Activity 1: Documenting Sources

An important part of writing the research paper is using an acceptable method of documentation. Information about using parenthetical citations and about formatting a "Works Cited" page can be found in a variety of places on the web.

Directions: Use a search engine to locate "MLA guidelines" or visit:

The Purdue University Writing Lab

Once you've looked at the format, take a step back and consider: What is the point of documenting your sources? (Is there more than one reason it's important?) Why is each piece of the information you provide about a source essential?

Activity 2: Formatting Works Cited Entries

Directions: Below are three different sources used for a research paper. Format three Works Cited entries using the information provided. Consult your book for help.

1. A book called Coffee or Tea? by Janice Hardy. Published by Heartford Books in New York in 1998.

2. An article called "Making It Count" by Julia Shephard in Bliss Magazine, November 1998.

3. A newspaper article called "Lost at Sea" by John Dixon in The Toronto Times on June 9, 1999.

4. An online article called "prose & poetry - Cecil Lewis" by michael duffy. http://www.firstworldwar.com/poetsandprose/lewis.htm. Downloaded March 15, 2004.

Activity 3: Note-taking/Plagiarism

As you take notes on your secondary sources, you must remember to acknowledge your sources correctly or you'll run the risk of committing plagiarism.

Directions: Go to www.imdb.com and type in the name of your favorite movie. Take notes on one of the user comments, making sure to put quotation marks around words, phrases, or sentences taken verbatim from the website.

In your own words, provide a summary of the movie review below.