Eng 4U

​ENG4U – English, Grade 12, University Preparation.


Topic: Course Overview, MLA Citation, and Avoiding Plagiarism

By Christabel Eke Date: Wednesday, 10th September 2025

​Course Overview

• Focus on reading, writing(critical essays), communication, and critical thinking

• Prepares students for university-level English

• Emphasis on academic essays (products of your understanding of scholarly materials) research and analysis of texts

• Includes poetry analysis and reading selected novels
  
  

Key Learning Areas:

• Reading & Interpretation: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama

  (Short Stories, Poetry and Writing Analysis, Novel study and Play)

• Poetry Analysis: form, style, meaning

• Novel Studies: themes, characters, literary techniques

• Academic essay writing and creative work

• Oral communication and presentations

• Independent research & critical analysis
  

Assessment Components

• Reading & Literary Analysis – essays on novels, poetry, plays

• Writing –  persuasive, and research essays

• Speaking & Listening – class discussions, oral presentations

• Independent Study Unit (ISU) – major research project

Introduction to MLA Citation

• MLA = Modern Language Association

• Used in English & Humanities

• Standardized method to credit sources in essays and research

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MLA In-Text Citations

• Format: Author’s last name + page or chapter number in parentheses

• Example: (Achebe 45 or Achebe ch 45)

• Apply inverted commas after quotes, paraphrases, or ideas from sources

MLA Citation Page

• Alphabetical list of all sources used

• Example:
  Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. Anchor Books, 1994.

• Formatting: double-spaced, hanging indent, 12 pt Times New Roman

What is Plagiarism?

• Using someone else’s words or ideas without credit

• Includes: copying, paraphrasing without citation, submitting others’ work

• Consequences: loss of marks, academic penalties

How to Avoid Plagiarism

• Always cite sources (quotes, paraphrases, summaries)

• Use MLA citation correctly

• Take careful research notes

• Check your work with plagiarism tools

Final Tips & Resources

• Ask your teacher if unsure about citations

• Use  MLA Handbook as reference

• Remember: academic honesty is key to success in ENG4U and beyond