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Quiz Date: Thursday, August 27th

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APRIL 29TH Learn with flashcards, games, and more — for free.

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Easily create surveys and polls to collect customer feedback, measure employee satisfaction, and organize team events.

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Easily create surveys and polls to collect customer feedback, measure employee satisfaction, and organize team events.

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Quiz on Monday, October 21st

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Sep 19th

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Themed Reading (Pop Culture) Mark Twain’s Corn Pone Opinions

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Themed Reading (Pop Culture) Mark Twain’s Corn Pone Opinions

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Mark Twain’s Corn Pone Opinions

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EDUCATION: Danielle Allen's "What is Education for?"

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EDUCATION: Danielle Allen's "What is Education for?"

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You may not use this universal truth as your entry. Please find another truth about which to write.

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enotes Shakespeare Quotes by Theme (Universal Truth)

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enotes Shakespeare Quotes by Theme (Universal Truth)

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Quotations by Play
Tragedies

Antony and Cleopatra
Coriolanus
Hamlet
Julius Caesar
King Lear
Macbeth
Othello
Romeo and Juliet
Timon of Athens
Titus Andronicus
Histories

Henry IV, Part I
Henry IV, Part II
Henry V
Henry VI, Part I
Henry VI, Part II
Henry VI, Part III
Henry VIII
King John
Richard II
Richard III

Comedies

All's Well That Ends Well
As You Like It
The Comedy of Errors
Cymbeline
Love's Labours Lost
Measure for Measure
The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Merchant of Venice
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Much Ado About Nothing
Pericles, Prince of Tyre
The Taming of the Shrew
The Tempest
Troilus and Cressida
Twelfth Night
Two Gentlemen of Verona
The Winter's Tale

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Quotations by Theme Shakespeare on Anger
Shakespeare on Envy
Shakespeare on Fate
Shakespeare on Fathers
Shakespeare on Flowers

Shakespeare on Friendship
Shakespeare on Gluttony
Shakespeare on Greed
Shakespeare on Horses
Shakespeare on Jealousy

Shakespeare on Lawyers
Shakespeare on Lust
Shakespeare on Marriage

Shakespeare's Metaphors
Shakespeare on Music
Shakespeare on Old Age
Shakespeare on Omens
Shakespeare on Poverty
Shakespeare on Pride

Shakespeare on Revenge
Shakespeare on the Seasons
Shakespeare on Sleep
Shakespeare on Sloth

Shakespeare's Songs
Shakespeare on Swans
Shakespeare Wedding Readings
Scary Shakespeare
Shakespearean Insults

Shakespeare Quotes on Cain and Abel
Quotations About Shakespeare

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On Shakespeare's Heroines

"Shakespeare reserves all his adoration for his heroines. His good women are angelic beings. His young heroines, Miranda, Cordelia, Imogen, Juliet, Perdita seem all to be spirits of the same heaven, and are like different aspects of the same woman rather than different women: they are the quintessence of romanticism. His heroines of mature years, as for instance, Hermione (in A Winter's Tale), and Queen Katherine, have the same quality. He cannot refrain from throwing a dash of connubial romance into Cleopatra."
John Jay Chapman, A Glance Toward Shakespeare

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On Shakespeare's Genius

"It may be reckoned one of the rarest pieces of good-luck that ever fell to the share of a race, that (as was true of Shakespeare) its most rhythmic genius, its acutest intellect, its profoundest imagination, and its healthiest understanding should have been combined in one man, and that he should have arrived at the full development of his powers at the moment when the material in which he was to work - that wonderful composite called English, the best result of the confusion of tongues - was in its freshest perfection."
James Russell Lowell, Literary Essays, Vol. 3, 1890

In the Spotlight

Top 10 Quotes from Julius Caesar

Cowards die many times before their deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but once.
Julius Caesar (2.2), Cæsar

Although there were earlier Elizabethan plays on the subject of Julius Caesar and his turbulent rule, Shakespeare's penetrating study of political life in ancient Rome is the only version to recount the demise of Brutus and the other conspirators. Here are the top ten quotations from Julius Caesar.

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Shakespeare on Lawyers and the Law

The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.
Richard II (2.4), Captain

Shakespeare mentions law more than any other profession. Although we assume Shakespeare did not formally study law, we see from the many references in the plays that he had acquired a significant general knowledge of legal terminology. The legal jargon in Hamlet's speech in Act 5 is especially impressive. Read on...

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Shakespeare's Quotations: Quotes from Shakespeare Play's and Sonnets

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Famous quotations from Shakespeare's plays, from your trusted Shakespeare source.

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New York Times Quotes (Universal Truths)

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New York Times Quotes (Universal Truths)

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Wise Quotes and Wise Sayings | Wise Sayings

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Unlock wisdom from the most famous and forgotten quotes, curated by our team of quote-loving editors.

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Select your Unit to see our practice vocabulary tests and vocabulary games for Sadlier-Oxford's book: Vocabulary Workshop Level F. Units for vocabulary practice with words from the Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop Level F book.

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EasyBib®: Free MLA Citation & Bibliography Generator

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Generate accurate MLA citations with EasyBib. Automatically create your works cited page and format your bibliography.

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Welcome to the EasyBib MLA Citation Guide! If you've landed on this page, you're probably wondering what MLA citing is, or perhaps you need help creating an MLA citation or two. This page is fully stocked with the information you need to be an MLA citing machine.

While EasyBib isn't officially affiliated with the Modern Language Association, we've included page numbers throughout this guide to demonstrate that the information on this page reflects the content from the official Handbook. Click here to learn more about the 8th edition of the handbook.

If you're wondering, "What is MLA?" and in need of some background information on the organization, take a peek at the Modern Language Association 's site. You'll find tons of handy information related to referencing and writing mechanics. We'll cover:

What's an MLA citation?

Anytime a piece of information from another source is added into your MLA style paper, you must create two citations, or references, to show the reader where the information originated. One reference is placed in the written text of the paper, and the other is placed at the end of the project.

The reference that is placed in the written text of the paper, called an in-text citation, comes immediately next to any borrowed information. It provides a glimpse for the reader to see who the original author is and the page number the information was found on.
Here's an MLA example:
Lark knows how to handle life on the river. "I try to count the seconds before I hear the thunder, so I know how far the storm is, but I'm too rattled" (Wingate 12).

Check out the full EasyBib MLA in-text & parenthetical citations guide to learn more about styling these types of references.

The other type of reference, which we'll call a full reference, is placed at the end of the project. It includes enough information about the source so the reader can locate the source themselves, if they choose to do so, whether online or at their library.
Here's the full reference, which corresponds to the in-text citation above:
Wingate, Lisa. Before We Were Yours. Random House, 2017.

Notice that the beginning of the reference in the text, Wingate, corresponds with the first word in the full reference. This is very important! It allows for the reader to find the full reference on the MLA works cited page.

Wondering if you can create MLA footnotes instead? You sure can! However, in this style, it's more common to use references in the text of your paper.

If it's help with an APA in-text citation or APA parenthetical citation you're after, you're in luck! Our comprehensive guides are here for you!

Various types of styles

There are many different ways to style references, and following MLA's guidelines are just one way to do so. There are many other ways to structure references. Two other well-known and popular styles include APA and Chicago.

Your teacher probably told you which style to create your references in. If you were told to use a different style, such as APA or Chicago, here are some links to help you get started.

The EasyBib APA citations guide has everything you need to learn how to create references in this style. Or, if you're looking for help with structuring the paper itself (spacing, font, margins, etc.), check out the EasyBib APA format page. If you need help with more styles, EasyBib always has your back, with thousands of styles available!

A Standard Formula

The great thing about MLA citations is that full references follow one standard formula. So, it doesn't matter if you're attempting to reference a book, newspaper article, or Facebook post, as almost every source type is structured the same way, following an MLA template.

Here's a step-by-step guide that gives you the key to the secret sauce:

1. Who created the source?

Is your source written or created by an individual? If yes, place their name in reverse order, with a period at the end, like this:

Jackson, Michael.

If there are multiple individuals responsible for the work, place them in the order they're shown on the source
Two Authors:
Last Name, First Name, and First Name Last Name.

Owens, Michael, and Scott Abrahams.
Three or More Authors:
According to page 22 of the Handbook, only include the first listed author's name, in reverse order, followed by a comma, and omit all other names. Replace the additional names with the latin phrase, et al.

Last Name, First Name, et al.

Preston, Rebekah, et al.
Organization authors:
If an organization is responsible for the work, you may include the organization's name. However, in many cases, an organization is listed as BOTH the author and publisher. When this is the case, you can leave the author out, start the citation with the source's title, and include the organization name only as the publisher.

Dinosaur Facts. American Museum of Natural History, www.amnh.org/dinosaurs/dinosaur-facts.

2. What's the title?

Sometimes there are two titles related to your source, and sometimes there's only one.

If the source you're referencing has two title parts, place the smaller part in quotation marks, followed by a period, and the larger part in italics, followed by a comma.

Think about the song, "Beat It," by Michael Jackson. "Beat It" is the title of the song, but there's another title too. The title of the album! The title of the album is Thriller.
Here's how the two titles would be structured:
The album, Thriller, serves as the "container" for the song itself.

The term "container" is used extensively throughout the official guide. In addition to songs and albums, other types of titles and their containers can include:

"Web Page Articles." Websites,

"Book Chapters." Titles of Books,

"Journal Articles." Titles of Journals,

...plus many more!

To make things even more interesting, there are times when there's more than one container! Think about an episode of a television show. The television series is the first container, but if you watched it on a streaming site, the streaming site would be the second container.

If there are two containers, the second one is added at the end of the reference.

"The Miseducation of Lisa Simpson." Performances by John Legend, Chrissy Teigen and Zach Woods. The Simpsons, season 31, episode 12, Fox Broadcasting, 16 Feb. 2020. Hulu, www.hulu.com/simpsons/miseducation.

Let's break that down:

There are times when two titles aren't included in a reference. If, instead of referencing the song "Beat It," you're referencing the entire album, exclude the quotation marks. Only include the one title and place it in italics, without quotation marks.
Here's how you would reference the entire album, rather than one song on the album:
Jackson, Michael. Thriller. Produced by Quincy Jones, Westlake Recording Studios, 1982.

For more on titles and containers, head to pages 25-29 of the official Handbook.

If you decide to use EasyBibs citation generator MLA creator, we'll help you structure the titles and containers in just a few clicks!

3. Any other contributors?

If there are any other people, besides the author, who had a significant role, and you feel it would be helpful to include their name in the reference, this information is added after the title. Include their role and name in standard order, followed by a comma.

Produced by Quincy Jones,

For other types of sources, there may be other roles and individuals to highlight. Here are a few examples:

Performance by Sid Caesar,

Translated by Sarah Martin,

Narrated by Rita Williams-Garcia,

4. Are you referencing a specific version?

Perhaps there is a specific edition of a book, song version, or movie cut. Include this information next, followed by a comma.

Google Play Exclusive Edition,

Other examples could include:

5. Got numbers?

Any numbers associated with the source, such as a volume and issue number, or episode number, are added next, followed by a comma.

For example, many journal articles have volume and issue numbers. Use vol. before the volume number and no. before the issue number.

vol. 2, no. 3,

Wondering what to exclude from your citations MLA paper? ISBN numbers! They're never added into references.

6. Who published the source?

This information is added next in the reference, followed by a comma. Since the publisher listed is usually the formal name of a company or organization, use title case.

Epic,

Random House,

Marvel Studios,

7. When was it published?

The date the source was published comes next, followed by a comma.

1982,

In the official Handbook, the references are displayed as Day Month Year. If the month is longer than 4 letters, abbreviate it.

4 Nov. 2019,

28 July 2015,

If you can't find the source, simply leave it out. Note: Some teachers want students to make a source with "no date" as "n.d." If you're unsure what your teacher wants, check in with them.

8. Where can you find the source?

The final component of the formula is the location.

If the source was found online, this should be a website address. Make sure to omit https:// from the front of the string.

It can be an actual location too, if the source is something you saw in a museum or elsewhere in real life.

Or, it can also be a page number or page range.

Always close out the reference with a period.

Now, let's put all of the pieces together. Here's what we come up with for our MLA citation example:

Jackson, Michael. "Beat It." Thriller, produced by Quincy Jones, Google Play Exclusive Edition, Epic, 1982, play.google.com/store/music/album/Thriller?id=Bzs3hkvcyvinz5tkilucmmoqjhi&hl=en_US.

Example breakdown:

1. Who created the source?

Jackson, Michael.

2. What's the title?

"Beat It." Thriller,

3. Any other contributors?

produced by Quincy Jones,

4. Got numbers or editions?

Google Play Exclusive Edition,

5. Who published the source?

Epic,

6. When was it published?

1982,

7. Where can you find the source?

play.google.com/store/music/album/Thriller?id=Bzs3hkvcyvinz5tkilucmmoqjhi&hl=en_US.

Some things to keep in mind:

1. It's not necessary to include every piece to the puzzle. Only include the information that the reader would need in order to successfully locate the source themselves.

For example, in the Thriller example above, you'll see there aren't any specific numbers (besides the publication date) in the reference. Why? There aren't any numbers associated with the source.

2. If you're looking for help, the EasyBib MLA citation creator helps you develop your references. Give it a whirl! It's free and easy to use! Nervous to try it out? Here's a quick rundown on how to use it.

Using the EasyBib MLA Citation Generator

Reserve the precious time you have for researching and writing, rather than wrapping your head around MLA guidelines, rules, and structures. The EasyBib citing tool is here to help you easily create citations for all your papers and turn you into a citing, MLA machine!

Follow these steps:

1. Find your source. We have over 50 types of sources to choose from.

2. You'll be directed to one of two types of forms:

Our automatic generator (shown below) creates references using source data already available on the Internet. Simply type in a few key pieces of information about the source and click "Search."

Our manual form creates your references based on the information you enter. Fill out the form and click "Complete Citation."

3. The easy-to-follow directions guide you through the remainder of the process. Follow the steps on the screen and watch the magic happen in a few clicks and keystrokes!

4. Copy and paste your completed reference into your project or export it to your document.

The EasyBib MLA format generator isn't all that's available. There are also tons of other nifty features, all available on our homepage, including an MLA title page maker and an innovative plagiarism checker! That's not all, there are many other thorough guides to help you with your referencing needs. Check out the EasyBib APA reference page, plus many more!

MLA Citation Examples

MLA citing is easier when you have visuals and examples to take a peek at. That's why we've put together a list of the most common source types that students and scholars reference. If you're trying to reference a book, newspaper article, website, or tweet, you'll find the structures you need to get on the right track.

Pro tip: Don't leave your references for the last minute! In your MLA outline or notes, keep track of the sources you use. This will help make the entire process easier for you!

Below are examples for these sources:

PRINT BOOK

If, instead, you need help with referencing an APA book citation, the linked guide walks you through the process!

EDITED BOOK

This information is located on page 23 of the official Handbook.

Example:
Bausch, Richard, and R. V. Cassill, editors. The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction. 8th ed., W.W. Norton, 2015.

CHAPTER IN AN EDITED BOOK

E-BOOK FROM THE INTERNET

Full reference structure:

London, Jack. The Sea-Wolf. Grosset & Dunlap, 1904, ia802701.us.archive.org/27/items/seawolfby00londrich
/seawolfby00londrich.pdf.

If you're attempting to reference an e-book from an e-reader, such as a Nook or Kindle, use the EasyBIb MLA citation generator. We'll help you structure your e-book references in no time!

WEBSITE

If you need more information on how to cite websites in MLA, check out the full-length EasyBib guide! Or, take the guesswork out of forming your references and try the EasyBib automatic MLA citation machine!

Need an APA citation website or help with another popular referencing style? EasyBib Plus may be exactly what you need.

ONLINE JOURNAL ARTICLE

To see an online journal example in action, check out the EasyBib MLA sample paper, which is discussed at the bottom of this guide. Also, don't forget about the easy-to-use, EasyBib automatic generator. Stop typing into Google "citation maker MLA" and go to EasyBib.com instead!

PRINT JOURNAL ARTICLE

If it's referencing an APA journal you're after, click on the link for the informative EasyBib guide on the topic.

If you're looking for an MLA citation maker to help you build your bibliography, try out the EasyBib MLA generator. Type in a few key pieces of information about your source and watch the magic happen!

ONLINE MAGAZINE

Online Magazine Article Author's Last Name...(page number)

(Online Magazine Article Author's Last Name First Name page number)

*In the above example, Natarajan's article only sits on one page, so it's unnecessary to include the page number in the reference in the text.

PRINT MAGAZINE

Print magazines are always fun to read, but know what else is a party? Brushing up on your grammar skills! Check out the thorough EasyBib grammar guides on adverb, determiner, and preposition pages!

ONLINE NEWSPAPER

Example:

Berthiaume, Lee. "Backlog of Applications for Vets' Benefits Grows By The Thousands." Toronto Star, 11 Feb. 2020, A9. PressReader, www-pressreader-com.i.ezproxy.nypl.org/canada/toronto-star/20200211.

*Since the above article is only on one page, it's not necessary to include the page number in the text reference of your MLA style citation.

Need help? Use the EasyBib MLA citation machine, which guides you through the process of making newspaper references! Quit searching on Google for "how to MLA citation" and visit EasyBib.com today!

PRINT NEWSPAPER

If your periodical article falls on nonconsecutive page numbers, add a plus sign after the first page number and omit the additional pages from any full references. Example: pp. B1+ (This information is located on page 110 in the official Handbook). Don't forget, the EasyBib citation machine MLA creator can help you structure all your citation information!

ONLINE IMAGE

If you're still confused about referencing online images, give the EasyBib MLA format generator a whirl. In just a few clicks, you'll have well-structured MLA citations!

PRINT IMAGE

If you're looking to reference an image seen in a print book, use the structure below. Or, use the "Cartoon," "Photo," "Painting," or "Map" forms found on the EasyBib MLA generator for citations.

In need of a citation machine MLA maker to help save some of your precious time? Try EasyBib's generator. Head to the EasyBib homepage and start developing your references today!

IMAGE VIEWED IN REAL LIFE

If you viewed an image in real life, whether at a museum, on display in a building, or even on a billboard, this EasyBib MLA citation guide example includes the most common way to reference it.

ONLINE VIDEO

For the majority of online video references, the reference should start with the title of the video. The information about the account that uploaded the video should be included in the "Other Contributors" space.

For more on learning how to cite MLA timestamps, turn to page 57 in the official Handbook.

It's common to see online videos featured in an annotated bibliography. Have a look at the useful guide to learn how to create one from scratch!

STREAMED SHOW

Streamed shows (sometimes called online or streamed "television shows") are watched using a service such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or another subscription streaming site.

If you accessed a streamed show through an app, the name of the app can be displayed in the "version" slot, rather than at the end of the reference.

Full reference structure:

"Title of Episode." Title of Series, Name of app, season number, episode number, Publisher, Date aired or published.

After you're through binging on your favorite shows, give yourself some brain fuel by taking a glance at the EasyBib grammar guides. Take your writing up a notch with the guides on interjection, conjunction, and verb pages!

STREAMED MUSIC

Streamed music can be tricky to reference, especially with the wide variety of streaming services available on the web and through apps. Don't worry, the EasyBib MLA citation maker can come in and save the day for you. Try it out now! To make it even easier, bookmark the EasyBib citation machine MLA maker for quick access!

SHEET MUSIC

Social Media Examples

Notable individuals consistently share pictures, videos, and ideas on social media, which is why social media is often referenced in today's research papers. If you're looking to add a reference for Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, or Instagram in your MLA paper, check out the structures and examples below.

Twitter

If the tweet is composed of just an image or video, create a description for it and do not place it in quotation marks. For example:

@djsnake. Video of studio controls with music playing. Twitter, 11 Feb. 2020, /twitter.com/djsnake/status/1227267455095123968.

Odds are, you could spend hours scrolling through Twitter to catch up on the latest news and gossip. Why not spend some time scrolling through the EasyBib grammar guides instead? Check out these informative noun and adjective guides to help keep your writing in check!

Facebook

Reddit

Full reference structure:
u/Reddit username. "Text of Reddit headline." Reddit, Date posted, web address.

Instagram

Looking for other types of sources, such as government and archival documents? Here's more info.

Next Steps

Now that you've figured out how to style your references, the next step is structuring your written work according to this style's guidelines. The thorough EasyBib MLA format guide provides you with the information you need to structure the font, MLA title page (or MLA cover page), paper margins, spacing, plus more! There's even a sample MLA paper too!

Work Cited

MLA Handbook. Modern Language Association of America, 2016.
Published April 9, 2020.
Written by Michele Kirschenbaum. Michele Kirschenbaum is a school library media specialist and is the in-house librarian at EasyBib.com.

Can I create a manual citation?

Yes! Whether you'd like to learn how to construct citations on your own, our Autocite tool isn't able to gather the metadata you need, or anything in between, manual citations are always an option. Click here for directions on using creating manual citations.

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Welcome to the EasyBib MLA Citation Guide! If you've landed on this page, you're probably wondering what MLA citing is, or perhaps you need help creating an MLA citation or two. This page is fully stocked with the information you need to be an MLA citing machine.

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Share to Google Classroom

Welcome to an overview of "What is MLA Format?" in relation to paper formatting. You'll find in-depth guidelines, examples, and visual samples to help you easily format your paper. This guide does not serve as a reference for MLA citation format.

For help determining the proper structure for citing, refer to the other guides on EasyBib.com. Here is another informative site which may help with further understanding of MLA citation format.

Guidelines for Formatting a Paper in MLA

Use white 8 ½ x 11" paper.

Make 1 inch margins on the top, bottom, and sides.

The first word in every paragraph should be indented one half inch.

Indent set-off or block quotations one half inch from the left margin.

Use any type of font that is easy to read, such as Times New Roman. Make sure that italics look different from the regular typeface.

Use 12-point size.

Double space the entire research paper, even the Works Cited page.

Leave one space after periods and other punctuation marks, unless your instructor tells you to leave two spaces.

These guidelines come from the MLA Style Center's web page "Formatting a Research Paper."
If you need more guidance, a website like EasyBib.com usually has guides and tools to help you out. There's also resources on other styles, like our guide on " APA reference page ", otherwise known as a "References" page.

MLA Format Background

The Modern Language Association (MLA) is an organization responsible for developing MLA format. It was developed as a means for researchers, students, and scholars in the literature and language fields to uniformly format their papers and assignments. This uniform, or consistent, method to developing a paper or assignment allows for easy reading. Today, MLA is not only used in literature and language subject areas; many others have adopted it as well.

The Modern Language Association released the 9th and most current edition of their MLA Handbook in April 2021. The Handbook provides thorough instructions on citing, as well as guidelines for submitting work that adheres to the Modern Language Association's rules and standards. Although we're not affiliated with the MLA, our citation specialists bring you this thoughtful and informative guide on the format.

Looking for information about previous editions to the Handbook? Want to learn more about the origin of "What is MLA format?" Click here to learn about the previous editions to the Handbook.

Actually, are you looking for help on using another style? See how to cite an APA journal, learn to create an APA book citation, and more!

To create a header for your first page, follow these steps:

Begin one inch from the top of the first page and flush with the left margin.

Type your name, your instructor's name, the course name and number, and the date on separate lines, using double spaces between each.

Double space once more and center the title. Do NOT underline, bold, or type the title in all capital letters. Only italicize words that would normally be italicized in the text. Example: Character Development in The Great Gatsby

Do not place a period after the title or after any headings

Double space between the title and first lines of the text

General Paper Formatting

Paper Choice

While many professors, instructors, and publications allow electronic submission, some prefer printed, hard copies of papers. This section focuses on the type of paper to use for printed submission.

If you choose to print your paper, use white paper only. Do not use ivory, off-white, or any other shades or colors.

Choose a standard, high quality paper to print your project on. Do not use cardstock. It is not necessary to use resum paper. Use typical, high quality printer or copy paper.

When it comes to size, 8 ½-by-11-inch paper is the recommended size. If you'd like to use a different size, ask your teacher prior to submission.

Use One-Inch Margins in MLA

Use one-inch margins around the entire page. The running head should be the only item seen in the one inch margin (see below for more on running heads).

Most word processing programs automatically default to using one inch margins. Check the page settings section of the program to locate the margin size.

Indenting Paragraphs in MLA

Indent the first word in every paragraph. Sentences should begin one half inch from the left margin.
It is not necessary to manually measure half an inch. Use the "tab" button on the keyboard to create a half inch space.
Double Space Paragraphs in MLA

MLA research paper format requires that the entire research paper or MLA format essay includes double-spaced lines. Double-spaced lines should be found in between the written body of the work, in the heading, and also on the MLA reference page.

While it may seem tempting to place a few extra lines between the heading, title, and beginning of the paper, lines should all be double spaced.

Font and Font Size in MLA

In an MLA paper, it is acceptable to use any font type that is easy to read. Many source types, such as books and articles, use fonts that are easy to read, so if you're seeking an appropriate font style, look at other sources for guidance. Two of the most commonly used fonts are Arial and Times New Roman.

It is important for the reader to be able to distinguish the difference between italicized and regular font, so if you choose a font style different than Arial or Times New Roman, make sure the difference between the two type styles is evident.

The use of a 12-point font size is recommended as this is the default size for many word processing programs. It is acceptable to use another standard size, such as 11-point or 11.5-point.

Binding

Some professors or instructors will provide guidance on how to secure hard copies of projects. If your instructor does not provide you with any expectations or guidance, a simple staple in the top left corner should suffice. If a stapler is not available, some instructors allow paper or binder clips.

Do not fold the top left corner down to secure the pages together. The page could easily unfold, causing a mess of papers. While binders and plastic holders are cute, in reality, they add bulk to a professor or instructor who may like to take the papers home for grading purposes. Keep the binding simple and clean. Staples work best, and binder and paper clips are the next best option.

As always, follow any instructions your professor or teacher may provide. The guidelines found here are simply recommendations.

MLA Heading & Title Page Instructions

The web page "Formatting a Research Paper" gives two options when it comes to creating the header for your project:

1. An MLA format heading can be placed at the top of the first page

2. A title page can grace the front of the assignment. If you choose to create a title page, keep in mind that there aren't any official title page or cover page guidelines in MLA format. See more information below.

If choosing option one, creating an MLA heading, you'll need to include four main components:

Your full name

Your instructor's name

The name and number of the course or class

The assignment's due date

The first item typed on the paper should be your full name.

1. Position your name one inch from the top and left margins of the page.

2. Add a double space beneath your name, and type the name of your instructor.

3. Below the professor or instructor's name should be a double space, followed by the name of the course, class, or section number (if available).

4. Below it, include another double space and add the assignment's due date (Day Month Year).

Here's an example:
The assignment's title should be placed below the due date, after a double space. Align the title so it sits in the center of the MLA format paper. The title should be written in standard lettering, without underlines, bold font, italicized font, or any quotation marks. Only include italics or quotation marks if your title includes the title of another source.

Neal E. Bibdarsh
Here is an example of an MLA header for an MLA format essay, paper, or assignment:
Professor Haujeemoto

English 201

2 Nov 2017

The Trials and Tribulations of Lincoln's Reciting of "The Gettysburg Address"

Title Page
*Note: The quotation marks here are around the title of a speech included in the paper's title.
Most research papers use a standard MLA format heading, like the one seen above. If your instructor requires you to create a standalone title page, ask him or her for specifications. MLA does not have specific instructions for developing an MLA title page. We recommend you use an MLA header for your project.

If your teacher or professor requires a standalone title page, but has not provided any guidance or specifications, here are a few suggestions from EasyBib.com and this MLA guide:

1. Center and double space all of the text on your page.

2. Place the name of your school at the top of the page.

3. Skip down to about the center of the page and type the title of your paper. Do not bold the title, italicize the entire title, place quotation marks around it, or type the title out in capital letters.

4. Use italics for the titles of any sources in the title of your paper. Example: An Analysis of Mythical Creatures in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

5. The title should be written in title case form. Capitalize the:

1. first letter of the title

2. first letter of the last word

3. first letter of any adjectives, adverbs, nouns, pronouns, and verbs

6. If your paper has a subtitle, include on the next line below your title.

7. Skip down to the bottom third of the page and add your name, the the name of your instructor, the name/number of the course or class, and the assignment's due date on four separate lines.

8. Keep the font size at 12 pt., or a size close to it, to make it look professional.

9. Use the same font as the text of the paper. The Modern Language Association recommends any font that is easy to read and has a clear distinction between italics and standard font. Times New Roman and Arial are recommended, but many other fonts work as well.

10. Include a page number in the top right corner of the paper. For more information on how to style page numbers, check out the next section, "Running Head and Page Numbers."

11. We do not recommend adding any images or cover art to the title page.

Click additional information about essays to see an example of a formatted header.

You can either create a title page using the EasyBib Title Page creator or omit the title page completely and use a header.

Running Head & Page Numbers in MLA

A running head is a brief heading that is placed in the top right corner of every page in a project. The Modern Language Association Style Center (online) states that the running head consists of:

Last name of the paper's author

Page number

The running head is placed in the upper right-hand corner, half an inch from the top margin and one inch from the right margin of the page.

Type your last name before the page number.

The last name and page number should be separated by a single space.

Do not place the word "page" or use an abbreviation, such as p. or pg., before the page number.

Quite often, the running head begins on the second page, but your instructor may ask you to include the running head on the first page of the assignment. As always, if your instructor provides you with specific directions, follow his or her guidelines.

General tips to keep in mind:
Before adding this information manually onto every single page, check to see if the word processor you're using has the capability to automatically add this information for you. Try looking in the settings area where page numbers or headers can be added or modified.

Google Docs: Adding a header

1. Go to the menu section "Insert."

2. Select "Page numbers" and select the option that places the page number in the upper-right corner.

3. A page number will appear; your cursor will blink next to it.

4. Move your cursor to the left of the page number.

5. Type your last name. Add a space between your name and the page number.

6. You should now have a properly formatted header on every page!

Microsoft Word Document: Adding a header

1. Go to the menu section "Insert."

2. Select "Page numbers" and select the option that places the page number in the upper-right corner.

3. Either:

1. Double-click in the space at the top of the page (where the page number is).

2. OR Go to the "Insert" menu, select "Header," and select "Edit Header."

4. Type your last name next to page number. If it isn't already right-aligned, go to the "Home" menu and right-align your name.

5. You should now have a properly formatted header on every page!

Quotations in MLA

Quotes are added into assignments to help defend an argument, prove a point, add emphasis, or simply liven up a project.

Quotes should not take up the majority of your paper or assignment. Quotes should be sprinkled sparingly throughout, and quotes longer than 4 lines should be formatted as MLA block quotes. Use direct quotes from outside sources to enhance and expand on your own writing and ideas.

Words from quotes belong to the individual who spoke or wrote them, so it is essential to credit that individual's work. Credit him or her by adding what is called an "in-text citation" into the body of the project.

There are three ways to add quotes:
1. With the author's name in the sentence (a citation in prose).

Example:

Dan Gutman shares a glimpse into the overall plot by stating, "I didn't know it at the time, but a baseball card-for me-could function like a time machine" (5).

In the above example, Dan Gutman is the author of the book that this quote is pulled from.

Example:

The main character's confusing experience is realized and explained when he states "I didn't know it at the time, but a baseball card-for me-could function like a time machine" (Gutman 5).
2. Without the author's name in the sentence (a parenthetical citation).
In the above example, Dan Gutman's name isn't included in the sentence. It's included in the parentheses at the end of the sentence. This is an example of a proper MLA style citation in the body of a project.

Using footnotes and endnotes

The Modern Language Association generally promotes the use of references as described in the sections above, but footnotes and endnotes are also acceptable forms of references to use in your paper.
3. In a block quote, which is used when a large quote, of 4 lines or more, is added into a project.
Footnotes and endnotes are helpful to use in a variety of circumstances. Here are a few scenarios when it may seem appropriate to use this type of referencing:

When you are referring to a number of various sources, by various authors, in a section of your paper. In this situation, it is a good idea to use a footnote or endnote to share information for parenthetical references. This will encourage the reader to stay focused on the text of the research paper, instead of having to read through all of the reference information.

When you are sharing additional information that doesn't quite fit into the scope of the paper, but is beneficial for the reader. These types of footnotes and endnotes are helpful when explaining translations, adding background information, or sharing counterexamples to research.

To include a footnote or endnote, add a superscript number at the end of the sentence the footnote or endnote refers to. They can be included mid-sentence if necessary, but be sure to add it after any punctuation, such as commas or periods. Find a location that doesn't distract the reader from the content and flow of the paper.

Numerous well-known children's books include characters from a wide range of races and ethnicities, thus promoting diversity and multiculturalism.¹
Within the text example:
¹See Isadora, Parr, and Velazquez. While Parr's work features characters of various colors, such as pink or blue, children easily correlate it with individuals of different races and ethnicities.

On the last page of the assignment, the writer includes the full references for the books by Isadora, Parr, and Velazquez.
At the bottom of the page (footnote) or at the end of the section (endnote):
For more on block quotes and a further, detailed explanation on the use of quotes, including MLA footnotes, refer to our MLA In-Text Citation and Parenthetical Citations Guide. In this guide you'll find further information including directions for the use of quotes without an author, page numbers, and how to properly credit work from electronic sources.

For guides on citations in another style, check out APA parenthetical citation and APA in-text citation.

Paraphrases in MLA

Paraphrases are created when text or speech from another source are added into a project, but the writer chooses to summarize them and weave in his or her own writing and writing style.

Even though the writer modifies the information from another source, it is still necessary to credit the source using proper format ( Handbook 98). Paraphrased information uses the same MLA reference format as stated in the section directly above this one.

Here is an acceptable paraphrase:

"Stay hungry. Stay foolish." Steve Jobs
Original text:
Steve Jobs encouraged students at Stanford to continue with their determination, drive, and ambitious behavior. They should never be simply satisfied with the status quo. They should continue to push themselves despite possible obstacles and failures.

To develop a well-written paraphrase, follow these simple, step-by-step instructions.
Paraphrase:

1. Find a phrase, sentence, paragraph, or section of original text you'd like to turn into a paraphrase.

2. Read the text carefully and make sure you fully comprehend its meaning. A writer can only develop a well-written paraphrase if the information has been fully grasped and understood. If you're having difficulty understanding the information, take a few minutes to read up on tricky words and background information. If all else fails, ask a friend to see if they're able to make sense of the concepts.

3. After analyzing and completely understanding the original text, put it to the side. Take a moment to think about what you've read and connect the idea to your own assignment.

4. Now that the information is completely understood, take a moment to rewrite what you've read, in your own words and writing style. Do not simply substitute words in the original text with synonyms. That's plagiarism! Show off and demonstrate your ability to process the original information, connect it to the content in your paper, and write it in your own individual and unique writing style.

5. Include an in-text reference next to the paraphrase. All paraphrases include references, similar to direct quotes. See the "Quotations" section of this guide to learn how to properly attribute your paraphrased information.

6. Give yourself a pat on the back! Paraphrasing is an important part of the research and writing process.

An essential part of the research process involves adding direct quotes and paraphrases into projects. Direct quotes provide word-for-word evidence and allow writers to use another author's eloquent words and language in their own projects. When it comes to paraphrases, writers are able to take a block of text and shrink the scope of it into the their papers. Paper writers can also use paraphrases to demonstrate their ability to analyze and reiterate information in a meaningful and relevant way.

If you're wondering which one is better to consistently use, quotes or paraphrases, there's a clear winner. Paraphrases come out on top. Sure, direct quotes are incredibly beneficial, but copying and pasting too many of these into a project can cause a reader to lose sight of the writer's own voice. Mixing your own voice with another author's too much can make for choppy and disjointed reading.
Wondering if it's better to quote or paraphrase?
The ultimate goal of a research project is to have your voice and research merged together as one. Paraphrases allow just that. When you combine information from outside sources with your own writing style, it demonstrates your ability as a researcher to showcase your understanding and analyzation of a topic.

Remember, whether you're adding direct quotes or paraphrases into a project, both types of additions need references. References are placed after the quotes and paraphrases, and also at the end of an assignment.

If you're looking for additional help with your punctuation or grammar, check out the EasyBib plagiarism checker!

Using Abbreviations in MLA

Abbreviations are commonly used in many source types including websites, blog posts, books, and journal articles. It is acceptable to use abbreviations in all of these sources.

When it comes to school and research assignments, however, the MLA Handbook states that abbreviations should be used rarely in the prose of your paper (293). Spelling out abbreviations into their full words and meanings is recommended. This ensures understanding and avoids any confusion from your reader.

There are times when you may feel it is perfectly acceptable to use an abbreviation rather than its typed out counterpart in a paper. If you do abbreviate, be sure you are using commonly accepted abbreviations, which you can find in the dictionary. You can also review Appendix 1 in the MLA Handbook.

When including abbreviations, do not place periods in between capital letters. For example:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus can be abbreviated to HIV, not H.I.V.

United States should be US, not U.S.

Digital video disc should be DVD, not D.V.D.

For lower case abbreviations, it is acceptable to include periods between the letters.

The abbreviation, "For example" = e.g.

If there is a mix of lower case and upper case letters, do not use periods if the majority of the letters are upper case. Examples include PhD and EdD

Abbreviating Months
General Abbreviation Tips
Type out entire month names when being used in the body of a research paper or assignment.

She rented out the beach house from May through September

When it comes to references, MLA bibliography format requires months longer than four letters to be abbreviated.
Example:
Other abbreviations that are perfectly acceptable to use in a bibliography (not the body of a project) include:

p. or pp. for page and page numbers

ch. for chapter

ed. for edition

trans. for translation or translated

vol. for volume

no. for number

rev. for revised

Example:
Again, these abbreviations should only be used in the final page(s) of a project, the MLA Works Cited list. They should not be used in the body of a project.

For more information on bibliographies, see our MLA format Works Cited List page.

Abbreviating Publishers

One of the quirkiest things about this particular style is how publisher names are structured on the final page of references. Certain words are abbreviated, some words are omitted, and other words are written in full.

Words describing what type of business the publisher is are omitted from the works cited. Here's a breakdown of the words that should be excluded:

Co. (Company)

Corp. (Corporation)

Inc. (Incorporated)

Ltd. (Limited)

The (when at the beginning of the name)

If a publisher's name contains the words "University" and "Press" (or the equivalent in another language), the words should be abbreviated to the letters "U" and "P" in your citation. But if only one of the words appears, it should be written out normally.

Here are a few examples:

University of Delaware

Yale UP

U College of London P

MIT Press

All other words related to the names of publishers should be written out in full.

Abbreviating Titles

Certain classical and biblical works are abbreviated in a bibliography, but also in any parenthetical references in the text.

The official handbook provides a lengthy list, spanning over multiple pages, of the preferred abbreviations to use for classical and biblical works ( Handbook 295-301), but here's a quick snapshot of some of the commonly used ones:

Hebrew Bible or Old Testament = OT

New Testament = NT

Shakespeare:

Again, the titles above are allowed to be abbreviated both in references in parentheses in the body of a project and also on the final page of references. If you're wondering why, it's because they're cited often and it's unnecessary to type out the entire title names.

Formatting Numbers in MLA

Use of Numerals

If the project calls for frequent use of numbers (such as a scientific study or statistics), use numerals that precede measurements.

Other items to keep in mind:

In divisions, use numbers, ex: In page 5 of the study
Example:
Arabic Numbers

When including a number in a paper, spell out the number if it can be written as one word (such as six) or two words (such as sixty-two). For fractions, decimals, or longer numbers, type them out using digits. For larger numbers, write the number itself ( Handbook 82-84).

Here are a few examples:

If the number comes before a unit of measurement or label, type the number using digits.

More on Numbers

Starting a sentence with a number is generally frowned upon. Try modifying the sentence so that the number, or number word, is found elsewhere.

Instead of:

225 children were found in the warehouse, some malnourished and diseased.

Use this sentence:

A total of 225 children were found in the warehouse, some malnourished and diseased.

If modifying the sentence is not possible or does not work well with the flow of the assignment or paper, type out the written number:

Two hundred twenty five children were found in the warehouse, some malnourished and diseased.

Do not include any ISBN numbers in your paper.

Outline Format

The Modern Language Association does not have any requirements regarding the structure of an outline. If your teacher asks you to create an MLA outline, we recommend using roman numerals, capital and lowercase letters, and numbers.

Here is an example of a recommended outline structure:

In addition to outlines, use roman numerals for suffixes.

Using Images, Tables, & Musical Scores in MLA

Photographs, data sets, tables, graphs, and other images are often added into projects or papers to promote or aid understanding. They provide meaningful visuals for the reader. If the illustration or visual image does not enhance the quality of the paper, do not include it in the project.

Tables and illustrations should be placed as close as possible to the text that they most closely refer to.

Images

For an image to be significant and easily identifiable, place it as close as possible to the text in the project where it is discussed.

It is not acceptable to simply place an image in a project without including identifiable information. All images must include information about its origin.

Here are the directions to properly attribute an image:

1. Create a label for the image or illustration and place it directly beneath the image. Begin the label with the abbreviation "Fig.," which is short for figure.
Assign an Arabic number. The image closest to the beginning of the project should be labeled as Fig. 1. The next image in the project should be Fig. 2. and so on.

2. Provide a caption. The caption should be a brief explanation or the title of the contents of the image. Place the caption directly next to the label.

3. Immediately following the caption, it is acceptable to include attribution information. If the image is not discussed further in the rest of the paper or project, it is acceptable to include the MLA bibliography format citation below the image and omit it from the bibliography or MLA format works cited page.

In the text of the project or paper where the figure is discussed, include the label in parentheses to ensure the reader knows where to find the figure in your paper.

Sarah's tattoo design was filled with two of her favorite flowers: lilies and daffodils along a thinly curved vine (fig. 1).
Example 1: In the text:
(Image Would Be Here)
Fig. 1. Sarah's Tattoo. barneyWILLIAMSable, Deviant Art, 2011, barneywilliamsable.deviantart.com/art/Sarah-s-Tattoo-design-193048938.
Image formatting: Example 2:
Fig. 1. White Studio. "Houdini and Jennie, the Elephant, Performing at the Hippodrome, New York." Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/item/96518833/.

Tables

When adding a table or data set into a project, it is formatted a little differently. Above the data set, include the label "Table" with an Arabic numeral, and title it. The table number and title should be located flush left and on separate lines. The first table seen in the project is labeled as Table 1. The second table in the project is Table 2, and so on. The table's title should be written in title case form (the first letter of each word is capitalized, except for small, insignificant words).

Underneath the table, provide the source and any notes. Notes should be labeled with a letter, rather than a numeral, so the reader is able to differentiate between the notes of the text and the notes of the table.

Table 4

International Scholars from India Enrolled at Yale University a

Source: "International Scholars Academic Year 2015-2016." Yale University, Office of International Students and Scholars, yale.app.box.com/v/scholar-2015-2016.
a. The numbers reflect students who are enrolled full-time.
Example 1:
The information included above and below any images or table should be double spaced, similar to the rest of the project or paper.

Musical Scores

Musical scores need to be labeled as well. When including a musical score in a project, label musical scores with "Ex." which is short for example. This label should be placed below the musical score. Next to the abbreviation "Ex.", assign the score an Arabic numeral. The first musical score in the project should be labeled as Ex. 1. The second musical score found in an assignment should be labeled as Ex. 2., and so on.
Example 2:
If possible, provide a caption after to the label. If the caption below the sheet music includes enough information about the source, it is not necessary to include the full reference at the end of the assignment.

Ex. 4. Scott Joplin, The Entertainer, piano, C major.
Here is an example of a possible label and caption:
Here's more on tables and illustrations.
Another example:
Using Lists in MLA

It's appropriate to add lists into an MLA format essay as long as the proper rules are followed.

Lists created using MLA essay format look different than a grocery list or any other type of vertical listing of items. Items in a list are included in your prose, rather than the traditional vertical style.

Often, you will use a colon between the introductory sentence and the list. But you should not include a colon if the first item in the list is part of the sentence.

Here is an example of how a list may look incorporated into the prose of a research project or assignment:

William Shakespeare wrote numerous plays, many of which were considered tragedies: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, Julius Caesar, and King Lear.

List Example #2
Here is an example of how a list may look in a research project or assignment when the list is part of the introductory sentence:

Many of William Shakespeare's were tragedies. Some of his most popular tragedies include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, Julius Caesar, and King Lear.
List Example #1
MLA Works Cited Format

EasyBib.com has a full, comprehensive guide to creating a proper works cited MLA format, but here are a few items to keep in mind when developing this portion of a project:

1. The list of citations should be the very last page of a research project or essay.

2. The top of the page should include the running head and the page number.

3. All entries should be placed in alphabetical order by the first item in the MLA format citation.

4. The entire page should be double spaced.

For more detailed information, make sure to check out the EasyBib guide to MLA format Works Cited pages.

MLA Citation Format

The majority of this guide focuses on MLA formatting in regards to MLA paper format rules and guidelines. If you're seeking information related to the proper formatting of an MLA citation, refer to our individual pages and posts on various types of citations.

If you're simply looking for the general structure for full references, which are found on the final pages of projects, here's the proper order:

Author's Last name, Author's First name. "Title of Source."* Title of Container, Names of other contributors along with their specific roles, version of the source (if it differs from the original or is unique), any key numbers associated with the source that aren't dates (such as journal issue numbers or volume numbers), Name of the Publisher, publication date, location (such as the URL or page numbers).

MLA Format Citing FAQs:

Containers are what hold the source. If you're creating a reference for a chapter in a book, the title of the chapter is the title of the source, and the container is the title of the book. The book holds the chapter, so it's the container. If you're searching for how to cite a website, here's a tip: the title of the source is the name of the individual page and the title of the container is the name of the full website.
*Note: A title may be in italics instead of quotation marks, depending of the type of source. The general rule is that works that are self-contained (like books, journals, or television shows) are formatted in italics. Works that are part of a larger work (like articles, chapters, or specific episodes) are formatting in quotation marks.
The short answer is "No!" When citing, only include the components that help the reader locate the exact same source themselves.

It isn't necessary to go digging for items such as numbers, version types, or names of other individuals or contributors associated with the source if they aren't applicable. If you think it's beneficial for the reader, then include it.
"What in the world are containers?"
If you're looking for an MLA citation generator, head to the EasyBib homepage. Our formatter will help you create citations quickly and easily!
"This seems like a lot of information for a reference. Is it all necessary?"
Need APA, too? There are also EasyBib tools and an APA citation website reference guide to help you learn the basics.

Edits and Proofreading

Editing and proofreading your assignment prior to submission is an incredibly important step in the research process. Editing involves checking the paper for the following items:
Related to citations, here are helpful pages on:

1. Spelling: Are all words spelled correctly? Review all proper names, places, and other unique words to ensure correct spelling. When finished, run the project through a spell checker. Many word processing programs, such as Microsoft Word and Google Drive, provide a free spell checking feature. While spell checks are beneficial, they do not always spot every mistake, so make sure you take the time to read through the assignment carefully. If you're still not sure if your project contains proper spelling, ask a friend to read through it. They may find a mistake you missed!

2. Grammar: Check your assignment to make sure you've included proper word usage. There are numerous grammar checkers available to review your project prior to submission. Again, take the time to review any recommendations from these programs prior to accepting the suggestions and revisions.

3. Punctuation: Check to make sure the end of every sentence has an ending punctuation mark. Also make sure commas, hyphens, colons, and other punctuation marks are placed in the appropriate places.

4. Attribution: Do all quotes and paraphrases include a citation? Did you create an in-text citation for each individual piece of information?

Smart idea: running your paper through a paper checker before you turn it in. EasyBib Plus offers a checker that scans for grammar errors and unintentional plagiarism.

Check out our MLA sample papers. Also, check out the EasyBib MLA Annotated Bibliography Guide.

Don't forget to use the EasyBib citation generator to develop your Modern Language Association style references.EasyBib.com also has helpful guides on APA format and more styles. Lastly, stay up-to-date on what's coming by following our EasyBib Twitter account.

Works Cited

"Formatting a Research Paper." The MLA Style Center, Modern Language Association of America, style.mla.org/formatting-papers/.

MLA Handbook. 9th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2021.

Written and edited by Michele Kirschenbaum and Elise Barbeau. Michele Kirschenbaum is a school library media specialist and the in-house librarian at EasyBib.com. You can find her here on Twitter. Elise Barbeau is the Citation Specialist at Chegg. She has worked in digital marketing, libraries, and publishing.

How do I properly format a works cited page in MLA style?

The works-cited list provides the reader full information so that a reader can locate the source for further use.
Basic formatting Placement
The works-cited list appears at the end of the paper, after any endnotes if they are present.

Page margins

All margins (top, bottom, left, and right) should be set at 1 inch.

Running head

Write the running head in the top right of the page at 0.5 inch from the top. Use the running head "Surname Page #."

Font

The font should be clear enough to read. For example, Times New Roman font set to 12 points.

Formatting entries

Entries should be double-spaced, including a double-space between the heading and the first entry. If any entry runs over more than a line, indent the subsequent line(s) 0.5 inch from the left margin.

Formatting the title

The title should be "Works Cited." Center the title. Do not bold, italicize, or underline the title. If you cite only one source in the list, the title should be "Work Cited." If you include sources that you only consulted and didn't cite directly, the title should be changed accordingly to "Works Cited and Consulted."

Arranging works cited

Works-cited-list entries are arranged alphabetically by the author's last name (or the editor's last name for entire edited collections). Double-space all entries. Begin each entry flush with the left margin. If any entry runs over more than one line, indent the subsequent line(s) 0.5 inch from the left margin (sometimes called a hanging indent).

Example works cited

Works Cited

Damasio, Antonio. The Feeling of What Happens: Body, Emotion and the Making of Consciousness. Vintage, 2000.

Hill, R. T. "Legitimizing Colonial Privilege: Native Americans at a Quincentenary of Discourse." Text and Performance Quarterly, vol. 16, no. 1, 1996, pp. 92-100.

MacDonald, Shauna M. "Performance as Critical Posthuman Pedagogy." Text and Performance Quarterly, vol. 34, no. 2, 2014, pp. 164-81.

Zilio, M. "Canada Will Not Move Embassy to Jerusalem, Federal Government Says." The Globe and Mail. 7 Sept. 2017, www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-will-not-move-embassy-to-jerusalem-federal-government-says/article37219576/.

What is an example of a parenthetical citation used in MLA format?

An in-text citation is a short citation that is placed in the text. It is styled in two ways: a citation in prose or a parenthetical citation.

The basic element needed for an in-text citation is the author's name. The publication year is not required in in-text citations. Sometimes, page numbers or line numbers are also included, especially when directly quoting text from the source being cited. When including a page number, do not include a comma or any other punctuation mark between the author's surname and the page number.

Parenthetical citations usually add only the author's surname at the end of the sentence in parentheses. Sometimes they include a page number or other locator. An example of a parenthetical citation is given below:

Example:

The spiritual geography of the landscape is explained (Cooper).

If you want to cite a chapter number, a scene, or a line number, follow the abbreviation guidelines below:

When including a more specific locator number rather than a page number, place a comma between the author's surname and the label.

(Cooper, ch. 2).

Here are a few examples of in-text citations for sources with different numbers or types of authors:
One author
Use only the surname of the author in parenthetical citations. If you want to add a page number (or another indicator of the place in a work), add it after the author's surname without any punctuation between the surname and the page number.

(Abraham 7).
Two authors
Add only the surnames of the authors. Use "and" to separate the two authors.

Example:

(Langmuir and Einstein).
Three or more authors
Add only the surname of the first author followed by "et al."

(Low et al.).
Corporate author
Shorten the organization name wherever possible, excluding any initial articles and using the shortest noun phrase (e.g., shorten Literary Society of Tamil Culture to Literary Society).

(Literary Society).
No author
If there is no author for the source, use the source title in place of the author's surname.

When you add such in-text citations, italicize the text of the title. If the source title is longer than a noun phrase, use a shortened version of the title. For example, the title Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is shortened to Fantastic Beasts.

( Fantastic Beasts 160).

Published October 31, 2011. Updated July 25, 2021.

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What is a works cited page?

The works cited page is a list of all the sources cited within the body and notes of your paper. A works cited page should begin on its own page after the end of the paper content and should list all the entries in alphabetical order by the first item in each entry (usually the author's name). It should be included in order to give full credit to the sources used and avoid plagiarism, as well as to allow the reader to easily locate each source if needed. Papers in MLA format should always have a works cited page.

It is not necessary to include sources that you consulted but did not directly reference in the works cited list - it should only include the sources you directly quoted or paraphrased. Each in-text citation should therefore have a corresponding entry in the works cited list.

Creating an MLA Works Cited Page:

Let's get started with an explanation of what exactly a works cited page is and why creating one is necessary!
Note: This guide is not affiliated with the Modern Language Association. It was developed by EasyBib.com's in-house librarians to serve as a quick guide and snapshot of some of the guidelines found in the MLA Handbook, 9th ed.
Citing Sources in MLA

When students and scholars create a research paper, they seek out information in books, websites, journal articles, and many other types of sources. The information from these sources, combined with the scholar's own thinking and knowledge, aid in the formation of a final project.

However, simply placing information from books, websites, journal articles, newspaper articles, and other source types into a project without a reference is not acceptable. Without a reference or citation, it'll look like the paper's author came up with everything themselves!

That means it's necessary to call out when information is included from outside sources and originated elsewhere.

An MLA works cited page shows all the sources that were consulted and included in a project. Each source has a corresponding in-text citation within the paper.

In-text & parenthetical citations

In the body of a research project, add a short reference next to a quote or paraphrased information that came from a source. This is called a citation in prose or a parenthetical citation.

In-text Citation Example:

Langdon's expertise is revealed in Chapter 1, when he is introduced to a group of university students. "Our guest tonight needs no introduction. He is the author of numerous books: The Symbology of Secret Sects, The Art of the Illuminati, The Lost Language of Ideograms, and when I say he wrote the book on Religious Iconology, I mean that quite literally. Many of you use his textbooks in class" (Brown 8).

In the example above, the writer displays that the quote was taken from Brown's book, on page 8.

Even though this information is helpful, the brief reference to Brown and page 8 isn't enough information to truly understand the origin of the quote. Other relevant information, such as the full name of the author, the title of the book, the publisher, and the year the book was published is missing.

Where can the reader find that information? In the MLA works cited list!

Full references in the works cited list

The MLA works cited list is the final page of a research project. Here, the reader can take the time to truly understand the sources included in the body of the project. The reader can turn to the MLA works cited list, look for "Brown" and see the full reference, which looks like this:

Brown, Dan. The DaVinci Code. Knopf Doubleday, 2003.

Included in the above reference is the full name of the author (Dan Brown), the title of the source ( The DaVinci Code), the publisher of the book (Knopf Doubleday), and the year the book was published (2003).

The information provided in the reference supplies the reader with enough information to seek out the original source themselves, if he or she would like.

Works Cited Example:

Bibliography vs. Works cited - What's the difference?

Quite often, the two terms are used interchangeably. While similar, they have some unique differences.

A list of sources that relate to the content in a research paper or project.

Example: Authors sometimes include a list of sources for further or additional reading. This additional reading list is a bibliography.

A list of sources that are included in the body of a research paper or project, often via an in-text citation.

Sources are only listed if they were mentioned in the text.

Each source corresponds to a in-text citation in prose or parenthetical citation.

The remainder of this guide focuses on the placement, organization, and styling guidelines for the MLA works cited list.
Another commonly used reference style is APA. If your teacher or professor requests your references be made in APA citation style, check out this page on APA format.
Here's more information on how to develop an MLA in-text citation and APA in-text citation.

Formatting the MLA works cited page

The reference page is the final page of a research paper and starts on its very own page.

If your project isn't an actual research paper, but a slideshow, video, or another type of project, follow the same guidelines as above. Place the works cited list on the final slide, page, or screen of the project.

Here are the recommended guidelines for margins, spacing, and page numbers taken from the MLA Style Center's web page "Formatting a Research Paper."

Margins in MLA:

Place one inch margins around the entire document.

The only exception is the "running head." See the "Running Head" section below to learn more about the margins of this component.

Most word processing programs automatically default to one inch margins. In the page setup settings, you can view and modify the size of the margins.

Spacing in MLA:

Double space the entire page. The title, references, and other components should all have double spaces.

It is not necessary to create double spaces manually by pressing the "enter" or "return" key in between each and every line. Your word processing program can automatically adjust the line spacing for you. Look for a section in the settings area called "Line spacing" or "Paragraph spacing." You should be able to click or check off "double spacing."

Page numbers in MLA:

The reference list is the final page(s) of a research paper.

If the conclusion of a research project is on page 7, page 8 would be the first page of the reference list. If the list runs onto the next page after that, it would be page 9.

For more information regarding how to display the page numbers, see the section below titled, "Running Head."

While an APA reference page is very different from a Modern Language Association style works cited, note that APA bibliography pages also use double spacing throughout and 1 inch margins.

Heading & title format in MLA

This next section focuses on how to properly label and format the page numbers and title.

Running head

The running head is found at the top of every page of the research project. It's also included on the reference list.

The running head displays the name of the writer or author of the research project + page number.

There is one space between the author's name and the page number. Here is an MLA works cited page example of a running head:

Kleinman 8

The above is an example of a running head that would be seen on page 8 of a research project. The writer's last name is Kleinman.

General running head guidelines:

It is placed in the top right corner of every page.

It sits half of an inch from the top of the page and along the right side's one inch margin.

Reminder: If the concluding sentence of the research project is on page 10, the reference list starts on page 11. Even though the reference page starts on its own page, the numbering throughout the entire project includes the reference page.

Title of the page

Below the running head is the title of the page, which should either be "Work Cited" or "Works Cited."

Only 1 reference = "Work Cited"

Multiple references ="Works Cited"

Whether you're making an MLA work cited page or an MLA works cited page, here are some general rules to follow:

Align the title to the center of the document

Add a one-inch margin below the top edge of the paper

Do not bold, italicize, or underline the title

The title should be the same size and style as the rest of the document (12-point font)

Place a double space between the title and the first citation on the page

Here's a sample MLA works cited running head and title:

If you're reading through this page, but have yet to determine your research paper topic, look no further! We have thorough guides on historical individuals to rev up your brainstorming engine! Check out our guides on Abraham Lincoln, Muhammad Ali, and Marilyn Monroe.

Organizing the references in the MLA works cited list

Hanging indent formatting

The full citation entries run along the left side of the paper, along the one inch margin.

Double space each line.

Each MLA work cited entry has a hanging indent, meaning the first line of the full reference starts along the one inch margin and any additional lines after the first are indented in one and a half inches from the left margin.

Hanging indent example:

Organizing the Works Cited Entries

There are two options: alphabetical order and non alphabetical order.

Alphabetical order

The majority of references are organized in alphabetical order by the first item in the reference, which is usually an author's last name. When a source doesn't have an author, the title is placed first in the reference. Many films and movies, for instance, begin with the title, since no author is present.

Either way, whether the reference starts with the last name of the author, or a title, the entries are placed in alphabetical order.

Works cited MLA example, organized in alphabetical order.

Benjamin, Chloe. The Immortalists. Penguin, 2018.

Black Panther. Directed by Ryan Coogler, performance by Chadwick Boseman, Marvel Studios, 2018.

Egan, Jennifer. Manhattan Beach. Scribner, 2017.

Non-alphabetical order

The majority of reference lists are organized in alphabetical order. However, it is acceptable to only organize "annotated bibliographies" in alphabetical order, chronological order, or subject order.

Here's more information about the organization and creation of an MLA annotated bibliography.

Formatting Author Names in MLA

If you need help structuring or formatting the author's name (or multiple authors' names) in your references, this section will help.

One Author

Let's start with the proper structure for one author's name (taken from Section 5.6 of the official Handbook). If the source you're attempting to cite was created by one individual author, structure the name as follows:

Last name, First name.

The last name of the author is placed at the start of the reference, followed by a comma, and the first name of the author. Conclude this information with a period.

Work Cited Examples:

Burroughs, William S.
One author with a middle name or middle initial
Yeats, W. B.

Alcott, Louisa May.

Wondering how to organize two or more works by Louisa May Alcott in your paper? It may be tricky to determine how to alphabetically arrange the references, since each MLA work cited entry begins with Louisa May Alcott.

Citing multiple sources with the same author
To create a proper MLA works cited list when there are multiple sources by the same author, place the references in alphabetical order by the title. Only include the author's name in the first reference. In place of the author's name in subsequent entries, place three dashes, followed by a period. (Follows rules from Section 5.126 of the Handbook.)

Works Cited Example:

Below is a visual representation of a properly organized and structured MLA style works cited list. All three sources in this MLA works cited page example are by the author, Louisa May Alcott.

Alcott, Louisa May. "Eight Cousins." Project Gutenberg, 2018, www.gutenberg.org/files/2726/2726-h/2726-h.htm.

- - -. Little Women. Bantam Classics, 1983.

- - -. Rose in Bloom. CreateSpace, 2018.

Citing a Source with Two Authors in MLA

According to section 5.7 of the official Handbook, the first listed author's name on the source is the first author seen in the reference. The second listed author's name on the source is the second author placed in the reference.

Structure

The first author's name is placed in reverse order, followed by a comma and the word "and." The second author's name is listed in standard order, followed by a period.

Last name, First name of Author 1, and First name Last name of Author 2.

Work Cited Examples

Brust, Steven, and Emma Bull.

Jory, John, and Mac Barnett.

Citing multiple sources with the same co-authors
When there are multiple sources on a reference list by the same co-authors, organize those specific references alphabetically by the titles. Only include the names of the coauthors in the first entry.

Jory, John, and Mac Barnett. The Terrible Two. Amulet, 2017.

- - -. The Terrible Two Get Worse. Amulet, 2017.

Here's a complex scenario...

There may be times when you're attempting to add additional sources by one of the co-authors, or the lead co-author along with a different individual.

Here is an example of how a works cited page in MLA would be organized. Included is a source solely written by one of the coauthors (John Jory) and a source by John Jory with a different coauthor, Avery Monsen.

Works Cited Example

Jory, John. The Bad Seed. HarperCollins, 2017.

- - -. Giraffe Problems. Random House, 2018.

Jory, John, and Mac Barnett. The Terrible Two. Amulet, 2017.

- - -. The Terrible Two Get Worse. Amulet, 2017.

Monsen, Avery, and Jory John. All My Friends Are Dead, Chronicle, 2010.

Jory John's work, The Bad Seed, is listed first in the reference list since the single author's name is organized first in alphabetical order.

The second entry includes the three hyphens and a period in place of John Jory's name since it is redundant to write out and display the author's name again in the list.

Entries three and four are by the coauthors Jory John and Mac Barnett. The hyphens in the fourth source replace the authors' names in the third for the same reason as above: it's unnecessary to write out both co-authors' names twice. The Terrible Two book is placed before The Terrible Two Get Worse as the titles are placed in alphabetical order.

The fifth entry is by John Jory and Avery Monsen. Monsen's name is displayed first on the source, which is why her name is listed first in the entry. Remember: authors are placed in the order they appear on the source.

Citing a Source with Three or More Authors in MLA
Summary of the above examples:
When there are three or more authors listed on a source, it is unnecessary to include all individuals' names in the reference list.

Only include the first listed author's last name, followed by a comma and their first name, followed by another comma and the abbreviation "et al."

Work Cited Example

Robertson, Judy, et al.

Et al. is an abbreviation used in academic works. It translates to "and others" in Latin. Replace the second, third, and any additional authors' names with "et al." on your work cited page in MLA.

The above example represents a journal article written by Judy Robertson, Beth Cross, Hamish Mcleod, and Peter Wiemer-Hastings. Instead of including all four authors' names in the entry, only the first listed author's name is included.

Works Cited Example:

Robertson, Judy, et al. "Children's Interactions with Animated Agents in an Intelligent Tutoring System." International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, vol. 14, no. 3-4, 2004, pp. 335-357. IOS Press, content.iospress.com/articles/international-journal-of-artificial-intelligence-in-education/jai14-3-4-05.

If including an additional reference by Judy Robertson, but with different co-authors, include her name again in the reference list.

For example, take a look at this journal article by Judy Robertson, Judith Good, and Helen Pain. The MLA work cited entry would begin with Judy Robertson, et al. and not three hyphens since there are different co-authors than the first.

Works Cited Example:

Robertson, Judy, et al. "BetterBlether: The Design and Evaluation of a Discussion Tool for Education." International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 1998, pp. 9, 219-236, ijaied.org/pub/1026/file/1026_paper.pdf.

Robertson, Judy, et al. "Children's Interactions with Animated Agents in an Intelligent Tutoring System." International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, vol. 14, no. 3-4, 2004, pp. 335-357. IOS Press, content.iospress.com/articles/international-journal-of-artificial-intelligence-in-education/jai14-3-4-05.

The entries are listed in alphabetical order by the title of the source since the first positions are the same.

Citing Authors with proper titles in MLA

There are times when an author is graced with a prestigious title such as a Duke, Sir, Saint, and others (see Section 2.83 of the Handbook for more examples).

When an author has a specific title, it should be omitted from the body of a project and also omitted from the reference list.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle should be in the project as Arthur Conan Doyle.

On a work cited page in MLA, it would be displayed as:

Doyle, Arthur Conan.

Citing Authors with Suffixes in MLA

If an author has a suffix in his or her name, such as Junior (Jr.) or a roman numeral such as II, III, IV, or V, this information is included in the reference list.

The individual's name is placed in reverse order, with the last name displayed in the first position. Immediately following the last name is a comma, followed by the first name and middle name. After the first and middle names, a comma is placed, and the suffix of the individual is placed at the end with a period. You should not include the comma preceding the suffix, however, if it is a numeral.

For example, Cal Ripken, Jr. would be structured as

Ripken, Cal, Jr.

Frederick William III would be structured as:

William, Frederick III.

Citing Pen Names in MLA

If the author's pen name is one that is well known, it is acceptable to use the pen name in place of the author's real first and last name.

For example, Mark Twain, Dr. Seuss, George Orwell, and O. Henry are all acceptable to use in a works cited MLA section, as their pen names are well known.

If the author's pen name is less familiar, you can include the author's real name in brackets in the reference.

Works Cited Example:

Coffey, Brian [Dean Koontz]. Blood Risk. Bobbs-Merrill, 1973.

Van Dyne, Edith [L. Frank Baum]. Aunt Jane's Nieces At Work. 1st World Library, 2006.

Formatting Author's Names in Other Languages

Many names in languages other than English include conventions and features that are different from names in English. This next section provides information to help you properly structure and organize the names of authors in other languages. It follows rules from section 2.73 in the official Handbook.

Citing French Names in MLA

French names often include the particles de, d', or du. Some examples include Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Bertrand du Guesclin, and Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord.

When "de" is used in an individual's name, it is separated from the last name. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord would be structured in a work cited MLA list as:

Talleyrand-Perigord, Charles Maurice de.

If, however, the last name is only one syllable, "de" is considered part of the last name. The reference entry would begin with de and then the last name of the individual, followed by a comma and the first name. In this instance, "de" remains lowercased.

When "du" or "des" is used in an individual's name, it is included as part of the last name. Capitalize the "d" in "du." Bertrand du Guesclin would be structured in a work cited MLA list as:

Du Guesclin, Bertrand.

When d' is placed before a last name, d' is included as part of the last name, but only when the last name begins with a vowel. Valery Giscard d'Estaing would be structured as:

d'Estaing, Valery Giscard.

Citing Asian Names in MLA

Prior to determining how to structure an Asian author's name, consider the source. Many Asian publishers display the author's last name first on sources. If the source was published in Asia, do not reverse the author's name in the reference list. Write it in the order shown on the source, without any commas. End the author's name with a period.

If the source was published in English, it is quite possible that the author's last name is displayed first as well. This is when the researcher must do a bit of detective work to determine the author's first name and last name. Run the name through a search engine and identify the author's first name and last name. If the last name is placed first on the source, keep it as is in the reference entry. Do not reverse the names and write it in standard form.

If, on the source, the author's name is placed in standard order (first name followed by last name) reverse it in the reference list. Begin the reference with the last name of the individual, add a comma, and add the first name of the author. End the field with a period.

Citing Latin Names in MLA

Famous historical figures in Roman history have names that are widely known. Some examples include Julius Caesar, Augustus, Claudius, Constantine, and others. While these individuals are known by their Roman names, their full names are in Latin.

Begin the reference entry with the Roman name. Immediately following the Roman name, add the individual's full name in brackets. End the information with a period.

Works Cited Example:

Augustus [Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus]. "The Deeds of the Divine Augustus." The Internet Classics Archive, translated by Thomas Bushnell, 1998, classics.mit.edu/Augustus/deeds.html.

APA citation website references look much different! Make sure you check out our handy guides on EasyBib.com!

Citing German Names in MLA

Two commonly used particles in German names are "von" and "zu." Examples include Alexander von Humboldt, Ferdinand von Zeppelin, Prince Chlodwig zu Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, and Maximilian zu Wied-Neuwied.

When a German individual's name includes the particles "von" or "zu," the particles are not included as part of the person's last name. Ferdinand von Zeppelin would be organized in the work cited MLA list as:

Zeppelin, Ferdinand von.

If, on the source, von is displayed as a last name, it is acceptable to include it at the beginning of the individual's last name. Examples include books by Dita Von Teese and Diane Von Furstenberg.

Works Cited Example:

Von Furstenberg, Diane. Diane: A Signature Life. Simon & Schuster, 2009.

Citing Italian Names in MLA

If the particles d', del, de, della, di, da, are used in an individual's last name, and the individual is relatively current and from modern times, the particles are included as part of the last name and the reference entry begins with the capitalized particle.

Di Lampedusa, Giuseppe Tomasi.

When the individual's name begins with one of the same particles above, but he or she is from historical or ancient times, the particle is not included as part of the individual's last name.

Citing Spanish Names in MLA

There are two commonly used particles in Spanish names: "de" and "del." If an individual's name includes the particle, "de," do not include it as part of his or her last name. When "del" is visible in an individual's last name, the "d" in "del" is capitalized and placed at the beginning of the citation.

Del Toro, Benicio.

Leon, Juan Ponce de.

Soto, Hernando de.

Del Rio, Andres Manuel.

Title rules

Capitalization Rules in MLA

According to section 2.90 of the Handbook, titles should be written in title case format. This means that the first letter in the first word, the first letter in the last word, and the first letters of all other important words are capitalized. Any coordinating conjunctions (and, for, but, or, so, nor, and yet), articles (a, an, the), and prepositions in the title are not capitalized.

Here are a few MLA works cited examples of how titles should appear in references:

If the source you're attempting to cite is in a language other than English, it is recommended to use "sentence case" form. Sentence case only has the first letter in the first word capitalized and the first letter in any proper nouns capitalized. All other words are written in lowercase letters.

Don't forget to use EasyBib.com's MLA work cited generator to develop your works cited page in MLA.

Italics vs. Quotation marks in MLA

Whether the source is placed in italics or quotation marks depends on where the source was found. If the title stands alone (like a book or movie), place the title in italics. If the title was found in a container, such as a website, anthology, edited book, or another type of container, place the source in quotation marks and the container in italics.

Mather, Victor. "Japan Advances in World Cup 2018 Despite Losing to Poland." New York Times, 28 June 2018, nyti.ms/2IzyUdm.

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Little Brown, 1991.

Formatting titles beginning with numbers in MLA

Titles beginning with numbers are placed in the reference list in alphabetical order, as if the title was written out alphabetically.

Here's an MLA works cited example: The movie 2 Fast 2 Furious, would be organized in alphabetical order as if it said " Too Fast Too Furious." The citation would still be begin with the number even though it is organized alphabetically.

Don't forget to try EasyBib.com's MLA works cited generator to help you develop your references and your MLA works cited page. Our MLA works cited generator is free and simple to use!

Developing MLA references on EasyBib.com

EasyBib.com has an MLA works cited generator, which helps you produce references . This means you don't have to spend time determining how to structure and organize the components of a citation.

To create your complete page of works cited in MLA with our tools, head to the EasyBib homepage.

Did your teacher or professor request that your references be made in MLA format? Luckily for you, MLA is the default format on EasyBib.com. If you're not sure which style to use, ask your teacher.

Select your source. Examples: book, website, video, etc. There are several types to choose from!

Input information. Sources like websites, books, etc., will let you do an automatic search for citation information on your source. Input details like your source's title, author, ISBN, DOI, or keywords.

Select your source. Look through the results list and choose the one that matches your source.

Review details. See what was found during the search.

Review and edit the citation form. Feel free to add any missing details, or update any fields.

Complete citation. Congratulations on your new citation! Copy and paste it into your document, or keep adding citations to your list.

All references are automatically organized in proper order and can be exported to Microsoft Word Documents, Google Docs, Dropbox, or One Drive. There's even an option to email the reference!

Even better? EasyBib Plus gives you access to tools that do more than simply creating full references. References in the text are created for you, too! Whether it's a Modern Language Association reference, or an APA parenthetical citation, APA book citation, or APA journal reference, we'll create both types for you.

Need a bit more help? Our plagiarism checker is a one-stop shop to help you with your writing, grammar, and reference needs. Copy and paste your paper into our proofreader and receive comprehensive feedback! Stress less and submit your paper with confidence!

Follow our EasyBib Twitter feed to discover more citing tips, fun grammar facts, and the latest product updates.

MLA Works Cited

"Formatting a Research Paper." MLA Style Center, Modern Language Association of America, style.mla.org/formatting-papers/.

MLA Handbook. 9th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2021

Written and edited by Michele Kirschenbaum and Elise Barbeau. Michele Kirschenbaum is a school library media specialist and the in-house librarian at EasyBib.com. Elise Barbeau is the Citation Specialist at Chegg. She has worked in digital marketing, libraries, and publishing.

What is the basic format of an MLA works cited page?

Align the title to the center of the document

Add a one-inch margin below the top edge of the paper

Do not bold, italicize, or underline the title

The title should be the same size and style as the rest of the document (12-point font)/li>

Place a double space between the title and the first citation on the page

Do I italicize titles in the MLA works cited page?

If the title stands alone, place the title in italics. If the title was found in a container, such as a website, anthology, edited book, or another type of container, place the source in quotation marks and the container in italics.

According to Section 1.2 of the Handbook, titles should be written in title case format. Any coordinating conjunctions (and, for, but, or, so, nor, and yet), articles (a, an, the), and prepositions in the title are not capitalized.

How do I cite a source if the author has suffixes in MLA?

If an author has a suffix in his or her name, the last name is displayed in the first position followed by a comma, the first name, and the middle name. After the first and middle names, a comma is placed, and the suffix of the individual is placed at the end.

Cal Ripken Jr. would be structured as

Author with roman numeral suffix would be structured as

How do I cite a source if the author has a middle name/initial in MLA?

What is an MLA works cited list?

An MLA works cited list contains complete details of all the sources that are cited in the text. It helps the reader locate the source in case they want to read it for further understanding. It is included at the end of the paper after the main text. Each entry provides all of the information about each source so that it can be easily located. For example, the works cited list entry for a journal article would include the following elements:

Author(s)

Title of the article

Journal title

Volume number

Issue number

Publication date

Page range

With the help of the mentioned elements, a reader can locate the source for future reference. In addition, the works cited list arranges entries in alphabetical order according to the surname of the first author or title (if there is no author) to help the reader locate the entry in the list quickly. A few works cited list entries are listed below as examples:

Brenner, Barbara. "Pink Ribbons and Lou Gehrig: Time to Bury Useless Symbols." So Much to be Done: The Writings of Breast cancer Activist Barbara Brenner, edited by Barbara Sjoholm, UP of Minnesota, 2016, pp. 199-202.

Feldman, Alice E. "Dances with Diversity: American Indian Self‐Presentation Within the Re‐presentative Contexts of a Non‐Indian Museum." Text and Performance Quarterly, vol. 14, no. 3, 1994, pp. 210-21.

Hymes, Dell H. Discovering Oral Performance and Measured Verse in American Indian Narrative. Johns Hopkins UP, 1977.

What is the main purpose of a works cited list?

The main purpose of the works cited list is to provide the readers with the complete details of the sources cited in the text. It helps the reader locate the source in case they want to do further research or verify information. It also helps to ensure that full credit is given to the sources utilized in the paper. The works cited list is placed at the end of the paper after the main text. For example, the works cited list entry for a journal article would include the author's name, the title of the article, the journal title, the volume and issue number of the journal, the date the article was published, the page numbers of the article, and the URL if the article was found online. With the help of the mentioned elements, a reader can locate the source for future reference.

The works cited list arranges entries in alphabetical order according to the surname of the first author or title (if there is no author) to help the reader locate the entry in the list quickly.

Published October 16, 2013. Updated June 20, 2021.

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Example of History Entry (with Primary Source)

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Example of History Entry (with Primary Source)

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Sentence Frames for Answer to Conquer Questions

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Sentence Frames for Answer to Conquer Questions

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Amy Domini's "Why Investing in Fast Food May Be a Good Thing"

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Amy Domini's "Why Investing in Fast Food May Be a Good Thing"

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New York, New York

Bismillah hir rahman ir rahim. In the name of God, the most merciful, the most beneficent.

Honourable UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon, Respected President General Assembly Vuk Jeremic Honourable UN envoy for Global education Mr Gordon Brown, Respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters; Today, it is an honour for me to be speaking again after a long time. Being here with such honourable people is a great moment in my life.

I don't know where to begin my speech. I don't know what people would be expecting me to say. But first of all, thank you to God for whom we all are equal and thank you to every person who has prayed for my fast recovery and a new life. I cannot believe how much love people have shown me. I have received thousands of good wish cards and gifts from all over the world. Thank you to all of them. Thank you to the children whose innocent words encouraged me. Thank you to my elders whose prayers strengthened me.

I would like to thank my nurses, doctors and all of the staff of the hospitals in Pakistan and the UK and the UAE government who have helped me get better and recover my strength. I fully support Mr Ban Ki-moon the Secretary-General in his Global Education First Initiative and the work of the UN Special Envoy Mr Gordon Brown. And I thank them both for the leadership they continue to give. They continue to inspire all of us to action.

There are hundreds of human rights activists and social workers who are not only speaking for human rights, but who are struggling to achieve their goals of education, peace and equality. Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured. I am just one of them.

So here I stand, one girl among many.

I speak not for myself, but for all girls and boys.

I raise up my voice - not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.

Those who have fought for their rights:

Their right to live in peace. Their right to be treated with dignity. Their right to equality of opportunity. Their right to be educated.

Dear Friends, on the 9th of October 2012, the Taliban shot me on the left side of my forehead. They shot my friends too. They thought that the bullets would silence us. But they failed. And then, out of that silence came, thousands of voices. The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions but nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born. I am the same Malala. My ambitions are the same. My hopes are the same. My dreams are the same.

Dear sisters and brothers, I am not against anyone. Neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorists group. I am here to speak up for the right of education of every child. I want education for the sons and the daughters of all the extremists especially the Taliban.

I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Even if there is a gun in my hand and he stands in front of me. I would not shoot him. This is the compassion that I have learnt from Muhammad - the prophet of mercy, Jesus Christ and Lord Buddha. This is the legacy of change that I have inherited from Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This is the philosophy of non-violence that I have learnt from Gandhi Jee, Bacha Khan and Mother Teresa. And this is the forgiveness that I have learnt from my mother and father. This is what my soul is telling me, be peaceful and love everyone.

Dear sisters and brothers, we realise the importance of light when we see darkness. We realise the importance of our voice when we are silenced. In the same way, when we were in Swat, the north of Pakistan, we realised the importance of pens and books when we saw the guns.

The wise saying, "The pen is mightier than sword" was true. The extremists are afraid of books and pens. The power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women. The power of the voice of women frightens them. And that is why they killed 14 innocent medical students in the recent attack in Quetta. And that is why they killed many female teachers and polio workers in Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa and FATA. That is why they are blasting schools every day. Because they were and they are afraid of change, afraid of the equality that we will bring into our society.

I remember that there was a boy in our school who was asked by a journalist, "Why are the Taliban against education?" He answered very simply. By pointing to his book he said, "A Talib doesn't know what is written inside this book." They think that God is a tiny, little conservative being who would send girls to the hell just because of going to school. The terrorists are misusing the name of Islam and Pashtun society for their own personal benefits. Pakistan is peace-loving democratic country. Pashtuns want education for their daughters and sons. And Islam is a religion of peace, humanity and brotherhood. Islam says that it is not only each child's right to get education, rather it is their duty and responsibility.

Honourable Secretary General, peace is necessary for education. In many parts of the world especially Pakistan and Afghanistan; terrorism, wars and conflicts stop children to go to their schools. We are really tired of these wars. Women and children are suffering in many parts of the world in many ways. In India, innocent and poor children are victims of child labour. Many schools have been destroyed in Nigeria. People in Afghanistan have been affected by the hurdles of extremism for decades. Young girls have to do domestic child labour and are forced to get married at early age. Poverty, ignorance, injustice, racism and the deprivation of basic rights are the main problems faced by both men and women.

Dear fellows, today I am focusing on women's rights and girls' education because they are suffering the most. There was a time when women social activists asked men to stand up for their rights. But, this time, we will do it by ourselves. I am not telling men to step away from speaking for women's rights rather I am focusing on women to be independent to fight for themselves.

Dear sisters and brothers, now it's time to speak up.

So today, we call upon the world leaders to change their strategic policies in favour of peace and prosperity.

We call upon the world leaders that all the peace deals must protect women and children's rights. A deal that goes against the dignity of women and their rights is unacceptable.

We call upon all governments to ensure free compulsory education for every child all over the world.

We call upon all governments to fight against terrorism and violence, to protect children from brutality and harm.

We call upon the developed nations to support the expansion of educational opportunities for girls in the developing world.

We call upon all communities to be tolerant - to reject prejudice based on cast, creed, sect, religion or gender. To ensure freedom and equality for women so that they can flourish. We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.

We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave - to embrace the strength within themselves and realise their full potential.

Dear brothers and sisters, we want schools and education for every child's bright future. We will continue our journey to our destination of peace and education for everyone. No one can stop us. We will speak for our rights and we will bring change through our voice. We must believe in the power and the strength of our words. Our words can change the world.

Because we are all together, united for the cause of education. And if we want to achieve our goal, then let us empower ourselves with the weapon of knowledge and let us shield ourselves with unity and togetherness.

Dear brothers and sisters, we must not forget that millions of people are suffering from poverty, injustice and ignorance. We must not forget that millions of children are out of schools. We must not forget that our sisters and brothers are waiting for a bright peaceful future.

So let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons.

One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world.

Education is the only solution. Education first.

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Malala Yousafzai: 16th birthday speech at the United Nations | Malala Fund

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Watch and read Malala Yousafzai's speech to the United Nations on her 16th birthday where she shares the message that 'One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world.'

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Final My Overrated and Argument Thesis Statement Examples (1)

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Example of Current Event Written Requirement

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Example of Current Event Written Requirement

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Example of Current Events Portfolio Entry

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AP Lang Question #2 Rhetorical Analysis Instuctional Videos by Garden of English.

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garden of english "garden of english" "timm freitas" freitas "ap english" "ap language" "ap literature" "ap lang" "ap lit" "timothy freitas" "tim freitas" "t...

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I don't teach English; I teach students: living, breathing, thoughtful humans. I've been teaching AP Language for over a decade, and I've been in the AP Lit world for almost as long. I've coauthored an AP Lang textbook, I've been an AP reader, I'm an endorsed College Board consultant, and I consistently engage in work for other education initiatives.

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AP English Rhetorical Terms - Vocabulary List | Vocabulary.com

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A vocabulary list featuring AP English Rhetorical Terms.

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List of Rhetorical Devices & Terms

Taking AP English Language? This is a list of main rhetorical device terms that you should know for the exam as well as definitions & examples for each. These terms will mostly show up on the multiple-choice section, so it's important to be able to identify them in a work of writing, but you won't actually have to use the device in your own writing. Each term includes a definition, an example of the rhetorical device being used in a text, and an example of analysis that might be used in an essay.

In your essays, you will need to identify which devices are used and their effect on the work as a whole. Sometimes, a writer will use a device (for example: alliteration), but it doesn't have a huge effect on the work or the writer's argument. In that case, don't spend an entire paragraph talking about alliteration. You need to focus on what matters most, and you need to specifically show how these choices make the work effective, and why they are so important. Yes, the rhetorical analysis essay is an argument essay just like the other two.

You aren't required to use rhetorical vocabulary in your essays at all - in fact, it's probably better if you don't. If you force the vocabulary into your essay, you risk sounding clunky, and the vocabulary almost always leads you to switch to passive voice. Instead, just describe what is happening! (ex: The author uses imagery → The author's vivid images). This method also ensures that you are showing how the device is contributing to the work, rather than simply identifying it.

And, without further ado... Here are some rhetorical devices you should know for the AP Lang exam:

1. aesthetic
Definition: This rhetorical device references to artistic elements or expressions within a textual work
Example of aesthetic:

"The Flapper" by Dorothy Parker (1922)

The Playful flapper here we see,

The fairest of the fair.

She's not what Grandma used to be, -

You might say, au contraire.Her girlish ways may make a stir,

Her manners cause a scene,

But there is no more harm in her

Than in a submarine.

She nightly knocks for many a goal

The usual dancing men.

Her speed is great, but her control

Is something else again.

All spotlights focus on her pranks.

All tongues her prowess herald.

For which she well may render thanks

To God and Scott Fitzgerald.

Her golden rule is plain enough -

Just get them young and treat them

Analysis: Parker describes the aesthetic of flapper culture in her poem in order to support women who defied social norms and who adopted more liberal attitudes towards makeup, drinking, smoking, and sex.

Note: aesthetic is not necessarily a specific device; it is the bigger picture. An author would use a rhetorical device (e.g. imagery, allusions, etc.) to achieve a certain aesthetic.

2. allegory

Definition: This rhetorical device references the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence

Allegory Example:

Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945)

All that year the animals worked like slaves. But they were happy in their work; they grudged no effort or sacrifice, well aware that everything they did was for the benefit of themselves and those of their kind who would come after them, and not for a pack of idle, thieving human beings.

Analysis: In George Orwell's allegorical novel Animal Farm, overworked farm animals rise up against their owner and subscribe to the concepts of Animalism, which proclaims that "all men are enemies" and "all animals are comrades." The animals, who now work "like slaves" for the "benefit of themselves and those of that their kind," run a society that mirrors that of the Russian Revolution. Orwell's use of animals to describe contemporary political events creates distance between his novel and his potentially incendiary critique of the rise of Communism, which makes the topic more approachable.

3. alliteration
Definition: This rhetorical device references the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of successive words
Alliteration Example:

Ronald Reagan's Address at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial (1988)

Our liberties, our values - all for which America stands - is safe today because brave men and women have been ready to face the fire at freedom's front. And we thank God for them.

Analysis: Reagan acknowledges that the veterans of the Vietnam War were prepared to "face the fire at freedom's front." Through his use of alliteration, Reagan emphasizes the soldiers' willingness to sacrifice themselves for freedom, focusing the audience's attention on the value of the veterans' deeds.

4. allusion
Definition: This rhetorical device is a reference, explicit or implicit, to something in previous literature or history
Allusion Example:

"I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

Analysis: King begins his speech with both an indirect and direct allusion to Abraham Lincoln's "Emancipation Proclamation." The first phrase of King's speech, "Five score years ago," directly mirrors Lincoln's historic speech, which opens with "four score and seven years ago." By associating himself with a prominent figure in the fight against injustice, King implies that he shares Lincoln's values and establishes a sympathetic relationship with his audience.

5. ambiguity
Definition: This rhetorical device references a word, phrase, or sentence whose meaning can be interpreted in more than one way
Ambiguity Example:

The Awakening by Kate Chopin (1899)

Exhaustion was pressing upon and overpowering her.

"Good-by- because I love you." He did not know; he did not understand. He would never understand. Perhaps Doctor Mandelet would have understood if she had seen him - but it was too late; the shore was far behind her. And her strength was gone.

Analysis: At the end of Kate Chopin's The Awakening, Edna lends herself to the tide with the vague last words, "good-by- because I love you," leaving Victor to question whether her death was intentional. Chopin's use of ambiguity to depict Enda's death illustrates Victor's lack of closure and his feeling of utter helplessness and confusion as he watches his loved one, both physically and metaphorically, swept away by the current.

6. analogy
Definition: This rhetorical device references an extended comparison between two things/instances/people etc. that share some similarity to make a point
Analogy Example:

"What True Education Should Do" by Sydney J. Harris (1994)

Pupils are more like oysters than sausages. The job of teaching is not to stuff them and then seal them up, but to help them open and reveal the riches within. There are pearls in each of us, if only we knew how to cultivate them with ardor and persistence.

Analysis: Harris compares students to oysters whom we should help "open and reveal the riches within." Through her analogy, Harris establishes a basis on which readers can shift their perspective. Rather than simply listing specific traits of students, Harris helps her readers change their perception of how students should be treated, and gives readers a concrete and memorable lense through which readers should view the classroom.

7. anaphora
Definition: This rhetorical device references repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses, sentences, or lines
Anaphora Example:

"I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

Analysis: King repeats the phrase, "I have a dream" to emphasize his vision for racial equality in the United States. By employing anaphora to underscore his beliefs, King connects his ideas with a common motif, helping his audience follow his speech and make it more memorable. King thus invites his audience to share in his "dream," as he reminds them that it is their dreams for a more equal future that unite their movement.

8. anecdote
Definition: This rhetorical device references a usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident
Anecdote Example:

"Gender Equality is Your Issue Too" by Emma Watson (2014)

I started questioning gender-based assumptions when at eight I was confused at being called "bossy," because I wanted to direct the plays we would put on for our parents-but the boys were not. When at 14 I started being sexualized by certain elements of the press. When at 15 my girlfriends started dropping out of their sports teams because they didn't want to appear "muscly." When at 18 my male friends were unable to express their feelings. I decided I was a feminist and this seemed uncomplicated to me.

Analysis: By sharing a short anecdote about being "sexualized" and called "bossy," while acknowledging her male friends being "unable to express their feelings," Watson establishes her authority to speak on gender-related issues, and she appeals to her audience's sense of emotion and empathy as she aims to establish a common experience between both men and women in the United Nations.

9. antithesis
Definition: This rhetorical device references the rhetorical contrast of ideas by means of parallel arrangements of words, clauses, or sentences
Antithesis Example:

Neil Armstrong's moon landing (1969)

"That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind"

Analysis: Armstrong's antithesis serves to highlight the monumental impact that the moon landing will have on the human race. By contrasting his "small step" with the "giant" effect that this step will have, he emphasizes its significance.

10. assonance

Definition: the repetition of vowel sounds but not consonant sounds

Assonance Example:

The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1982)

She got sicker an sicker.

Finally, she ast Where it is?

I say God took it.

He took it. He took it while I was sleeping. Kilt it out there in the woods. Kill this one too, if he can.

Analysis: In her second letter to God, Celie describes her mother getting "sicker an sicker" and the way God "kilt" her first child in the woods. The repetition of the "i" sound creates a staccato and rhythmic quality to the letter while still creating a thin, ill-sounding intonation.

Note: assonance is often associated with euphony: soothing and pleasant sounds.

11. asyndeton

Definition: conjunctions are omitted, producing a fast-paced and rapid prose

Asyndeton Example:

"Duty, Honor, Country" by General Douglas MacArthur (1962)

Duty, Honor, Country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.

Analysis: In his speech, MacArthur rallies the United States army with three simple words: "duty, honor, country." MacArthur's asyndeton creates a powerful and concise phrase that galvanizes his men through its simplicity. Because the conjunctions have been omitted, MacArthur's phrase reads like a chant in which each word is emphasized equally. This rhythmic phrase is thus very easy to remember and to repeat, which allows MacArthur to invigorate and prepare his army.

12. chiasmus

Definition: repetition of ideas in inverted order

Example: John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address (1971)

The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it - and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.

Analysis: In his 1971 Inaugural Address, Kennedy encourages his audience to have faith in their generation and in their country in the midst of a trying Cold War. Kennedy attempts to unite the audience under a national identity and purpose, inviting them to consider not what their "country can do for" them, but what they "can do for" their country. By employing chiasmus, Kennedy highlights the difference between an archaic mentality and the attitude that he wants the country to adopt moving forward. Because Kennedy repeats the same simple ideas, he also creates a memorable phrase that allows his message to spread easily among the American people.

13. colloquial

Definition: characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech

Example: Barack Obama's message about political 'wokeness' (2019)

This idea of purity and you're never compromised and you're always politically woke and all that stuff; you should get over that quickly. The world is messy. There are ambiguities.

Analysis: In his commentary regarding the call-out culture on the current socio-political stage, Obama uses the term "woke" to describe those who believe they are more aware of social injustices. By adopting a colloquial expression, Obama molds his message to resonate with young Americans. Obama is thus able to connect with his audience by mimicking their language.

14. connotation

Definition: the set of associations implied by a word in addition to its literal meaning

Example: "Black Men in Public Space" by Brent Staples (1986)

My first victim was a white woman, well dressed, probably in her early twenties. I came upon her late one evening on a deserted street in Hyde Park, a relatively affluent neighborhood in an otherwise mean, impoverished section of Chicago. As I swung onto the avenue behind her, there seemed to be a discreet, noninflammatory distance between us. Not so. She cast back a worried glance. To her, the youngish black man - a broad six feet two inches with a beard and billowing hair, both hands shoved into the pockets of a bulky military jacket - seemed menacingly close.

Analysis: In his essay "Black Men in Public Space," Brent Staples refers to the woman who runs away from him as his "victim" to whom he is "menacingly close," which connotes violence and criminal activity. However, the actions that ensue do not match such connotations; rather than attacking the woman, Staples simply walks down the avenue. By breaking the audience's expectations, Staples highlights the misleading dialogue surrounding African-American men and forces his readers to confront their own racial biases.

Note: connotation and tone are very closely related. Often, an author will use words that carry certain connotations to establish a tone. You can use this idea in your essays to demonstrate tone by citing the connotative words the author uses to establish such a tone.

15. consonance

Definition: the repetition of consonant sounds, but not vowels, as in assonance

Example: "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Caroll (1871)

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!

The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!

Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun

The frumious Bandersnatch!"

Analysis: In Lewis Carol's poem "Jabberwocky," he warns against the Jabberwock's "jaws" and the "Jubjub bird," repeating the "j" sound. Carol uses consonance to create dissonant and almost disorienting sounds through harsh, hard tones, which emphasize the obnoxious nature of the Jabberwocky. Because of the abundance of consonants, the poem reads similar to a tongue-twister, which further serves to disorient the reader and make them feel as if they are in a completely different world.

Note: consonance can be associated with cacophony, or harsh, discordant sounds, if it uses "explosive consonants" such as B, C, CH, D, G, J, K, P, Q, T, X.

16. deductive reasoning

Definition: reasoning that works from the more general to the more specific, beginning with a theory that becomes a hypothesis, and using observations to confirm the original theory (top-down approach)

Example: Mahatma Gandhi's letter to British Viceroy Lord Irwin (1930)

If I have equal love for your people with mine, it will not long remain hidden. It will be acknowledged by them, even as the members of my family acknowledged after they had tried me for several years. If the people join me, as I expect they will, the sufferings they will undergo, unless the British nation sooner retraces its steps, will be enough to melt the stoniest hearts. The plan through civil disobedience will be to combat such evils as I have sampled out. If we want to sever the British connection it is because of such evils. When they are removed, the path becomes easy. Then the way to friendly negotiation will be open. If the British commerce with India is purified of greed, you will have no difficulty in recognizing our independence.

Analysis: In his letter to Lord Irwin, Gandhi uses a series of if-then statements to defend India's call for independence through civil disobedience. Gandhi begins by establishing his "equal love" for the British people and mentioning that if they join him in his protests, it will "melt the stoniest of hearts" in the British government, forcing the British to "retrace their steps" and remove the "evils" in the current British regime. If the evils are removed, Gandhi promises, the "way to friendly negotiation will be open." By articulating his position with deductive reasoning, Gandhi appeals to Lord Irwin's logic and maintains that the Indian people are not acting irrationally. Gandhi provides Lord Irwin with only one logical option: purify the British commerce system of greed and open the table to negotiate with India.

17. denotation

Definition: the literal meaning of a word, the dictionary definition

Example: "Gender Equality is Your Issue Too" by Emma Watson (2014)

I was appointed six months ago and the more I have spoken about feminism the more I have realized that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop.

For the record, feminism by definition is: "The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.

Analysis: By explicitly defining feminism as "the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities," Watson juxtaposes the denotation of feminism with the connotations with which it is associated. Watson directly confronts the misconceptions regarding feminism to quell any opposition regarding such misconceptions, and she appeals to a credible source - the dictionary - to support her claims and establish her own authority over the matter.

Note: denotation is almost always used in contrast with connotation. Authors will often define a word to clarify its meaning, which suggests that the connotations of the term do not match how the author wants the audience to view that term.

18. diction

Definition: a writer's choice of words, phrases, sentence structures, and figurative language, which combine to help create meaning

Example: "On Dumpster Diving" by Lars Eighner (1992)

Canned goods are among the safest foods to be found in Dumpsters but are not utterly foolproof. Although very rare with modern canning methods, botulism is a possibility. Most other forms of food poisoning seldom do lasting harm to a healthy person, but botulism is almost certainly fatal and often the first symptom is death. Except for carbonated beverages, all canned goods should contain a slight vacuum and suck air when first punctured. Bulging, rusty, and dented cans and cans that spew when punctured should be avoided, especially when the contents are not very

Analysis: Eighner employs empirical diction to describe the process of dumpster diving, which is generally considered a dishonorable and crude practice. Eighner details the "fatal" effects of "botulism," and provides a practical assessment of "modern canning methods," instructing readers to avoid "bulging, rusty, and dented cans" and to look for a "slight vacuum" in canned goods. By analyzing the process of dumpster diving through a scientific lens, Eighner emphasizes that those who dumpster dive are not inferior to their store going counterparts, and he suggests that dumpster diving can be a practical hobby for anyone, even if it is not done out of necessity.

19. didactic

Definition: tone; instructional, designed to teach an ethical, moral, or religious lesson

Example: "Advice to Youth" by Mark Twain (1882)

First, then. I will say to you my young friends - and I say it beseechingly, urgently - Always obey your parents, when they are present. This is the best policy in the long run because if you don't, they will make you. Most parents think they know better than you do, and you can generally make more by humoring that superstition than you can by acting on your own better judgment.

Analysis: In his satire "Advice to Youth," Twain adopts a didactic tone that mimics that of many parents chastising their children. He instructs youth to "always obey [their] parents" because "most parents think they know better than" their children. By using a familiar instructional tone while mocking parental attitude, Twain appeals to his credibility by establishing that he too has faced criticism from his parents. By recognizing a common experience, Twain builds a rapport with his young audience, making them more receptive to his message.

Note: Generally, essays with a very didactic tone are ineffective, so they don't have much rhetorical merit. Twain's speech is instead a satire of the didactic tone many parents adopt, which allows him to connect with his audience in their mutual scorn for some parents' sanctimonious attitude.

20. elegiac

Definition: a tone involving mourning or expressing sorrow for that which is irrecoverably past

Example: Ronald Reagan's address following the explosion of the Challenger Space Shuttle (1986)

Today is a day for mourning and remembering. Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country. This is truly a national loss. For the families of the seven, we cannot bear, as you do, the full impact of this tragedy. But we feel the loss, and we're thinking about you so very much.

Analysis: At the beginning of his address, Reagan adopts an elegiac tone, declaring that "today is a day for mourning and remembering." He describes the deaths of the astronauts as a "national loss" that pains "all of the people" in the United States. By taking the time to recognize the tragic loss of the astronauts and by empathizing with the American people's shock at the explosion, Reagan appeals to his audience's grief and establishes an emotional connection with them before he begins speaking about the future of the United States space exploration program.

21. epistrophe

Definition: ending a series of lines, phrases, clauses, or sentences with the same word or words

Example: Madelynn Albright's commencement speech for Mount Holyoke College (1997)

As you go along your own road in life, you will, if you aim high enough, also meet resistance, for as Robert Kennedy once said, "if there's nobody in your way, it's because you're not going anywhere." But no matter how tough the opposition may seem, have courage still-and persevere.

There is no doubt, if you aim high enough, that you will be confronted by those who say that your efforts to change the world or improve the lot of those around you do not mean much in the grand scheme of things. But no matter how impotent you may sometimes feel, have courage still - and persevere.

It is certain, if you aim high enough, that you will find your strongest beliefs ridiculed and challenged; principles that you cherish may be derisively dismissed by those claiming to be more practical or realistic than you. But no matter how weary you may become in persuading others to see the value in what you value, have courage still-and persevere.

Inevitably, if you aim high enough, you will be buffeted by demands of family, friends, and employment that will conspire to distract you from your course. But no matter how difficult it may be to meet the commitments you have made, have courage still-and persevere.

Analysis: In her commencement speech, Albright encourages women to stand firm and to "aim high," despite the prevalence of gender inequality. Albright recognizes that women face opposition and glass ceilings, but she urges them to "have courage still- and persevere," repeating the phrase after each challenge she discusses. Like her attitude towards success, Albright's speech always returns to the idea that women must "have courage still - and persevere," regardless of the obstacles presented to her. Albright's motto to "have courage still-and persevere" is the most prominent part of her speech, and remains consistent even when the rest of her speech shifts, which mirrors the outlook that Albright endorses.

22. ethos

Definition: appealing to credibility

Example: "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)

I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham since you have been influenced by the view which argues against "outsiders coming in." I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have some eighty-five affiliated organizations across the South, and one of them is the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. Frequently we share staff, educational and financial resources with our affiliates. Several months ago the affiliate here in Birmingham asked us to be on call to engage in a nonviolent direct action program if such were deemed necessary. We readily consented, and when the hour came we lived up to our promise. So I, along with several members of my staff, am here because I was invited here. I am here because I have organizational ties here.

Analysis: King mentions that he is the "president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference" that operates in "every southern state" and has "eighty-five affiliated organizations across the South." He also emphasizes that he is in Birmingham because he was "invited" due to "organizational ties." King spends a significant amount of time describing his credentials and his affiliation with the Church, which not only creates a common experience among the clergymen and himself but also establishes King as a respectable man with significant accomplishments. Because many white southerners believed that African Americans were inferior to themselves, King takes the time to appeal to his own credibility and authority in hopes that the clergymen will view him as their equal and will respect his message.

Note: please don't write "appeals to ethos/pathos/logos." Instead, try "appeals to credibility/emotion/logic," or go further to describe specifically which emotion or credentials the author appeals to.

23. extended metaphor

Definition: differs from a regular metaphor in that several comparisons similar in theme are being made

Example: "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" by Nicholas Carr (2008)

Over the past few years I've had an uncomfortable sense that someone, or something, has been tinkering with my brain, remapping the neural circuitry, reprogramming the memory. My mind isn't going-so far as I can tell-but it's changing. I'm not thinking the way I used to think. I can feel it most strongly when I'm reading. Immersing myself in a book or a lengthy article used to be easy. My mind would get caught up in the narrative or the turns of the argument, and I'd spend hours strolling through long stretches of prose.

Analysis: Carr employs an extended metaphor to liken his brain to a machine, suggesting that something "has been tinkering" with his brain, "remapping" and "reprogramming" his "neural circuitry." By comparing his brain to a machine, Carr conveys his feeling that he is a slave to his computer and his sense of disconnectedness from his brain. Rather than being in harmony with his mind, he describes his brain as a separate entity. Carr's metaphor also highlights the increasing influence of technology in modern life - so much so that our brains themselves have become computers.

24. imagery

Definition: descriptive language that provides vivid images that evoke the senses

Example: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv (2008)

In our useful boredom, we used our fingers to draw pictures on fogged glass as we watched telephone poles tick by. We saw birds on the wires and combines in the fields. We were fascinated with roadkill, and we counted cows and horses and coyotes and shaving-cream signs. We stared with a kind of reverence at the horizon, as thunderheads and dancing rain moved with us. We held our little plastic cars against the glass and pretended that they, too, were racing toward some unknown destination. We considered the past and dreamed of the future, and watched it all go by in the blink of an eye.

Analysis: Louv recounts his experience staring out of the car window as a child with vivid imagery, describing watching "telephone poles tick by," "birds on the wires," "cows and horses and coyotes," and "shaving-cream signs." Louv jots seemingly disconnected images in short snippets, mimicking a car whizzing past an ever-changing landscape. The sharp images appeal to the reader's sense of nostalgia as Louv allows them to witness their own youth "go by in the blink of an eye."

25. inductive reasoning

Definition: reasoning that moves from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories; uses observations to detect patterns and regularities, and develops a hypothesis and later broader theories based on these observations (bottom-up approach)

Example: "On Being a Cripple" by Nancy Mairs (1986)

"Cripple" seems to me a clean word, straightforward and precise. As a lover of words, I like the accuracy with which it describes my condition: I have lost the full use of my limbs. "Disabled," by contrast, suggests any incapacity, physical or mental. And I certainly don't like "handicapped," which implies that I have deliberately been put at a disadvantage, by whom I can't imagine (my God is not a Handicapper General), in order to equalize chances in the great race of life. These words seem to me to be moving away from my condition, to be widening the gap between word and reality. Most remote is the recently coined euphemism "differently-abled," which partakes of the same semantic hopefulness that transformed countries from "undeveloped" to "underdeveloped," then to "less developed," and finally to "developing" nations. People have continued to starve in those countries during the shift. Some realities do not obey the dictates of language.

Analysis: Mairs begins by outlining her views on the word "cripple," which "describes [her] condition" in a "straightforward and precise manner," unlike vague terms such as "handicapped" and "differently-abled," which widen "the gap between word and reality." Much like "people have continued to starve" in underdeveloped nations despite the shift in nomenclature, Mairs scorns the "semantic hopefulness" that has led people to use less precise words to describe her condition, even though the disability itself cannot change. Mairs uses inductive reasoning to conclude that "some realities do not obey the dictates of language" as she appeals to readers' logic to deduce that using euphemisms to describe unfavorable circumstances is irrational and only serves to dilute the rectitude of precise language.

26. irony

Definition: stating the opposite of what is said or meant

Example: "Advice to Youth" by Mark Twain (1882)

I hope you will treasure up the instructions which I have given you, and make them a guide to your feet and a light to your understanding. Build your character thoughtfully and painstakingly upon these precepts, and by and by, when you have got it built, you will be surprised and gratified to see how nicely and sharply it resembles everybody else's.

Analysis: Twain instructs youth to "treasure" his instructions and to construct their "character thoughtfully and painstakingly upon" the precepts they have read. However, Twain mentions that if they do so, they will be "surprised and gratified to see how nicely and sharply it resembles everybody else's." Twain's irony warns youth that if they simply obey their parents, they will not become a unique individual, and the unexpected ending to his satire reinforces his position that one should not mold themselves to meet societal norms.

27. juxtaposition

Definition: placing two or more things side by side for comparison or contrast

Example: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (1962)

Along the roads, laurel, viburnum, and alder, great ferns and wildflowers delighted the traveler's eye through much of the year. Even in winter, the roadsides were places of beauty, where countless birds came to feed on the berries and on the seed heads of the dried weeds rising above the snow. The countryside was, in fact, famous for the abundance and variety of its birdlife, and when the flood of migrants was pouring through in spring and fall people traveled from great distances to observe them. Others came to fish the streams, which flowed clear and cold out of the hills and contained shady pools where trout lay. So it had been from the days many years ago when the first settlers raised their houses, sank their wells, and built their barns.

Then a strange blight crept over the area and everything began to change. Some evil spell had settled on the community: mysterious maladies swept the flocks of chickens; the cattle and sheep sickened and died. Everywhere was a shadow of death. The farmers spoke of much illness among their families. In the town the doctors had become more and more puzzled by new kinds of sickness appearing among their patients. There had been several sudden and unexplained deaths, not only among adults but even among children, who would be stricken suddenly while at play and die within a few hours.

Analysis: In her novel Silent Spring, Rachel Carson describes the beautiful American town with the cold, vapid town that it is destined to become due to climate change. She juxtaposes the town's "great ferns and wildflowers," "birdlife," and "clear and cold" streams with the "strange blight" that cast an "evil spell" on the community and the animals who have "sickened and died" from "mysterious maladies." By creating such a sharp contrast between the present and the future, Carson coveys the magnitude of the climate crisis and emphasizes the urgency with which we must address it. Carson's starkly contrasting images aim to evoke a strong emotional response in the reader that appeals to their sense of responsibility and citizenship.

28. logos

Definition: appealing to logic

Example: Greta Thunberg's speech at the National Assembly in Paris (2019)

A lot of people, a lot of politicians, business leaders, journalists say they don't agree with what we are saying. They say we children are exaggerating, that we are alarmists. To answer this I would like to refer to page 108, chapter 2 in the latest IPCC report. There you will find all our "opinions" summarized because there you find a remaining carbon dioxide budget. Right there it says that if we are to have a sixty-seven percent chance of limiting the global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees, we had on January 1st, 2018, 420 gigatons of carbon dioxide left in our CO2 budget. And of course, that number is much lower today. We emit about 42 gigatons of CO2 every year.

Analysis: In her address to the National Assembly in Paris, Thunberg cites the 2018 "IPCC report" that outlines a total "remaining carbon dioxide budget" of "420 gigatons" in order to "have a sixty-seven percent chance of limiting the global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees," while "we emit about 42 gigatons of CO2 each year." By citing specific data from a reputable scientific journal, Thunberg appeals to her audience's logic; the data proves that the only viable option is to limit carbon dioxide emissions.

29. metonymy

Definition: a figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated

Example: Margaret Thatcher's eulogy for Ronald Reagan (2004)

Yet his ideas, so clear, were never simplistic. He saw the many sides of truth. Yes, he warned that the Soviet Union had an insatiable drive for military power and territorial expansion, yet he also sensed that it was being eaten away by systematic failures impossible to reform. Yes, he did not shrink from denouncing Moscow's evil empire, but he realized that a man of goodwill might nonetheless emerge from its dark corridors.

Analysis: In her eulogy for United States President Ronald Reagan, Thatcher refers to the Soviet Union as "Moscow's evil empire." Her metonymy explicitly communicates a disdain for the Soviet Union, which establishes common ground between the United States and the United Kingdom, which helps Thatcher strengthen relations with the United States while eulogizing a friend.

30. pacing

Definition: the speed at which a piece of writing flows - use when discussing organization; point out where action/syntax begins to speed up, slow down, is interrupted, etc.

Example: Notes on 'Camp' by Susan Sontag (1964)

1. To start very generally: Camp is a certain mode of aestheticism. It is one way of seeing the world as an aesthetic phenomenon. That way, the way of Camp, is not in terms of beauty, but in terms of the degree of artifice, of stylization.

2. To emphasize style is to slight content, or to introduce an attitude which is neutral with respect to content. It goes without saying that the Camp sensibility is disengaged, depoliticized - or at least apolitical.

Analysis: Sontag writes Notes on 'Camp' as a "series of jottings" rather than in paragraph format in order to mimic the spontaneous and ever-changing nature of Camp. By presenting her notes as a numbered list, Sontag develops a quick, irregular pace that is more fitting to describe the eccentricities of Camp. Because the notes are presented as a list, the ideas move by quickly, which further mirrors the whimsicality that is so characteristic of Camp.

31. paradox

Definition: apparently self-contradictory statement, the underlying meaning of which is revealed only by careful scrutiny; its purpose is to arrest attention and provoke fresh thought

Example: "On the Writing of Essays" by Alexander Smith (1881)

He is the frankest, most outspoken of writers; and that very frankness and outspokenness puts the reader off his guard. If you wish to preserve your secret, wrap it up in frankness. The Essays are full of this trick. The frankness is as well simulated as the grape-branches of the Grecian artist which the birds flew towards and pecked. When Montaigne retreats, he does so like a skillful general, leaving his fires burning.

Analysis: Smith describes Montaigne's writing style as very frank and outspoken, asserting that "if you wish to preserve your secret, wrap it up in frankness." Smith's paradox, although outwardly nonsensical, forces the reader to pause and ruminate on the conflicting ideas, which naturally places emphasis on these ideas. Through his paradox, Smith suggests that an author's works often contain intimate personal revelations that seem obvious, yet are often overlooked by most readers.

32. parallelism (parallel structure)

Definition: a repetition of sentences using the same grammatical structure emphasizing all aspects of the sentence equally

Example: "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" by Lou Gherig (1939)

When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift - that's something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remembers you with trophies - that's something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter - that's something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so you can have an education and build your body - it's a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed - that's the finest I know.

Analysis: Gherig presents a series of parallel sentences to emphasize his gratitude for the life he has lived. Because each sentence follows the same structure, Gherig's list builds to a climax, which Gherig uses to enumerate his priorities and to emphasize his love for his family. Gherig further emphasizes his appreciation for his family even above his career by shifting from the phrase "that's something" to describe his wife's courage as "the finest" he knows. By breaking the pattern in his parallel sentences, Gherig focuses the attention on his family and loved ones, humbly placing his own successes on the back burner.

33. pathos

Definition: appealing to emotion

Example: Viola Davis's Women's March Speech (2018)

I am speaking today not just for the 'Me Toos,' because I was a 'Me Too,' but when I raise my hand, I am aware of all the women who are still in silence. The women who are faceless. The women who don't have the money and don't have the constitution and who don't have the confidence and who don't have the images in our media that gives them a sense of self-worth enough to break their silence that is rooted in the shame of assault and rooted in the stigma of assault.

Analysis: In her speech at the 2018 Women's March, Viola Davis recognizes the millions of women who have been silently affected by sexual violence. She describes the women "don't have the money," "constitution," or "confidence," and those who still struggle with the "shame" and "stigma of assault." Davis employs anaphora, repeating the phrase "don't have" to evoke a sense of empathy for these women among the audience. By emphasizing that these victims "don't have" the resources that many take for granted, Davis sheds light on the cruel reality that many victims still face due to the stigma surrounding sexual assault and women's rights.

34. polysyndeton

Definition: the use of many conjunctions has the effect of slowing the pace or emphasizing the numerous words or clauses

Example: "After the Storm" by Ernest Hemingway (1932)

I said, "Who killed him?" and he said, "I don't know who killed him but he's dead all right," and it was dark and there was water standing in the street and no lights and windows broke and boats all up in the town and trees blown down and everything all blown and I got a skiff and went out and found my boat where I had her inside Mango Key and she was all right only she was full of water.

Analysis: After learning of the murder, the narrator describes as "dark and there was water standing in the street and no lights and windows broke and boats all up in the town," repeating the conjunction "and." Hemingway employs

polysyndeton to illustrate the narrator's shock and panic following the murder. By inserting "and" between each phrase, Hemingway slows down the pace of the sentence, conveying the sense of the narrator's surroundings moving in slow motion after hearing the news.

35. rhetorical question

Definition: a question presented by the author that is not meant to be answered

Example: Clare de Booth Luce's Speech at the Women's National Press Club (1960)

For what is good journalism all about? On a working, finite level it is the effort to achieve illuminating candor in print and to strip away cant. It is the effort to do this not only in matters of state, diplomacy, and politics but also in every smaller aspect of life that touches the public interest or engages proper public curiosity.

Analysis: In her speech at the Women's National Press Club, de Booth asks the rhetorical question: "For what is good journalism all about?" in order to signal a shift in tone as she moves to describe the purpose of "good journalism." By asking the audience a question, she invites them to consider their own motivations as journalists as she explains her own belief that "good journalism" is "the effort to achieve illuminating candor in print." Rather than simply speaking about her views on journalism, de Booth expertly inserts a rhetorical question in order to evoke a moment of wonder and self-reflection in her audience before she answers her own question.

36. stream of consciousness

Definition: a technique that records the thoughts and feelings of a character without regard to logical argument or narrative sequence; reflects all the forces, internal and external, affecting the character's psyche at the moment

Example: "Ain't I a Woman" by Sojourner Truth (1851)

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?

Analysis: In 1851, Sojourner Truth gave a moving speech at the Women's Rights Convention without preparation. Truth's stream of consciousness approach to the speech allows her to directly address her audience, beginning by mentioning "that man over there" and refuting his beliefs that women are fragile. Truth then moves to note that she has "ploughed and planted" more successfully than men, and she moves to the fact that she can "work as much and eat as much as a man." She shifts yet again to recount that she has "borne thirteen children" and that "none but Jesus" heard her cry with her "mother's grief" when they were sold to slavery. Albeit slightly messy, Truth's lack of structure is effective because it reflects the never-ending struggles that African American women faced. When the injustices seemed to cease, another injustice would arise in a never-ending cycle of oppression. Truth's speech thus resonated with many other women who had experienced the same struggles, and Truth became a powerful voice in the fight racial and gender equality.

37. synecdoche

Definition: the rhetorical substitution of a part for the whole

Example: "Falling Down is Part of Growing Up" by Henry Petroski (1985)

We are transported across impromptu bridges of arms thrown up without plans or blueprints between mother and aunt, between neighbor and father, between brother and sister - none of whom is a registered structural engineer. We come to Mama and to Papa eventually to forget our scare reflex and we learn to trust the beams and girders and columns of their arms and our cribs.

Analysis: Petroski refers to a child's parents and crib as "beams and girders and columns" that the child must trust, emphasizing the structural aspect of a young child's support system. Instead of referring to the parents and crib as a whole, Petroski uses synecdoche to strip away the sentimental connotations associated with a mother's arms and a baby's crib, highlighting only the "beams and girders and columns" that prevent the child from falling and returning to his novel's central topic of engineering.

38. syntax

Definition: the structure of sentences and/or phrases

Example: "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)

We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God-given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed toward gaining political independence, but we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, "Wait." But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate-filled policemen curse, kick and even kill your black brothers and sisters; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky, and see her beginning to distort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people; when you have to concoct an answer for a five-year-old son who is asking: "Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?"; when you take a cross-country drive and find it necessary to sleep night after night in the uncomfortable corners of your automobile because no motel will accept you; when you are humiliated day in and day out by nagging signs reading "white" and "colored"; when your first name becomes "nigger," your middle name becomes "boy" (however old you are) and your last name becomes "John," and your wife and mother are never given the respected title "Mrs."; when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact that you are a Negro, living constantly at tiptoe stance, never quite knowing what to expect next, and are plagued with inner fears and outer resentments; when you are forever fighting a degenerating sense of "nobodiness" - then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait.

Analysis: In his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," King addresses those who instruct him to "wait" for racial equality by describing the "stinging pain of segregation" as seeing "vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers," seeing "hate-filled policemen curse, kick, and even kill your brothers and sisters," and seeing the "tears welling up" in your six-year-old daughter's eyes when "she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children," among a host of other horrific images. Rather than using several shorter sentences to describe segregation, King uses a single sentence, separated by numerous semicolons. King's choice of syntax mirrors the never-ending reach of segregation and racial inequality. While the sentence consists of a string of short images, it pauses on a longer phrase in which King describes finding his "tongue-twisted" as he explains to his "six-year-old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television," and seeing "tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children" while he watches the "ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky" and her "distort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people." By making this phrase significantly longer than his other images, King allows the reader to pause and ruminate on the idea of a young girl losing her innocence to an unjust world. King appeals to the reader's emotions as he conveys such a heartbreaking image.

39. thesis

Definition: a statement of purpose, intent, or main idea in a literary work

Example: Notes on 'Camp' by Susan Sontag

58. The ultimate Camp statement: it's good because it's awful . . . Of course, one can't always say that. Only under certain conditions, those which I've tried to sketch in these notes.

Analysis: Sontag places her thesis at the end of her Notes on 'Camp', which allows her to summarize her list and to assert that Camp is "good because it's awful." Sontag concludes the notes by referencing her sporadic list of musings regarding Camp as a whole and declaring them the "conditions" under which Camp can be both good and awful.

40. tone
the use of stylistic devices that reveal an author's attitude towards a subject
Example: "If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?" by James Baldwin (1979)

I say that the present skirmish is rooted in American history, and it is. Black English is the creation of the black diaspora. Blacks came to the United States chained to each other, but from different tribes: Neither could speak the other's language. If two black people, at that bitter hour of the world's history, had been able to speak to each other, the institution of chattel slavery could never have lasted as long as it did. Subsequently, the slave was given, under the eye, and the gun, of his master, Congo Square, and the Bible-or in other words, and under these conditions, the slave began the formation of the black church, and it is within this unprecedented tabernacle that black English began to be formed. This was not, merely, as in the European example, the adoption of a foreign tongue, but an alchemy that transformed ancient elements into a new language: A language comes into existence by means of brutal necessity, and the rules of the language are dictated by what the language must convey.

Analysis: Baldwin adopts a formal, academic tone, assessing the development of "Black English" through a historical lens. Baldwin concludes that "Black English is the creation of the black diaspora" as "an alchemy that transformed ancient elements into a new language." By using academic diction, Baldwin approaches the development of Black English not as a cultural or social issue, but simply as a historical phenomenon that should be studied objectively, which allows him to persuade his readers that Black English should be considered a distinct language.

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One last disclaimer: Fiveable is an educational company without political or religious affiliations and it neither endorses nor opposes any views expressed in the above passages. There you go! When looking at each device and its corresponding example, think of ways and reasons authors integrate these rhetorical devices, styles, and terms into their writing! Thinking that much ahead will pay off when you write the Rhetorical Analysis essay in May! 😄

Resources:

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Rhetorical Devices List w/ Examples | Fiveable

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Taking AP English Language? This is a list of main rhetorical device terms that you should know for the exam as well as definitions & examples for each. These terms will mostly show up on the multiple-choice section, so it's important to be able to identify them in a work of writing, but you won't actually have to use the device in your own writing.

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 Tilbury speech (1588) : Queen Elizabeth 1

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 Tilbury speech (1588) : Queen Elizabeth 1

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You many not use this reading in your project. Find your own book to read.

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Example of Entertainment (documentary) entry

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Example of Entertainment (documentary) entry

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You may not use this documentary as your entry. Please find another documentary about which to write.

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Top 10 Best Virtual Museum Tours & Online Art Gallery 2024

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Explore the greatest museums in the world for modern and ancient art on a virtual museum tour from your home. It's an educational and fun activity to keep kids entertained.

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Virtual Tour: International Slave Museum

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Virtual Tour: International Slave Museum

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International Slavery Museum virtual tour

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Take a look around the International Slavery Museum on our virtual tour.

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This site will give you some insightful ideas about current trends.

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The Future of Men

Is there is a crisis of masculinity in the West? We're not suggesting it's the end of men, but there's a crisis with being a man. The problem is twofold. First, men were made to hunt animals outside with spears. It's in their psychology and their genes. But there aren't too many hunting opportunities these days.

Men's work and home lives have been health and safety checked, sanitised and most recently, feminised. Men now spend a third of their lives indoors, sitting in offices looking at screens. And when they're not doing at work, they are sitting at home looking at screens. (This is true for women too.)

Many outlets for aggression and testosterone no longer exist. (But see our later article on rage cages). Daily rituals and physical places where men used to socialise with other men have been knocked down or renovated to become female friendly. Men do not go to the pub as often as they once did. Even sport is generally consumed on a screen at home alone or with a partner.

The evidence for a masculinity crisis is all around. 95 per cent of the UK prison population is male. Men on average develop heart disease a decade before women. 80 per cent of homeless people are men. Unemployment has hit men hard. Physical work is disappearing quickly and so are many craft skills.

As a result, many men are struggling to find a role or purpose. It is positive there are fewer wars or murders. But have they been replaced - with much of the damage now on the inside, mental instead of physical damage? Perhaps we should reconsider masculinity, feminism and equality.

So, what's the solution? One idea we've had is Manual Mondays. This is where men would be encouraged to get out of the office and away from screens and spreadsheets one day a week (or once a month) to learn a physical skill or make something with their hands that perhaps benefits the local community. If this involves interacting with nature rather than talking to their phone, all the better.

This idea could be applied to education too. Boys are not good at sitting quietly all day behind a desk. Young boys are 600 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with Attention Deficient Disorder than girls and perhaps this is linked to nature deficient disorder. It's now so bad that in the UK, the average prisoner now spends more time outside than the average child.

(Interestingly, the growth in 'manspreading', where a man sits with his legs apart in public places and takes up too much space, may simply be the way men are trying to express their desperation to get more attention in the world. Maybe the trend for men parking huge cars across two supermarket parking spaces is similar? (Not always men btw, so maybe this is just selfishness or solipsism?).

The Sunday Times magazine (UK), 8 May 2017, 'How to be a 21st-Century caveman' by M. Rudd. See also Who stole my spear? by Tim Samuels. www.sundaytimes.co.uk
Search words: men, crisis, nature, testosterone, manual, practical, screens, manspreading
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On the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Venice, there's an image of a blonde woman looking at herself in the mirror. The painter Michelangelo uses this image to represent human vanity as a perilous human weakness. Or at least it used to be. Vanity is now a global epidemic showing no sign of weakening. Why has the collective 'we' been transformed into the individual 'me'?

The answer is ease and convenience. We have always been interested in capturing our own image - the painter Rembrandt did so more than 50 times himself. But what was once hard and laborious has become easy and instantaneous, thanks to camera phones and, in particular, the mirror function on these cameras.

As a result, everyone is at it. Heads of State do it (David Cameron and Barack Obama), astronauts do it (Akihiko Hoshide), even grinning passengers on board highjacked planes do it (Ben Innes). Of course, the Kardashians don't know how to not do it.

Why now? The original reason for self-portraiture was to record the passage of time and the brevity of life. It was a record of youth, entropy and decay. The modern equivalent may be that too, but it's also an attempt to become famous. Nevertheless, these images are ultimately evidence we too were once here (or there or somewhere else).

Selfies have also become a form of digital currency (I was here but you were not - back to the holiday postcards of old). These images are also lies we like to tell ourselves. They are fake news we produce to prove to ourselves and others we are happy, secure and fulfilled.

Nothing is True and Truthiness is Possible

The phrase "post truth" was word of the year in 2016. In the past year or two, a strange alternative reality has emerged where facts no longer bear any relation to reality. President Trump, for example, famously says things that are blatantly not true when they are and gets away with it regardless, because his supporters follow feelings not facts.

The American comic Stephen Colbert has a word for this: truthiness. This is the idea that whatever feels right should be true. Provenance is more important than accuracy in this context too, so Mr Trump can get away with statements such as "A lot of people are saying that..."

Faking news is nothing new, of course. Russia was an early proponent and continues to manipulate news and events. We've had conspiracy theories and their believers for decades too, with the US still leading the field. People have always cherry picked evidence to support their worldviews and, with internet-based news it's never been easier to do this. Whatever you believe there's something online somewhere to support your belief.

In fact, we do not automatically seek the truth. Daniel Kahneman, the Nobel winning psychologist and author of Thinking, Fast and Slow, uses the term "cognitive ease". This describes the way humans have a tendency to accept what's easiest to believe at the expense of fact checking, which is time consuming, confusing and brain exhausting.

One reason for the rise of fiction in politics and elsewhere is new technology, specifically social media. People have always coalesced into groups with similar views and, in an age of social media, this has never been easier.

A second reason is the general decline of trust in institutions and experts. This is at an all time low in most developed countries. Less than half the population in developed societies typically trusts politicians, economists, scientists and business people. This is hardly surprising given how wrong all these groups have been in recent years. To a greater or lesser degree, these people used to be the gatekeepers of truth - nowadays they just contradict each other. This to some extent explains the popularity of non-expert and 'authentic' politicians like Trump who 'tell it how it is'.

Linked with this is there is no longer a hierarchy of information and news sources. Almost two-thirds of adults in the US get their views from social media, few of whom care about the source. Worse, social media filters actively eliminate dissenting or opposing points of view.

In other words, we inhabit self-referencing communities and search algorithms further reinforce this isolation. Algorithms generally feed news to individuals based on previous likes so they get a giant echo-chamber where fiction can easily appear as fact. For example, during recent referenda and elections, pro-Trump and pro-Brexit groups largely saw news that reinforced these positions and vice versa. People tend to think something familiar or popular is true.

So, what's the solution? The use of AI has been suggested as a way to spot fake news. A better idea might be to force news and information sites to cite their sources, including whether something was generated by a human or a robot (many Twitter accounts, for example, are actually 'bots).

We could also publicly name and shame chronic and consistent liars. And perhaps we should treat companies like Google, Twitter and Facebook as media companies rather than tech companies, which would subject them to journalistic responsibility.

A Stifling Culture of Self-Censorship

Timothy Garton Ash, Professor of European Studies at Oxford and expert in East European communism and its secret police, made a controversial claim. He said Jesus wouldn't be allowed to speak on campus nowadays, such is the climate of fear and hostility towards anyone with a viewpoint that remotely diverges from the norm.

Part of the problem is new government legislation that encourages universities to block extremist speakers, including non-violent thinkers. The definition of extremist is vague but, if they were still alive, universities could exclude the likes of Karl Marx, Charles Darwin and Jesus Christ.

However, the problem isn't really state censorship. The nub of it is individuals and small groups who claim certain people and ideas offend them. For example, there is growing pressure for transgender women to be allowed access to future womb transplant technology, possibly funded by the NHS. Anyone arguing against such 'freedom' is likely to be banned from any platform on campus.

If people don't wish to hear alternative or radical viewpoints, that's arguably their business. But the trend is towards groups of individuals arguing that institutions should prevent such views from being heard by anyone. Worryingly, academics are automatically siding with groups who demand these restrictions.

Some people see this as empathetic censorship (for our own good) but it's ideologically based and extends well beyond speaker platforms. For example, there is increasing pressure to create 'safe spaces' for groups, especially minorities, where certain topics are not discussed. Totally safe spaces are complete fiction and is akin to airplanes banning nuts on board because a single individual has an intolerance.

Another trend is the growth in 'trigger warnings'. This is where writers, film makers and TV broadcasters alert potential audience members to anything that might offend them or trigger bad memories. Such warnings are a kind of intellectual homogeneity, and hardly conducive to open minded discussion or mental resilience.

The current mental health epidemic among young people is a tragic problem, but making classrooms and syllabuses devoid of broad content and open discussion is hardly the right answer. If we go down this path, we can expect a future devoid of risk taking, creativity and experimentation where the consensus is to sit still and play it safe.

Why Computers Can Persuade You

Have you ever wondered why your iPhone is addictive? It makes you release dopamine. Your phone has been deliberately designed so you cannot physically leave it alone. The apps on your phone - Instagram, Fitbit, Netflix - are even worse. Remember when you used to watch a TV show, enjoy it, and that was the end? Nowadays you watch House of Cards and when you've finished, the next episode starts instantly.

Technology design makes it harder to stop than carry on and users have little or no awareness of what's being fed to them. The aim is to create habit-forming products containing emotional mini-highs. These highs come from instant playing of yet another episode or accumulating as many followers, likes or votes of approval as possible.

What's at the root of all this? The answer is basic human needs for connection, approval and affirmation.But is it ethical for unknown third parties to design our attitudes and behaviours? In the early days of the internet, there was information and to some extent, enlightenment. Now it's the commercial imperative to compel and seize the attention of the masses.

Facebook is particularly guilty of attention crimes. Its business model uses our unconscious impulses to compel attention, which is then sold to advertisers for cash. Is it ethical? If you essentially control the psychology of one eighth of the planet, is it responsible?

In Las Vegas gambling machines are designed to ensure people spend as much time as possible on them (known as 'time on device'). Everything about the way the machines operate is deliberate, even the angle of light emitted from the screen. Gamblers can order food and drink on the same screen without even standing up.

Is the future a world where we never leave home, chronically addicted to screens? Digital technology designed by a small slice of society may be diminishing our capacity to make free choices. It is even removing us from the people whose love and approval we need. Time to switch off. They say that the way to beat addiction is to find an alternative activity.Maybe that's what we need today - good, alternative activities or an all-consuming purpose.

Ref: The Economist 1843 (UK) October/November 2016, 'The scientists who make apps addictive' by I. Leslie. www.theeconomist.co.uk
Search words: iPhone, addiction, screens, Facebook, gambling, approval
Trend tags:Addiction

Rage Cages

It sounds like something from the Westworld mini-series, but late in 2016 saw the opening of the UK's first 'rage cage'. A rage cage, in case you don't know, is a room where people go to smash things, especially old computers, office phones and china plates, to relieve their anger, anxiety and stress.

Ironically, the businessman who opened the rage cage in Nottingham almost went to jail, for brutally battering his disabled stepfather outside a school. Rage can cascade and be transmitted too it seems.

Sex Becomes Just Another Shopping Experience

One of the great unchanging truths is scarcity creates value. It's possible that lack of sex can increase its value. But if you can use a mobile to find someone to have sex with in an instant, does that mean sex starts to lose its attraction?

A study in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour (US) found more adults than in any generation since those born in the 1920s, are remaining virgins. Moreover, of those aged 20-24, about 15 per cent had not had a sexual partner since they were 18. In the 1960s this figure was 6 per cent.

Why is this? Apart from being instantly available, which makes the experience a kind of shopping trip, people may lack confidence. Perhaps they are becoming shyer and unable to make the intimate connections that are needed for fulfilling sex. Perhaps the ubiquity of online pornography has encouraged unrealistic expectations of sex. Or the emotional and financial cost of divorce has made people wary of starting relationships.

One development within online dating is segmentation. Some users (let's be honest here, it will largely be men) use different dating sites for different needs, much as they might use different supermarkets. One user, for example, likens one dating app to Lidl while another is Waitrose.

An Emotional Future

Schools around the world have started to teach children computer coding on the basis they will have to program computers at work. It's a logical but somewhat flawed idea.

First, although few people know it, there are already computers that can code themselves. Code that writes code. We will still need highly skilled top-level human coders in the future, but we might not need that many.

Second, teaching people how to think logically like machines is illogical given what computers are likely to be capable of one day. We should be doing the exact opposite. We should be teaching people how to behave totally unlike sterile number-crunching computers.

In 1983 Arlie Hochschild, sociologist, named invented the term 'emotional labour' to describe work that required a high level of emotional intelligence. For example, airline crew know how to deal with nervous or disruptive passengers. In 2015, a study by David Deming, an education economist at Harvard, discovered almost all new jobs created in the US from 1980 to 2012 required relatively high social skills.

AI and machine learning will edge into more routine, repetitive and logical work previously done by people. But human work will move further into areas that require empathy and perhaps some imagination, inspiration and persuasion. Machines are good at solving problems, but not especially good at inventing them and are almost useless at managing people or providing inspirational leadership.

Any job that involves caring for people, getting people to trust you or persuading people to do certain things they normally resist will be difficult to automate. Doctors, teachers, law enforcement officials and top-flight lawyers, for example, might be able to relax a tiny bit.

Even so, we don't celebrate these kinds of jobs as much as we could. Caring is generally undervalued and underpaid in developed societies. Nurses, childcare and aged care workers often earn very little for their efforts. Indeed, most of the emotional work done in society is done for free, often by women and isn't even regarded as real work. It also fails to count towards GDP.

We are on the cusp of machines that can give the appearance of being empathetic. Affective computers judge a user's emotional state using biofeedback and adjust themselves accordingly. This could work, up to a point, but these machines will surely lack nuance or a deep understanding of human nature. Only a person can truly grasp how another person might feel, at a deep level.

This all offers a huge economic opportunity. First, we should start to recognise the true value of emotional work, to the economy and to society. Second, we should refocus our education systems away from teaching things that smart machines are already capable of (IQ) and towards the things they aren't (EQ).

Empathy would be top of the list, although invention and inspiration wouldn't be far behind. Educators and employers should place less emphasis on rote learning, short-term memory and exam success, and spend more time considering how to expand personality, persuasion, compassion and moral character.

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Is there is a crisis of masculinity in the West? We're not suggesting it's the end of men, but there's a crisis with being a man. The problem is twofold. First, men were made to hunt animals outside with spears. It's in their psychology and their genes.

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News Resource for Government/Current Event

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News Resource for Government/Current Event

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This is an excellent news platform where you can find two article about the same current event written from different sources, allowing you to compare news sources and read between the lines of media bias.

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The biggest source for breaking news around the world. Compare headlines across the political spectrum using media bias ratings driven by data. Spot misinformation. Be well informed.

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Walker

Readings and Documentary Films for AP English Language and Composition

As part of your coursework for AP Language, you will be required to read full-length works of non-fiction, documentaries, longform articles, newspaper articles, weekly news magazine articles, opinion/editorials, online news and commentary, and readings and videos from other sources.

You will write rhetorical analysis, open argument, and synthesis essays that are based on and inspired by your reading. With my guidance, you will expand and create your own reading and viewing lists, write your own prompts for your essays, and design your own One to the World projects.

These titles are suggested not required. Also, these titles are not necessarily paired. Think of these as places to get started in your research and learning.

Extreme Sports

Extreme Sports Documentaries

All This Mayhem - skateboarding

Touching the Void - ice climbing

Riding Giants - big wave surfing

Where the Trail Ends - mountain biking

Storm over Everest - mountain climbing

K2: Siren of the Himalaya - mountain climbing

Meru - mountain climbing
Extreme Sports Longform
"Lost on Everest" - Outside Magazine, mountain climbing
"The Wave-Maker" - Vanity Fair, big wave surfing

"The Deadliest Wave" - SB Nation, big wave surfing

"Skateboarding as Religion" - Buzzfeed, skateboarding

Extreme Sports Full-Length Non-fiction
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Touching the Void by Joe Simpson

The Wave by by Susan Casey
___________________________________________________________

Food
Food Documentaries
Food, Inc.

Super Size Me

King Corn

Fed-Up

Super-Size Me

Forks Over Knives

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Chef's Table

Pressure Cooker

Kings of Pastry

Somm
Food Longform
Google "longform food" and choose the first link. Happy searching.
Sample titles include:
"Consider the Lobster" by David Foster Wallace
"How the Sausage is Made" by Tamar Adler

"Life in Chains: On Loving Taco Bell, as a Half-Mexican" by John Devore
Food Full-Length Non-Fiction
Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan

The Omnivore's Dilemma, Food Rules, In Defense of Food, all titles by Michael Pollan

Waiting: The True Confessions of a Waitress by Debra Ginsberg

Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip - Confessions of a Cynical Waiter by Steve Dublanica

Service Included: Four-Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter by Phoebe Damrosch

Back of the House: The Secret Life of a Restaurant by Scott Haas

______________________________________________________________

Healthcare
Documentaries about Healthcare
Being Mortal

Facing Death

The Waiting Room

Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare

Sicko
Healthcare Longform
Articles by Atul Gawande in The New Yorker
"A Life Worth Ending" by Michael Wolff

"Mommy Wars: The Prequel" by Samantha Shapiro

"Faith Healers" by Cienna Madrid

Healthcare Full-Length Non-Fiction
The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande

Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science by Atul Gawande

Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande

Every Patient Tells a Story: Medical Mysteries and the Art of Diagnosis by Lisa Sanders

How Doctors Think by Jerome Groopman
_______________________________________________________________

Business and Economics
Business and Economics Documentaries
Inside Job

Heist: Who Stole the American Dream?

Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price

Overdose: The Next Financial Crisis

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

A Tale of Two Cities: The Circuit City Story
Business and Economics Longform
Google "business longform" and dig through 54 pages of articles and essays from the past 5 years.
Business and Economics Full-Length Non-Fiction
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

The Big Short by Michael Lewis

Liar's Poker by Michael Lewis

The Divide : American Injustice in the Age of the Wealth Gap by Matt Taibbi

Griftopia: A Story of Bankers, Politicians and the Most Audacious Power Grab in American History by Matt Taibbi
Various titles by Freakonomics authors, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

Various titles by Malcolm Gladwell
Various titles by Jack Welch

__________________________________________________________________

War
War Documentaries
Restrepo

Korengal

The Tillman Story

The Hornet's Nest

The Fog of War

Dirty Wars

Taxi to the Dark Side

Why We Fight

No End in Sight

PBS Frontline: The Rise of ISIS
Many more from which to choose
War Longform
"The Rise of the Killer Drones: How America Goes to War in Secret" by Michael Hastings
"My Long War" by Dexter Filkins

"The War Ends Here" by Luke Mogelson

"In the Crosshairs" by Nicholas Schmidle

"Waiting for a Kill Shot 7,000 Miles Away" by Elisabeth Bumiller
Google "war longform" and dig through 55 pages of articles and essays from the past few years.
War Full-Length Non-Fiction
The Forever War by Dexter Filkins

Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq by Thomas E. Ricks

The Gamble: General Petraeus and the Military Adventure in Iraq

The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11

Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer

See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA's War on Terrorism

________________________________________________________________

Animals
Documentaries about Animals
The Elephant in the Living Room

Blackfish

The Cove

Eco-Pirate: The Story of Paul Watson

The Whale

The End of the Line
Animals Longform
"When is a Rescuer a Hoarder?" by Carol Mithers
"The Piscivore's Dilemma" by Tim Zimmerman

"Zoo Animals and Their Discontents" by Alex Halberstadt
Animals Full-Length Non-Fiction
Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish

Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity

Animal Factory: The Looming Threat of Industrial Pig, Dairy, and Poultry Farms to Humans and the Environment

Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment Inside the U.S. Meat Industry

___________________________________________________________________

The Environment
Documentaries about the Environment
Chasing Ice

An Inconvenient Truth

GasLand

If a Tree Falls: The Story of the Earth Liberation Front

Crude Independence

Tapped
Environment Longform
"The Wreck of the Kulluk" by McKenzie Funk
"Dry" by Mark Arax

Killing the Colorado - a series of articles in ProPublica by Abrahm Lustgarten and Naveena Sadisivam
"Power Steer" by Michael Pollan

Environment Full-Length Non-Fiction
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Korbert

Tom's River: A Story of Science and Salvation

Collapse: How Societies Choose to Succeed or Fail by Jared Diamond

Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution - and How It Can Renew America by Thomas Friedman
___________________________________________________________________

Sports
Sports Documentaries
30 for 30 series by ESPN

Hoop Dreams

More Than a Game

The Heart of the Game

Undefeated

Senna

Ballplayer: Pellatero

Schooled: The Price of College Sports

The Short Game
Sports Longform
Google "sports longform" and start searching. Happy hunting.
Sports Full-Length Non-Fiction
The Best American Sports Writing series

Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game

Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal that Rocked Professional Sports by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams

Season on the Brink: A Year with Bob Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers by John Feinstein

Friday Night Lights: a Town, a Team, and a Dream by H.G. Bissinger

Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby
____________________________________________________________________

Education
Education Documentaries
Waiting for Superman

Road to Nowhere

American Teacher

Dropout Nation

Separate and Unequal
Education Longform
"Choosing a School for My Daughter in a Segregated City" by Nikole-Hannah Jones
"Failure Factories" by Fitzpatrick, Gardner, and Laforgia

School Segregation, the Continuing Tragedy of Ferguson" by Nikole-Hannah Jones

"How to Get Into an Ivy League College Guaranteed" by Peter Waldman

Education Full-Length Non-Fiction
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got That Way by Amanda Ripley

The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education by Diane Ravitch

Confessions of a Bad Teacher: The Shocking Truth from the Front Lines of American Education by John Owens

True Crime
True Crime Documentaries
The Thin Blue Line

The Central Park Five

Paradise Lost

The Jinx

Capturing the Friedmans

The Imposter
True Crime Longform
"96 Minutes" by Pamela Coloff
"The Last Ride of Cowboy Bob" by Skip Hollandsworth

"The Day Treva Thorneberry Disappeared" by Skip Hollandsworth

"Cheer Mom" by Jeff Maysh

"Busted" by Ryan Gabrielson and Topher Sanders

"Trial by Fire" by David Grann

True Crime Full-Length Non-Fiction
Best American Crime Writing series

In Broad Daylight by Norman McLean

Columbine by Dave Cullen

Fatal Vision by Joe McGinniss

A Wilderness of Error by Errol Morris

Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets by David Simon

Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Hellhound on His Trail by Hampton Sides

Manhunt: The 12-Day Hunt to Catch Lincoln's Killer by James Swanson
Social Media and Technology
Social Media and Technology Documentary
Generation Like

Citizenfour

Indie Game: The Movie

We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists
Social Media and Technology Longform
"Selfies, Dating, and the American 14-Year Old" by Nancy Jo Sales
"A Honeypot for Assholes" by Charlie Warzel

"Trial by Twitter" by Ariel Levy

"Twitter is Betting Everything on Jack Dorsey. Will it Work?" by Nick Bilton

"Small Change" by Malcolm Gladwell

"How the NYPD is Using Social Media to Put Harlem Teens Behind Bars" by Ben Popper

Social Media and Technology Full-Length Non-Fiction
So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

Future Crimes: Everything is Connected by Marc Goodman

Countdown to Zero Day: Stuxnet and the Launch of the World's First Digital Weapon by Kim Zetter (see also: War)

Dark Territory: The Secret History of Cyber War by Fred Kaplan

Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World's Most Wanted Hacker by Mitnick, Wozniak, and Simon
____________________________________________________________________

Exploration and Adventure
Exploration and Adventure Documentary
The Endurance

180 South: Conquerors of the Useless

Into the Cold: A Journey into the Soul

Grizzly Man

Step Into Liquid
Exploration and Adventure Longform
"A Sea Story" by William Langweische
"The Last American Man" by Elizabeth Gilbert

"In Deep" by Burkhard Bilger

"A Speck in the Sea" by Paul Tough

"19: The True Story of the Yarnell Fire" by Kyle Dickman

"Roughing It" by Dorothy Wickenden

Exploration and High Adventure Full-Length Non-Fiction
In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick

In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Voyage of the USS Jeannette by Hampton Sides

The Devil's Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea

The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks by Susan Casey

The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger
__________________________________________________________________
Espionage, Hacking, and International Intrigue
Espionage, Hacking, and International Intrigue Documentary
We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks

Citizenfour

The Oath

Hacker Wars

We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists

Spying on the Homefront, a PBS Frontline Documentary
Espionage, Hacking, International Relations Longform
"Inside the Hack of the Century" by Peter Elkind
"The Geeks on the Front Lines" by David Kushner

"The Mystery of the Creepiest Television Hack" by Chris Knittel

"Weaponize the Media: An Anonymous Rapper's War on Steubenville"

"The Journalist and the Spies" by Dexter Filkins
Espionage, Hacking, International Relations Full-Length Non-Fiction
See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA's War Against Terrorism by Robert Baer

Charlie Wilson's War by George Crile

The Billion Dollar Spy: A True Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal

Kingpin: How One Hacker Took Over the Billion-Dollar Cybercrime Underground by Kevin Paulsen

Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World's Most Wanted Hacker by Kevin Mitnick
__________________________________________________________________
Music
Music Documentaries
It Might Get Loud

Muscle Shoals

Marley

Searching for Sugar Man

Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck

Scratch

Dave Chappelle's Block Party

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster

American Hardcore

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan
Music Longform
"Blowhards" by Chris Sweeney

"Papa" by Sean Flynn

"Genius: The Nickelback Story" by Ben Paynter

"Down and Out in the Top 10" by Nitsuh Abebe

"Delta Dawn" by Chris Kjorness
Music Full-Length Non-Fiction
This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Daniel J. Levitin

Musicophilia by Olive Sacks

Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley by Timothy White

Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain by Charles R. Cross

Life by Keith Richards
Go here to find more readings and films:
PBS Frontline

Pro Publica

The Marshall Project

30 for 30 series from ESPN

Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting

Vice News

The Center for Public Integrity

The Center for Investigative Reporting

NOVA

American Experience

Al Jazeera

Open Secrets

Democracy Now!

National Review

Wall Street Journal

Washington Post

New York Times

www.longform.org

www.longreads.com

The Atavist

The Big Roundtable

Epic Magazine

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Walker Readings and Documentary Films for ap english Language and Composition

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Walker Readings and Documentary Films for AP English Language and Composition As part of your coursework for AP Language, you will be required to read full-length works of non-fiction, documentaries, longform articles, newspaper articles, weekly news magazine articles, opinion/editorials, online news and commentary, and readings and videos from other sources.

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College Board Action Plan for the School Year

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College Board Action Plan for the School Year

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Fall
It's Going to Be a Great Year-You've Got This!
Join Your Class Section Online

Your AP teachers will provide you with a unique join code for each of your AP classes. Log into your College Board account and the unique code to join your class section and receive access to AP resources and tools, including AP Classroom.

Explore AP Classroom

Log in to MyAP to access AP Classroom, which is where you'll find course resources like AP Daily videos and assignments from your AP teacher.

Use AP Daily videos to preview or review what you're studying in class. These short, mobile-friendly videos provide targeted support to help you build the knowledge and skills you'll need for your AP Exam.

Ask your AP teachers how they'll be using AP Classroom during the school year. If they assign Topic Questions and Progress Checks, you can track your learning in the My Assignments and My Reports section of AP Classroom.

Take Charge of Your Learning

Follow along with your AP teacher's lessons and assignments-it's the best way to stay on track.

Ask questions along the way. This will help you better remember the material you're learning and allow you to develop skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.

Form study groups with your friends and classmates.

Follow @APforStudents on Twitter for encouragement, tips, and reminders from the AP Program.

Register for Your AP Exams

Ask your AP teacher or coordinator about your school's AP Exam registration deadline and any exam fees, as well as if you're eligible for a fee reduction.

Review these reasons to commit to taking your AP Exams. Nearly all colleges offer credit for qualifying scores for the most popular AP courses.

Remember: 2 out of 3 AP students earn some college credit in high school.

Winter
Keep Up the Great Work-Persistence Is Key!
Stay Engaged with Your Coursework

Refresh your knowledge and skills by watching AP Daily videos and completing any practice assignments your teacher has created in AP Classroom.

Check out the University Faculty Lectures in AP Classroom to get a sense of what it would feel like to take a college class in a subject you're interested in. Log into one of your AP courses in AP Classroom, click on the Course Resources section in the left navigation pane, select the Overview tab, and then expand the Student Resources section to see a list of lectures available for that course.

Choose Your AP Courses for Next Year

Now's the time to start thinking about which AP courses you want to take next fall. We have the tools to help you choose.

Did you know that there are 38 AP courses ranging from social sciences to the arts, to STEM subjects and more? Meet with your school counselor to find out which classes are available at your school. This blog post also outlines How To Pick AP Courses.

Match college majors and careers with AP courses that can help you reach your future career goals.

If you're interested in a particular college, university, or scholarship organization, select the school you want to receive your free AP score report. This is an important step to ensure you get the college credit you've earned.

Spring
You're Almost There-Finish the Year Strong!
If you have any questions about AP along the way, check out AP Students.

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It's Going to Be a Great Year-You've Got This! Your AP teachers will provide you with a unique join code for each of your AP classes. Log into your College Board account and the unique code to join your class section and receive access to AP resources and tools, including AP Classroom.

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Tweets by APforStudents

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The AP Program offers college-level courses and exams that you can take in high school. Taking AP courses and exams in high school could give you an advantage in college by letting you: Earn College Credit and Placement Save Money and Time Stand Out to Colleges Keep Your Options Open Nearly all colleges and universities in the United States grant credit and placement for qualifying AP scores.

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"ap lang" "ap lang tips" "coach hall writes" "ap language and composition"

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Educational videos to help high school students with essay writing and standardized test prep.

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"A Whisper of Aids" speech by Mary M. Fisher

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"A Whisper of Aids" speech by Mary M. Fisher

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Homework 08/19/2022

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2021 Argument Student Samples and Scoring Commentaries (Perfection)

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2021 Argument Student Samples and Scoring Commentaries (Perfection)

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1 - Rhetorical Analysis Sentence Frames for Nonfiction Texts.pdf

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Conclusion and Thesis - with all examples .pdf

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2021 Synthesis Scoring Guidelines (Handwriting)

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2021 Synthesis Scoring Guidelines (Handwriting)

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Course Description and Sample Questions

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AP English Language and Composition Course and Exam Description, Effective Fall 2020

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Note: The table below features a selection of free-response questions and related scoring information from the 2020 exam. You can find all of the 2020 FRQs and corresponding scoring information in AP Classroom.

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AP English Language and Composition Past Exam Questions

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Download free-response questions from past AP English Language & Composition exams, along with scoring guidelines, sample responses, and scoring distributions.

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2022 AP Score Distribution (Trevor Packer)

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2022 AP Score Distribution (Trevor Packer)

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See how all AP students performed on the most recent exams. The score distribution tables on this page show the percentages of 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s for each AP subject. Download a PDF version of the 2021 score distributions.

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2021 FRQs (Rosa Parks, Handwriting, Perfection)

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2021 FRQs (Rosa Parks, Handwriting, Perfection)

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Rhetorical Analysis Rubric FRQ 2

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Argument Rubric FRQ 3

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Synthesis Rubric FRQ 1

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Sample of MC Questions