Approaches to Writing - Assignment 5B - MLA Parenthetical Reference Format
Assignment 5B - MLA Parenthetical Reference Format
(Estimated Completion Time - 60 - 90 minutes)
What is the assignment? As you prepare to write the first version of your research paper, you will need to become familiar with MLA format for citing sources in your paper. Remember, ALL INFORMATION that you borrow from another author--whether it is a quotation, a statistic, an example, etc.--will need to be cited in your paper. MLA authorizes two formats for citing sources: footnotes/endnotes (rarely used in college research papers these days) and parenthetical references (the preferred format for this class and most other college classes using MLA documentation style).

First, read pp. 203 - 08 in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers to learn proper format for placing parenthetical references within the text of a research paper. Then, browse pp. 208 - 26 to become familiar with the many variations of in-text parenthetical references. (It will also be helpful for you to read pp. 80 - 93 to learn about incorporating and punctuating quotations.)

To demonstrate your understanding of MLA parenthetical reference format, copy and paste the paragraph below into a Microsoft Word document. Then, incorporate parenthetical references wherever they are needed. NOTE: Three (3) parenthetical references should be incorporated into this paragraph.

All necessary information to put in the parenthetical reference can be found in the Works Cited entries and bulleted notes that follow the paragraph. Also see the "Helpful Hints" below for suggestions.

How do I submit the assignment? After incorporating parenthetical references into the paragraph, submit it to Kenn via e-mail, as an attachment (see "Submitting/Reading an Attachment" for instructions on how to submit assignments via e-mail). Use MLA paper format for your submission (standard margins, header, etc.) and simply title your document, MLA Parenthetical Reference Format.
When is it due? See the Calendar for the due date.

Copy and Paste This Paragraph
After pasting the following paragraph into a Microsoft Word document, incorporate three (3) parenthetical references where they belong after borrowed information. Authors and page numbers for borrowed information appear below in the Works Cited and accompanying bulleted notes. (If you need instructions on how to copy and paste text, consult the technical consultants listed on the "Course Participants" page.)

By tolerating their children's involvement in violent gangs, parents send a signal to their children that they no longer care about their children's future. Members of violent gangs often suffer physical injuries, long-term disabilities, or even death. These are possible calamities that no responsible parent would tolerate. According to sociologist Ruth Horowitz, who conducted a three-year study of Hispanic gangs in one Chicago community in the early 1970's, physical injuries among gang members are "relatively common." The physical injuries reported in her study were a result of gang members being hit by a baseball bat, fighting at school, and participating in drive-by shootings. Although most violent incidents among these gang members did not end in death, the community still experienced an average of five gang-related deaths per year. As Kristen Sandor O'Connor, author of "Gangs," warns parents, "If we don't educate ourselves and our kids, we may find ourselves . . . paying a deadly price." Since physical harm may affect a child for life, parents who would tolerate their children's involvement with violent gangs clearly show their disregard for their children's futures.

Works Cited

Citation

  • On p. 439 Horowitz reports that "[a]cts of expressive violence by one or more gang members were relatively common." She also notes that, although most violent incidents did not end in death, the community experienced an average of five gang-related deaths per year.

  • On pp. 442-43, Horowitz reports the case of a gang member suffering injuries from being hit by a baseball bat.

  • On p. 444, Horowitz reports the case of a gang member suffering injuries from participating in drive-by shootings.

  • On p. 446, Horowitz reports the case of a gang member suffering injuries from fighting at school.

Citation

  • In her Web site, Sandor states, "If we don't educate ourselves and our kids, we may find ourselves . . . doing, saying, or wearing the wrong thing at the wrong time, and paying a deadly price."
Any final suggestions? Read the "Scoring Criteria" and "Helpful Hints" before submitting this assignment.
Any questions or comments for Kenn?
Where do I go next?
Go to "Assignment 5C."

Rio Web Architect: Michael L. Geiger
Content by Kenn Pierson
Created March 29, 1998 - Last Updated: March 30, 2000
©2000 M.L.Geiger
URL: http://www-rcf.usc.edu/~mgeiger/ENG101