I’ve only read a handful of papers. 1/2 have been amazing, and half have been … uninspiring but generally ok. That’s not too bad. Some advice, tips or clarifications for you-all.
In text quotations
Re: block quotations. Only one person’s followed MLA so far. I notice Purdue’s OWL and several other sources get it WRONG. Page 7 of the PDF Norton provides free online re: MLA format says:
When quoting more than three lines of poetry, more than four lines of prose, or dialogue from a drama, set off the quotation from the rest of your text, indenting it one inch (or ten spaces) from the left margin. Do not use quotation marks. Place any parenthetical documentation after the final punctuation. [emphasis mine]
See also the sample paper page 5 on pdf page 46.
Also:
- every source quoted or used to support an argument should show up in the works page. Even when you quote media such as: songs, films, TV, etc.
- if you quote something, there needs to be and immediate (or ajacent) indication of where to find citation info on the works page. Usually this is the author’s last name.
- when quoting, include page #’s to help readers find the original quote. This is essential if quoting from a book, or database that uses PDF’s with page #’s, or a periodical or anything that provides page #’s. Assume the reader will track down your quote, and make it easy. You may have to go back yourself.
Works Consulted info isn’t just for your reader – it can help you track down your source again when you lose a draft, print out, whatever. That’s why I work on / update the works page every time I find a new source. Just heard a sad story of a great source lost forever. I’ve been there. Work on your bib page from the beginning and keep it up to date.
thank u........................................