Based On The MLA Style Guide, What Do You Need To Submit With A Research Paper?A. Annotated BibliographyB. Works Cited PageC. Bibliographic CardsD. Note Cards

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The Essential Components of a Research Paper: A Guide to MLA Style

When it comes to submitting a research paper, it's essential to understand the requirements of the MLA (Modern Language Association) style guide. This style is commonly used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. In this article, we'll explore the essential components of a research paper and what you need to submit, according to the MLA style guide.

Understanding the MLA Style Guide

The MLA style guide provides a set of guidelines for formatting and citing sources in research papers. It's essential to follow these guidelines to ensure that your paper is properly formatted and that you receive credit for the sources you've used. The MLA style guide is widely used in academic institutions and is considered a standard for research papers in the humanities.

The Components of a Research Paper

A research paper typically consists of several components, including:

  • Title Page: The title page should include the title of the paper, your name, and the name of the instructor or professor.
  • Abstract: The abstract is a brief summary of the paper, usually around 150-250 words.
  • Introduction: The introduction should provide an overview of the topic, including background information and a thesis statement.
  • Body: The body of the paper should include the main arguments and evidence, supported by sources.
  • Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points and reiterate the thesis statement.
  • Works Cited Page: The works cited page is a list of all the sources used in the paper, formatted according to the MLA style guide.

What to Submit with a Research Paper

Now that we've covered the components of a research paper, let's focus on what you need to submit with your paper, according to the MLA style guide.

  • Works Cited Page: The works cited page is a crucial component of a research paper. It's a list of all the sources used in the paper, formatted according to the MLA style guide. The works cited page should include the following information:
    • Author's name
    • Title of the source
    • Publication date
    • Page numbers (if applicable)
    • Medium of publication (e.g., print, web, DVD)
  • Annotated Bibliography: An annotated bibliography is a list of sources used in the paper, with a brief summary or annotation of each source. While not required by the MLA style guide, an annotated bibliography can be a useful tool for researchers and writers.
  • Bibliographic Cards: Bibliographic cards are not typically used in MLA style research papers. Instead, researchers and writers use a citation management tool, such as Zotero or EndNote, to organize and format their sources.
  • Note Cards: Note cards are not typically used in MLA style research papers. Instead, researchers and writers use a citation management tool, such as Zotero or EndNote, to organize and format their sources.

Tips for Formatting Your Works Cited Page

Formatting your works cited page according to the MLA style guide can be a daunting task, but here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Use a consistent citation style: Use the same citation style throughout your paper, including the works cited page.
  • Use a hanging indent: Use a hanging indent to format your citations, with the first line of each citation flush left and subsequent lines indented 0.5 inches.
  • Include all sources: Include all sources used in the paper, even if they're not cited in the text.
  • Check for accuracy: Double-check your citations for accuracy, including author names, publication dates, and page numbers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the MLA style guide provides a set of guidelines for formatting and citing sources in research papers. When submitting a research paper, it's essential to include a works cited page, which is a list of all the sources used in the paper, formatted according to the MLA style guide. While an annotated bibliography and bibliographic cards are not required by the MLA style guide, they can be useful tools for researchers and writers. By following these guidelines and tips, you can ensure that your research paper is properly formatted and that you receive credit for the sources you've used.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is the MLA style guide? A: The MLA style guide is a set of guidelines for formatting and citing sources in research papers, commonly used in the humanities.
  • Q: What is the works cited page? A: The works cited page is a list of all the sources used in the paper, formatted according to the MLA style guide.
  • Q: Do I need to include an annotated bibliography with my research paper? A: No, an annotated bibliography is not required by the MLA style guide, but it can be a useful tool for researchers and writers.
  • Q: How do I format my works cited page? A: Use a consistent citation style, a hanging indent, and include all sources used in the paper, even if they're not cited in the text.

Additional Resources

  • MLA Style Guide: The official MLA style guide website provides a comprehensive guide to formatting and citing sources in research papers.
  • Citation Management Tools: Zotero and EndNote are popular citation management tools that can help you organize and format your sources.
  • Research Paper Templates: Many academic institutions provide research paper templates that can help you get started on your paper.
    Frequently Asked Questions: A Guide to MLA Style Research Papers

As a researcher or writer, you may have questions about the MLA style guide and how to format your research paper. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about MLA style research papers.

Q: What is the MLA style guide?

A: The MLA style guide is a set of guidelines for formatting and citing sources in research papers, commonly used in the humanities. It provides a standard for formatting and citing sources, including in-text citations, footnotes, and a works cited page.

Q: What is the difference between MLA and APA style?

A: MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. APA (American Psychological Association) style is commonly used in social sciences, such as psychology, education, and business.

Q: What is the works cited page?

A: The works cited page is a list of all the sources used in the paper, formatted according to the MLA style guide. It includes the author's name, title of the source, publication date, and page numbers (if applicable).

Q: Do I need to include an annotated bibliography with my research paper?

A: No, an annotated bibliography is not required by the MLA style guide, but it can be a useful tool for researchers and writers. An annotated bibliography is a list of sources used in the paper, with a brief summary or annotation of each source.

Q: How do I format my works cited page?

A: Use a consistent citation style, a hanging indent, and include all sources used in the paper, even if they're not cited in the text. The works cited page should be formatted as follows:

  • Author's name
  • Title of the source
  • Publication date
  • Page numbers (if applicable)
  • Medium of publication (e.g., print, web, DVD)

Q: What is the difference between a citation and a reference?

A: A citation is a brief reference to a source in the text, usually in the form of an author's name and page number. A reference is a full citation of the source, including the author's name, title of the source, publication date, and page numbers (if applicable).

Q: How do I cite a source with multiple authors?

A: If a source has multiple authors, you should list all the authors in the citation, separated by commas. If there are more than three authors, you should list the first author's name followed by "et al." (meaning "and others").

Q: How do I cite a source with no author?

A: If a source has no author, you should use the title of the source in the citation, followed by the publication date.

Q: How do I cite a source with no publication date?

A: If a source has no publication date, you should use the date of access or the date of publication (if available).

Q: Can I use a citation management tool to help me format my sources?

A: Yes, citation management tools such as Zotero and EndNote can help you organize and format your sources. These tools can also help you generate citations and bibliographies.

Q: What is the purpose of a research paper?

A: The purpose of a research paper is to present original research or analysis on a topic, using evidence and arguments to support your claims. A research paper should demonstrate your understanding of the topic and your ability to think critically and analytically.

Q: What are the key elements of a research paper?

A: The key elements of a research paper include:

  • A clear and concise thesis statement
  • A well-organized and logical structure
  • Evidence and arguments to support your claims
  • A clear and concise writing style
  • Proper citation and referencing of sources

Q: How do I get started on a research paper?

A: To get started on a research paper, you should:

  • Choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to the course or assignment
  • Conduct preliminary research to get a sense of the topic and the sources available
  • Develop a clear and concise thesis statement
  • Create an outline to organize your ideas and structure your paper
  • Begin writing your paper, using evidence and arguments to support your claims.

Additional Resources

  • MLA Style Guide: The official MLA style guide website provides a comprehensive guide to formatting and citing sources in research papers.
  • Citation Management Tools: Zotero and EndNote are popular citation management tools that can help you organize and format your sources.
  • Research Paper Templates: Many academic institutions provide research paper templates that can help you get started on your paper.