Mastering MLA Citations Quiz

When creating an in-text citation for a source with no author, what should you use?

• The title of the work

• The word "Anonymous"

• A shortened version of the URL

• The first item listed in the Works Cited entry

Answer explanation

When creating an in-text citation for a source with no author, you should use the title of the work as the citation. This helps identify the source within the text.

How should you format a Works Cited page?

• Alphabetically by author's last name

• Chronologically by publication date

• By order of appearance in the essay

• Alphabetically by title of the work

Answer explanation

The Works Cited page should be formatted alphabetically by the author's last name, making it easier for readers to locate specific references.

Which of the following demonstrates the correct way to quote a source?

• It has been said that "the data is inconclusive" (Smith 45).

• Smith says that "the data is inconclusive." (45)

• "The data is inconclusive," says Smith (45).

• "The data is inconclusive" (Smith, p. 45).

Answer explanation

The correct way to quote a source is 'It has been said that "the data is inconclusive" (Smith 45).' This format includes the author's name and page number within the parentheses.

What is a signal phrase?

• A phrase that signals the end of an essay

• A phrase that introduces a quote or paraphrase

• A phrase used to indicate a source is about to be cited

• Both B and C

Answer explanation

A signal phrase is a phrase that introduces a quote or paraphrase and is used to indicate a source is about to be cited, making both options B and C the correct choices.

Which of the following is NOT a guideline of MLA format?

• Double-spacing throughout the document

• Using a 12-point, Times New Roman font

• Including a title page

• 1-inch margins on all sides

Answer explanation

The correct choice is including a title page because MLA format does not require a title page, unlike the other options which are part of MLA guidelines.

How do you create a hanging indent for your Works Cited page in a document?

• By indenting the first line of each citation

• By indenting all lines except the first line of each citation

• By using bullet points for each citation

• By placing each citation in a separate text box

Answer explanation

To create a hanging indent for your Works Cited page, you need to indent all lines except the first line of each citation.

When paraphrasing a source, what is crucial to avoid plagiarism?

• Changing a few words in the sentence

• Citing the source

• Using quotation marks

• Writing a summary instead

Answer explanation

Citing the source is crucial to avoid plagiarism when paraphrasing a source.

In MLA format, how should the title of a book be formatted in your essay?

• Underlined

• In quotation marks

• In italics

• In bold

Answer explanation

The title of a book in MLA format should be formatted in italics when included in an essay.

Which of the following is the correct way to cite a book with one author in the Works Cited page?

• Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Date.

• First Name Last Name, Title of Book, Publisher, Publication Date.

• Title of Book by First Name Last Name, Publisher, Publication Date.

• Last Name, First Name, Title of Book, Publication Date, Publisher.

Answer explanation

The correct way to cite a book with one author in the Works Cited page is 'Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Date.'

When citing a website in MLA format, which of the following is NOT required?

• Date of access

• The URL

• The publisher of the site

• The author's email address

Answer explanation

The author's email address is NOT required when citing a website in MLA format.