MLA Format For Essays And Research Papers! Trivia Questions Quiz
The trivia quiz below is designed to test you on the MLA format for essays and research papers. Every student needs to follow the laid down guidelines of writing an essay to come up with the desired paper. How about you take up the quiz and see if your paper is ready to be handed in and you have followed the proper guidelines.
- 1.
'How long did the meeting go on yesterday?' 'It went on for __________ hours.'
- A.
Several
- B.
A few of
- C.
Much
- D.
A little
Correct Answer
A. Several -
- 2.
Which sentence is correct?
- A.
Janet Balderson enjoys playing golf, driving fast cars, and drinking expensive wines.
- B.
Janet Balderson enjoys playing, golf driving, fast cars and drinking expensive wines.
- C.
Janet Balderson enjoys, playing golf driving fast cars and drinking expensive wines.
Correct Answer
A. Janet Balderson enjoys playing golf, driving fast cars, and drinking expensive wines. -
- 3.
Which sentence is correct?
- A.
Samantha's favorite colors are pink, yellow and pale green
- B.
Samantha's favorite colors are pink, yellow and, pale green
- C.
Samantha's favorite colors are pink, yellow, and pale green
Correct Answer
C. Samantha's favorite colors are pink, yellow, and pale green -
- 4.
Which sentence is correct?
- A.
I would like a car a boat, and, a motorcycle.
- B.
I would like a car a boat, and a motorcycle.
- C.
I would like a car, a boat, and a motorcycle.
Correct Answer
C. I would like a car, a boat, and a motorcycle. -
- 5.
Which sentence is correct?
- A.
The girls found sand, in their shoes, in their bags and in their hair.
- B.
The girls found sand in their shoes in their bags, and in their hair.
- C.
The girls found sand in their shoes, in their bags, and in their hair.
Correct Answer
C. The girls found sand in their shoes, in their bags, and in their hair. -
- 6.
Which sentence is correct?
- A.
This morning I woke up, got dressed, brushed my teeth, and ate breakfast.
- B.
This morning I woke up, got dressed, brushed, my teeth, and ate breakfast.
- C.
This morning I woke up got dressed brushed my teeth, and ate breakfast.
Correct Answer
A. This morning I woke up, got dressed, brushed my teeth, and ate breakfast. -
- 7.
Which sentence is correct?
- A.
Use commas to separate three, or more words, phrases, or clauses.
- B.
Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses.
- C.
Use commas, to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses.
Correct Answer
B. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses. -
- 8.
Which sentence is correct?
- A.
The street was filled with angry protesters, shouting, spectators, and police.
- B.
The street was filled with angry protesters shouting spectators, and police.
- C.
The street was filled with angry protesters, shouting spectators, and police.
Correct Answer
C. The street was filled with angry protesters, shouting spectators, and police. -
- 9.
Apostrophes can come after the 'S' if it's a possessive noun.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False -
- 10.
A thesis statement is
- A.
A piece of evidence in your paper
- B.
The main argument you are putting forth
- C.
A topic you are writing about
Correct Answer
B. The main argument you are putting forth -
- 11.
If a topic is assigned, you can create a thesis statement by distilling your topic in to a question and then answering that question.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True -
- 12.
It is ok to have many thesis statements throughout your essay.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False -
- 13.
The following could be a thesis statement...Representations of women in hip-hop.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False -
- 14.
In a 5-paragraph essay, where should your main thesis or thesis statement typically appear?
- A.
In the introduction
- B.
In the conclusion
- C.
Anywhere on the first page
Correct Answer
A. In the introductionExplanation
For most persuasive essays, your main thesis should appear in your introduction. In short essays, it is typically recommended that your thesis statement be the last sentence in your introductory paragraph. Your conclusion should refer back to or restate your main thesis, but it should not be the first place you mention your thesis.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Thesis statements should not . . .
- A.
Give away your ending.
- B.
Reveal your opinion.
- C.
Be simple statements of fact.
- D.
[None of the above]
Correct Answer
C. Be simple statements of fact.Explanation
A thesis statement is sometimes called the main argument, so it should (A) tell your readers what you intend to accomplish and (B) indicate your view of the issue at hand. If no one could reasonably disagree with your thesis, it is probably just a statement of fact and should be developed further.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The only papers that have main theses are literary analyses and "current issue" essays.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Any paper in which you are advancing an argument or interpretation will have a main thesis.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following is the best example of a main thesis?
- A.
"I believe public schools should be allowed to offer optional prayer services."
- B.
"Public schools should be allowed to offer optional prayer services because such activities would not violate the First Amendment and would encourage moral development."
- C.
"Prayer in public schools is a hotly contested issue in the U.S. as it involves the First Amendment."
Correct Answer
B. "Public schools should be allowed to offer optional prayer services because such activities would not violate the First Amendment and would encourage moral development."Explanation
Statement A is an opinion, but rather weak as it is qualified by "I believe" and lacks any indication of why or how the writer will support it. Statement C is a mere statement of fact: no informed person could reasonably claim that prayer in public schools is not contested in the U.S. Statement B is the best thesis because it makes a claim and outlines two supporting arguments that the author will develop in the paper.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of the following is the best example of a main thesis?
- A.
"The book _Twilight_ encourages girls to regard as romantic behaviors better described as abusive."
- B.
"_Twilight_ is not a modern American classic."
- C.
"_Twilight_ could be taught in high school English classes because it is a long book with several conflicts."
Correct Answer
A. "The book _Twilight_ encourages girls to regard as romantic behaviors better described as abusive."Explanation
Statement B is not significant or developed enough to be a strong main thesis: there is not a large consensus that the book *is* a classic, and "modern classic" is a bit vague. Statement C is little more than a statement of fact: most books "could" be taught in classes and the book is indeed long with "several conflicts." If the writer said that the book *should* be taught and explained why in more detail, this might be an acceptable thesis. Statement A is the best thesis because it makes two solid claims for the writer to argue: that the book encourages its readers to adopt certain views and that these views are dangerous or misinformed.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following is the best example of a main thesis?
- A.
"For instance, printing drivers' manuals in languages other than English wastes taxpayers' money."
- B.
"While the U.S. does not have an official language, many other nations have established such policies."
- C.
"The U.S. should not establish an official language because such policies create unnecessary social divisions and perpetuate racism and xenophobia."
Correct Answer
C. "The U.S. should not establish an official language because such policies create unnecessary social divisions and perpetuate racism and xenophobia."Explanation
Statement A is quite specific to be the main thesis, and the transition "for instance" suggests that this is an example or illustration, not the main point. Statement B is a simple statement of fact. Statement C makes a recommendation (argument) and lays out two chief sub-arguments.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which research question would be most likely to produce a good main thesis?
- A.
"What is the best vacation destination for families?"
- B.
"Why has Florida recently become a more popular vacation destination for North Carolina families?"
- C.
"What was the most popular vacation destination in Florida last year?"
Correct Answer
B. "Why has Florida recently become a more popular vacation destination for North Carolina families?"Explanation
Question A is too broad to produce a strong thesis: "best" is subjective (don't families have many different ideas of a good vacation?) and the topic doesn't lend itself well to an evidence-based argument. Question C could be answered too briefly with a factual statement. Question B is the best because answering it will likely require that several components be analyzed.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which research question would be most likely to produce a good main thesis?
- A.
"Why does _To Kill a Mockingbird_ take place in the South?"
- B.
"Who is the most important character in _To Kill a Mockingbird_?"
- C.
"What does _To Kill a Mockingbird_ say about legal and moral concepts of justice?"
Correct Answer
C. "What does _To Kill a Mockingbird_ say about legal and moral concepts of justice?"Explanation
Question A is weak. The short answer is that this is what the author wrote. Further answers would be too speculative for most college papers: what if it had been set elsewhere? What does the author think about the South? A better research question would be: how does the book's Southern cultural context advance its chief themes? Question B is vague and not very interesting: what is meant by "most important" and how will answering this question improve our understanding of the novel? Question C is the best because it would prompt investigation of complex issues and produce a strong argumentative thesis.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Choose the best thesis statement that supports funding for music in public schools.
- A.
Because music helps students in many ways, the government should approve funding for it in public schools.
- B.
Music helps students to improve themselves creatively, intellectually, and socially; therefore, the government should fund music programs in public schools.
- C.
Music class is fun and offers a creative outlet.
Correct Answer
B. Music helps students to improve themselves creatively, intellectually, and socially; therefore, the government should fund music programs in public schools.Explanation
B. is the best choice because it focuses on how students can improve themselves, argues clearly for supporting music in the schools, and specifies the ways in which students can improve.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Choose the best thesis statement to argue that cats are better pets than dogs.
- A.
Cats are playful, cute, and furry.
- B.
I prefer cats because they clean themselves and use a litter box.
- C.
Because cats are more independent than dogs, they are the best choice for people who lead busy lives.
Correct Answer
C. Because cats are more independent than dogs, they are the best choice for people who lead busy lives.Explanation
C. is the correct answer because it focuses on the independence of cats, argues clearly for cats over dogs, and specifies the type of people who should get cats (not just your own preference).Rate this question:
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- 24.
Choose the best thesis statement that argues for taking a camping trip rather than going to a theme park.
- A.
Theme park rides make many people sick, so camping is the better choice.
- B.
While theme parks are loud and crowded, spending time together in a natural setting can bring families closer together, provide a relaxing atmosphere, and promote an appreciation of the environment.
- C.
Disney may be a fantastic place to visit because it has rides, food, and entertainment, but the woods can be fun, too.
Correct Answer
B. While theme parks are loud and crowded, spending time together in a natural setting can bring families closer together, provide a relaxing atmosphere, and promote an appreciation of the environment.Explanation
B. is the best choice because it focuses on how camping differs from theme parks in a positive way (choice C concentrates too much on how fun Disney is), argues clearly for theme parks, and specifies ways in which camping is better.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Look at the following 4 statements. People with good chess skills make good class presidents Chad has good chess skills Chess skills should be required for anyone who runs for class president Chad will make a good class president Which of the claims listed above has a reason or support that is also listed above?
- A.
People with good chess skills make good class presidents
- B.
Chad has good chess skills
- C.
Chess skills should be required for anyone who runs for class president
- D.
Chad will make a good class president
Correct Answer
D. Chad will make a good class president -
- 26.
Look at the following 4 statements. People with good chess skills make good class presidents Chad has good chess skills Chess skills should be required for anyone who runs for class president Chad will make a good class president Which of the statements above is most likely a warrant?
- A.
Chess skills should be required for anyone who runs for class president
- B.
People with good chess skills make good class presidents
- C.
Chad has good chess skills
- D.
Chad will make a good class president
Correct Answer
B. People with good chess skills make good class presidents -
- 27.
I hope John that you read this some day. Where should the comma(s) go in that sentence?
- A.
After hope
- B.
After John
- C.
After read
- D.
After both hope and John
- E.
You dont need one
Correct Answer
D. After both hope and John -
- 28.
Choose the correct bibliographical MLA work cited format for the following information: Quote from "Al Capone," a short work in a Website, The History Files. The work has no author, and the site is sponsored by the Chicago Historical Society. The date of the Website is 1999 and the work was accessed on October 9, 2002.
- A.
"Al Capone." The History Files. Chicago Hist. Soc., 1999. Web. 9 Oct. 2002.
- B.
Anonymous. "Al Capone." The History Files. Chicago Hist. Soc., 1999. Web. 9 Oct. 2002.
Correct Answer
A. "Al Capone." The History Files. Chicago Hist. Soc., 1999. Web. 9 Oct. 2002. -
- 29.
A quote from page 580 of The American Promise: A History of the United States, 2nd compact edition, written by James L. Roark, Michael P. Johnson, Patricia Cline Cohen, Sarah Stage, Alan Lawson, and Susant M. Hartmann and published in 2033 by Bedford/St. Martin's in Boston.
- A.
Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States. 2nd compact ed. Boston:Bedford, 2003. Print.
- B.
Roark, James L. The American Promise: A History of the United States. 2nd compact ed. Boston:Bedford, 2003. Print.
Correct Answer
A. Roark, James L., et al. The American Promise: A History of the United States. 2nd compact ed. Boston:Bedford, 2003. Print. -
- 30.
A student has paraphrased page 163 of Easy Riders, Raging Bulls, a book by Peter Biskind that was published in New York i 1998 by Simon & Shuster.
- A.
Biskind, Peter. Easy Riders, Raging Bulls. Simon: New York, 1998.
- B.
Biskind, Peter. Easy Riders, Raging Bulls. New York: Simon, 1998. Print.
Correct Answer
B. Biskind, Peter. Easy Riders, Raging Bulls. New York: Simon, 1998. Print. -
- 31.
A quote from "Sympathy for the (Jersey) Devil," an article by Joyce Millman published in the online magazine Salon.com on February 27, 2001. The magazine's site is sponsored by Salon Media Group. The date of access was October 1, 2002.
- A.
Millman, Joyce. "Sympathy for the (Jersey) Devil." Salon.com. 27 Feb. 2001. Web. 1 Oct. 2002.
- B.
Millman, Joyce. "Sympathy for the (Jersey) Devil." Salon.com. Salon Media Group, 27 Feb. 2001. Web. 1 Oct. 2002.
Correct Answer
B. Millman, Joyce. "Sympathy for the (Jersey) Devil." Salon.com. Salon Media Group, 27 Feb. 2001. Web. 1 Oct. 2002. -
- 32.
Quote from page B1 of a Wall Street Journal article titled "Mobster Chic: It's Menswear a la 'Sopranos,'" written by Teri Agins and Joe Flint and published on March 10, 2003.
- A.
Agins, Terri, and Joe Flint. Wall Street Journal. "Mobster Chic: It's Menswear a la 'Sopranos'" 10 Mar. 2003: B1. Print.
- B.
Agins, Teri, and Joe Flint. "Mobster Chic: It's Menswear a la 'Sopranos.'" Wall Street Journal. 10 Mar. 2003: B1. Print.
Correct Answer
B. Agins, Teri, and Joe Flint. "Mobster Chic: It's Menswear a la 'Sopranos.'" Wall Street Journal. 10 Mar. 2003: B1. Print. -
- 33.
Which of the following is the correct way to use a semicolon?
- A.
John was really embarassed last night; he forgot he had a date
- B.
John; was really embarassed last night, he forgot he had a date.
- C.
John was; really embarassed last night he forgot he had a date.
- D.
John was really embarassed last night he forgot he had a date.
Correct Answer
A. John was really embarassed last night; he forgot he had a date -
- 34.
This is the correct way to use a semicolon. Bob didn't mind the he had to be left alone; he got the whole house to himself.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True -
- 35.
Where can you use a semicolon?
- A.
After a phrase.
- B.
After a dependant clause.
- C.
After an independant clause.
- D.
After donalds mom.
Correct Answer
C. After an independant clause. -
- 36.
Where should the semicolon be? John likes to eat his lunch everyday it helps him fuel up for basketball.
Correct Answer
John likes to eat his lunch everyday; it helps him fuel up for basketball. - 37.
People should ride bicycles more because air pollution is really a problem in the city.
- A.
An Argument.
- B.
Not An Argument.
Correct Answer
A. An Argument. -
- 38.
Survival is the most important and most highly respected human value.
- A.
An Argument.
- B.
Not An Argument.
Correct Answer
B. Not An Argument. -
- 39.
Our awareness of environmental problems is increasing. Already we have reduced the emission of chemicals that destroy the ozone and have banned many pesticides.
- A.
An Argument.
- B.
Not An Argument.
Correct Answer
A. An Argument. -
- 40.
My opponent argues that acid rain is destroying the environment, but that is an inaccurate, incomplete, and irrelevant argument.
- A.
An Argument.
- B.
Not An Argument.
Correct Answer
B. Not An Argument. -
- 41.
Species loss is at a crisis level. Harvard Biologist Edward Wilson estimates that nearly 140 species are lost every day.
- A.
An Argument
- B.
Not an Argument
Correct Answer
A. An Argument -
- 42.
The most important action for any of us to take is to protect the environment. Please, take whatever action you can.
- A.
An Argument.
- B.
Not an Argument.
Correct Answer
B. Not an Argument. -
- 43.
Since all pollution laws have economic consequences, we need to look at this law’s effect on the economy.
- A.
An Argument.
- B.
Not An Argument.
Correct Answer
A. An Argument. -
- 44.
When a species loses its natural habitat, it is nearly impossible to prevent it from going extinct. There are only a few thousand Giant Panda, for instance, now that their habitat is taken over by development.
- A.
An Argument.
- B.
Not An Argument.
Correct Answer
A. An Argument. -
- 45.
How can we wait, even a single day, to take action to protect the environment?
- A.
An Argument.
- B.
Not An Argument.
Correct Answer
B. Not An Argument. -
- 46.
The move to a more ecological society will require big changes. The industrial revolution brought with it changes in government, family, and the economy. In the same way, the move to an ecological society will likewise require a fundamental change in our way of living.
- A.
An Argument.
- B.
Not An Argument.
Correct Answer
A. An Argument. -
- 47.
The affirmative argues that global warming will destroy the world, but they don’t prove that because they present no evidence that global warming is happening in the first place.
- A.
An Argument.
- B.
Not An Argument.
Correct Answer
A. An Argument. -
- 48.
The affirmative says that carbon dioxide is harmful to the environment. That is false.
- A.
An Argument.
- B.
Not An Argument.
Correct Answer
A. An Argument. -
- 49.
Before we left on our trip we boarded our cat at the vet.
Correct Answer
Before we left on our trip, we boarded our cat at the vet. - 50.
I'm studying math science and English this semester.
Correct Answer
I'm studying math, science, and English this semester.
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