page
- C.
Top right corner of the page
- D.
Top left corner of the page
Correct Answer
B. Centered below the heading, near the top of the pageExplanation
In MLA format, the title of an assignment is located centered below the heading, near the top of the page. This is because MLA format requires the title to be prominently displayed and easily visible to the reader. Placing it in the center below the heading ensures that it stands out and is easy to locate.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What is the correct order of items in the MLA heading?
- A.
Teacher name, Student Name, Class Name, Date
- B.
Student Name, Teacher Name, Date, Class Name
- C.
Student Name, Class Name, Teacher Name, Date
- D.
Student Name, Teacher Name, Class Name, Date
Correct Answer
D. Student Name, Teacher Name, Class Name, DateExplanation
The correct order of items in the MLA heading is Student Name, Teacher Name, Class Name, Date. This order follows the standard MLA format for headings, where the student's name is listed first, followed by the teacher's name, class name, and date.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What type of heading goes on the second page of an essay ?
- A.
Page 2 (centered at the bottom)
- B.
Smith 2 (Student's last name & page #, upper right hand corner)
- C.
Philosophy Paper 2 (title and page #, upper right hand corner)
- D.
2 (centered at the bottom)
Correct Answer
B. Smith 2 (Student's last name & page #, upper right hand corner)Explanation
The correct answer is "Smith 2 (Student's last name & page #, upper right hand corner)" because it follows the standard format for page numbering in academic writing. The student's last name and the page number are placed in the upper right hand corner, which helps to identify the author of the essay and the specific page being referenced. This format is commonly used in essays and research papers to maintain consistency and provide a clear structure for the reader.Rate this question:
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- 11.
An MLA Works Cited Page is alphabetized based on the:
- A.
Title of the Source (Book, Website, database Magazine or Collection)
- B.
The Author's Last Name (or the first thing that appears in the Works Cited Entry)
Correct Answer
B. The Author's Last Name (or the first thing that appears in the Works Cited Entry)Explanation
An MLA Works Cited Page is alphabetized based on the author's last name or the first thing that appears in the Works Cited Entry. This means that when listing sources in the Works Cited Page, the author's last name is used as the primary criterion for alphabetization. If there is no author listed, then the first word of the source's title is used for alphabetization.Rate this question:
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- 12.
If an entry in a Works Cited List is longer than one line, second and all subsequent lines need to be indented half an inch. This is called a hanging indent.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In a Works Cited List, if an entry is longer than one line, it is necessary to indent the second and all subsequent lines half an inch. This is known as a hanging indent. This formatting style is commonly used in academic writing to enhance readability and organization of the citations. By indenting the subsequent lines, it helps differentiate between different entries and makes it easier for readers to locate the necessary information. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 13.
In MLA style, what would you include in the parentheses for BOTH a directly quoted in-text citation AND a paraphrase?
- A.
Author's last name and the year of publication (Merton 2017)
- B.
Author's last name follows by the page number (Merton 43)
- C.
Author's last name, a comma, and then the page number (Merton, 43)
- D.
Title of the source the book came from (The New York Times)
Correct Answer
B. Author's last name follows by the page number (Merton 43)Explanation
The correct answer is "Author's last name follows by the page number (Merton 43)". This is the correct format for both a directly quoted in-text citation and a paraphrase in MLA style. The author's last name is provided first, followed by a space and then the page number where the information can be found in the source. This format helps to properly attribute the information to the original author and allows readers to easily locate the specific information being referenced.Rate this question:
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- 14.
You must do what at the beginning of each paragraph.
- A.
Indent by pressing the 'tab' button
- B.
Hit the space bar twice to leave half an inch between paragraphs
- C.
Include a paragraph number in bold type
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Indent by pressing the 'tab' buttonExplanation
At the beginning of each paragraph, you should indent by pressing the 'tab' button. This helps to visually separate paragraphs and make the text more organized and easier to read.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The margins for an MLA paper are:
- A.
1.25" on the sides and 1" on the top and bottom
- B.
1" on the sides and .5" on the top and bottom
- C.
1.25" all around
- D.
1" all around
Correct Answer
D. 1" all aroundExplanation
The correct answer is 1" all around. This means that the margins for an MLA paper should be 1 inch on all sides - the top, bottom, left, and right. This is the standard formatting requirement for MLA papers, ensuring consistent and equal spacing throughout the document.Rate this question:
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- 16.
MLA is just one of many ways to format a research paper.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
MLA (Modern Language Association) is indeed just one of the many ways to format a research paper. There are other formatting styles such as APA (American Psychological Association), Chicago, and Harvard, among others. Each formatting style has its own set of rules and guidelines for citing sources, organizing the paper, and presenting information. Therefore, it is correct to say that MLA is just one of the options available for formatting a research paper.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following regular in-text (parenthetical) citations puts the period in the correct place?
- A.
It is true that "no man is an island." (Merton)
- B.
It is true that "no man is an island" (Merton).
Correct Answer
B. It is true that "no man is an island" (Merton).Explanation
The correct answer is "It is true that 'no man is an island' (Merton)." This is the correct placement of the period in the in-text citation. The period is placed after the closing quotation marks and before the parentheses, which is the standard formatting for in-text citations in APA style.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The thesis statement of an MLA paper can be found:
- A.
Last sentence of the first parapgraph
- B.
The first sentence of your paper
- C.
First sentence of the last paragraph
- D.
In the first sentence of the last paragraph and the last sentence of the first paragraph
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. In the first sentence of the last paragraph and the last sentence of the first paragraphExplanation
The thesis statement of an MLA paper can be found in the first sentence of the last paragraph and the last sentence of the first paragraph. This is because the thesis statement is typically placed at the end of the introduction paragraph, which is the first paragraph of the paper. It is then restated or reinforced in the conclusion paragraph, which is the last paragraph of the paper. By placing the thesis statement in both of these locations, the writer ensures that it is clear and memorable to the reader.Rate this question:
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- 19.
One should cite their sources and complete their Works Cited page as they progress through their paper.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Citing sources and completing a Works Cited page is important because it gives credit to the original authors and allows readers to locate the sources for further information. It also demonstrates the writer's credibility and helps to avoid plagiarism. By citing sources as they progress through their paper, writers can ensure that they accurately attribute information and ideas to the appropriate sources, making their work more reliable and trustworthy.Rate this question:
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- 20.
What is the line spacing for an MLA paper?
- A.
Single
- B.
Double
Correct Answer
B. DoubleExplanation
The line spacing for an MLA paper is double. This means that there should be a full blank line between each line of text in the paper. Double spacing is a common formatting requirement in MLA style as it makes the text easier to read and allows for ample space for annotations and comments.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The title of a website or a book should be italicized.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The title of a website or a book should be italicized because it helps to distinguish it from the rest of the text and indicate that it is a title. Italicizing the title also adds emphasis and makes it stand out, making it easier for readers to identify and locate the title within the content. This formatting convention is commonly used in writing and publishing to adhere to standard style guidelines and enhance the overall readability and professionalism of the text.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Titles of articles or selections from a book or website should be in quotation marks.
- A.
False
- B.
True
- C.
True only for books.
Correct Answer
B. TrueExplanation
The given correct answer is true. This means that titles of articles or selections from a book or website should be in quotation marks. This is a common rule in writing and formatting, where quotation marks are used to indicate the title of a shorter work, such as an article or a section within a larger work. This helps to distinguish the title from the rest of the text and give it emphasis. Therefore, it is important to use quotation marks when referring to titles of articles or selections from a book or website.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The Works Cited page should include access dates for electronic sources.
- A.
False
- B.
Only for Websites
- C.
Only for Library Databases
- D.
True
Correct Answer
D. TrueExplanation
The Works Cited page should include access dates for electronic sources because the availability and content of online sources can change over time. Including access dates allows readers to verify the information and track any updates or revisions made to the source. This is especially important for electronic sources as they may not have page numbers or other traditional citation elements that can be used for reference.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The Works Cited page does NOT count towards the overall page count of an assignment/essay.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Works Cited page is a separate section at the end of an assignment or essay where the sources used in the paper are listed. It is not considered as part of the overall page count because it is not included in the main body of the writing. The Works Cited page is included for the purpose of giving credit to the sources and allowing readers to locate the referenced material. Therefore, it does not contribute to the overall page count of the assignment/essay.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of the following Works Cited page entries is correct?
- A.
Smith, Collie. "When Will We Begin Saving the Planet." The New York Times, 22 May 2007, www.nytimes.com/2007/05/22/science /earth/22ander.html? _r=0.
- B.
Smith, Collie. "When Will We Begin Saving the Planet." The New York Times, 22 May 2007, www.nytimes.com/2007/05/22/science /earth/22ander.html? _r=0. Accessed 12 May 2016.
- C.
Smith, Collie. "When Will We Begin Saving the Planet." The New York Times, 22 May 2007. Web.
Correct Answer
B. Smith, Collie. "When Will We Begin Saving the Planet." The New York Times, 22 May 2007, www.nytimes.com/2007/05/22/science /earth/22ander.html? _r=0. Accessed 12 May 2016.Explanation
The correct answer is the third option. This is because it includes all the necessary information for a Works Cited page entry, including the author's name, the title of the article, the title of the publication, the date of publication, and the URL. Additionally, it includes the date the source was accessed, which is important for online sources.Rate this question:
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