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Essential Question:
Essential Question:
What sources are most necessary for my topic?
What sources are most necessary for my topic?
Good sources are the foundation of effective nonfiction writing. It is impossible for a writer to be everywhere at once, and so you must rely on your research to fill in the blanks of your own experiences. In many cases, you will rely fully on research, such as when writing about historical events.
Key Terms
Key Terms
Primary Source
Secondary Source
MLA Format
The Third Task: Compiling a List of Sources
For this module, you will prepare a list of sources to submit to your editor. Please begin by reviewing the two sections below. The first focuses on the differences between primary and secondary sources, and the second provides an introduction to MLA format (which you will use when writing your article).
Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary and Secondary Sources
The above video does an excellent job reviewing the differences between primary and secondary sources. As you conduct your own research, you are likely to rely mostly on secondary sources, but try to also incorporate primary sources as possible. Consider drawing on databases of photos of historical events, for example.
Introduction to MLA Format
Introduction to MLA Format
MLA format is the standard format to use when writing about literature and writing. It is also commonly used in Middle Schools and High Schools around the United States.
Be aware that MLA format is by no means the only format in use. As you continue on your academic career you may also be asked to abide by other formats, such as Chicago and APA.
Furthermore, many publications use their own "house" style. It is always of the utmost importance to check which style or format is expected when preparing an article for publication.
To review the major elements of MLA style I have created a short video which provides information about General MLA style, as well as MLA citations and the Works Cited page.
The video may be found below.
Introduction to MLA Format.mp4MLA Format
MLA Format
Please review the video introduction to MLA format. The format for citations does vary widely depending on the type of source, so you should always be sure to double check your formatting when creating a work cited page. Please use the following links to learn more about MLA format.
OWL Powerpoint Presentation (Updated for 8th edition!)
Submitting a List of Sources
Submitting a List of Sources
The list of sources should be submitted in MLA format, and each entry should be followed by a short annotation. This note should explain how you know the source to be reliable, and which parts of the source will be most useful in your writing. Each annotation should be short and to-the-point, never more than a few sentences.
Ready to Write
Ready to Write
Once you have impressed your editor, it's time to set pen to paper (or fingers to keys). Click the button to move on to the next module.
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