MLA QUIZ

What does MLA stand for?

• Modern Language Association

• Modern Learning Association

• Medieval Literature Association

• Media Language Association

Answer explanation

MLA (Modern Language Association) Style is widely used in the humanities, especially in writing on language and literature.

Which edition of the MLA Handbook is currently in use as of 2024?

• 7th edition

• 8th edition

• 9th edition

• 0th edition

Answer explanation

The Modern Language Association (the MLA) released an updated version of their MLA Handbook in April 2021. The great news is that not much has changed from the 8th edition to the 9th edition! The format for both in-text and Works Cited citations remains the same through this update.

Which of the following is the correct way to cite a book in MLA format?

• Author. "Title of Book." Publisher, Year.

• Author. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.

• Author. Title of Book. Publisher, Year. Pages.

• Author. "Title of Book." Publisher, Year. Pages.

Answer explanation

Each element should be followed by the corresponding punctuation mark shown above. Earlier editions of the handbook included the place of publication and required different punctuation (such as journal editions in parentheses and colons after issue numbers) depending on the type of source. In the current version, punctuation is simpler (only commas and periods separate the elements), and information about the source is kept to the basics.

In MLA format, how is a work cited in a list of works cited?

• Last name, First name. Title. Publisher, Year.

• First name Last name. Title. Publisher, Year.

• Last name, First name. Title. Publisher, Year. Pages.

• First name Last name. Title. Publisher, Year. Pages.

Answer explanation

In MLA format, a work is cited in a list of works cited as follows:

Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.

Here’s an example:

Smith, John. The Great Adventure. Adventure Press, 2020.

Which of the following is the correct way to cite a website in MLA format?

• Author. "Title of Web Page." Website Name, Day Month Year, URL.

• Author. Website Name, Day Month Year, URL

• Author. "Title of Web Page." Website Name, URL.

• Author. "Title of Web Page." Day Month Year, URL.

Answer explanation

The correct way to cite a website in MLA format is as follows:

Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Web Page." Website Name, Day Month Year of publication, URL.

Here’s an example:

Doe, Jane. "Exploring the Unknown." Discovery Channel, 15 July 2023, www.discoverychannel.com/exploring-the-unknown.

True or False Question

6. In MLA format, the title of a book should be italicized.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

The title of the book should be in between double quotation marks with the container written in italics

Example

Dover, John. "A Raging Storm" Marine Biology, vol 3, no 10, 1987, pp 12-34

True or False Question

6. In MLA format, the Works Cited page should be double-spaced.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

True. In MLA format, the Works Cited page should be double-spaced. This formatting rule ensures consistency and readability across the document, making it easier to distinguish between different entries and follow the references.

True or False Question

6. MLA format requires a title page.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

MLA format does not require a title page to maintain simplicity and consistency. Instead, essential information such as the student's name, instructor's name, course, and date are included on the first page of the document. This approach aligns with MLA's emphasis on a clean, straightforward layout, making documents easier to read and organize without the need for an additional cover page.

True or False Question

6. In MLA format, each entry in the Works Cited page should be numbered.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

False. In MLA format, entries in the Works Cited page should not be numbered. Instead, they should be listed alphabetically by the author's last name or by the title if no author is provided. This helps maintain a clean and organized presentation of sources.

True or False Question

6. In MLA format, the first line of each paragraph should be indented half an inch from the left margin.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

True. In MLA format, the first line of each paragraph should be indented half an inch from the left margin. This indentation helps to visually separate paragraphs and improve the readability of the text.