Mastering Essay Writing with OWL at Purdue

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Use of Sources in Essays
3. Formatting and Citing in MLA Style
4. Structure of an Essay in MLA Format
   • 4.1 Title and Page Number
   • 4.2 Name, Instructor's Name, Class, and Due Date
   • 4.3 Indenting Paragraphs
5. Incorporating Quotations, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
   • 5.1 Quoting Directly from a Source
   • 5.2 Paraphrasing an Author's Idea
   • 5.3 Summarizing an Author's Idea
6. In-Text Citations and Works Cited Page
   • 6.1 In-Text Citations
   • 6.2 Works Cited Page
7. Understanding the Elements of an Essay
   • 7.1 Logos
   • 7.2 Pathos
   • 7.3 Ethos
8. Creating an Accurate Works Cited Page
9. Following the Correct Format for Works Cited
10. Conclusion

Using Sources in an Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

In academic writing, it is common to be asked to incorporate outside sources in your essays. Whether it is as a reference or to provide additional information, using sources requires proper formatting and citation. This guide will walk you through the process of effectively using sources in your essay while following the MLA (Modern Language Association) style guidelines for formatting and citation. From understanding the structure of an essay to incorporating quotations, paraphrasing, and summarizing, this guide will provide you with the necessary information to properly cite your sources. Additionally, it will explain in-text citations and how to create a works cited page. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of how to utilize sources in your essay and ensure that you adhere to the MLA style guidelines.

1. Introduction

In this section, we will provide an overview of the importance of using sources in essays and the significance of proper formatting and citation.

2. Understanding the Use of Sources in Essays

In this section, we will discuss the reasons why you may be required to use sources in your essays and how they can add depth and credibility to your arguments.

3. Formatting and Citing in MLA Style

This section will provide a detailed explanation of the MLA style guidelines for formatting and citation, including information on how to format your paper and how to create an accurate works cited page.

4. Structure of an Essay in MLA Format

In this section, we will discuss the specific structure that an essay should have when written in MLA format, including the proper placement of titles, page numbers, and indenting paragraphs.

4.1 Title and Page Number

Here, we will explain how to format the title and page number of your essay in MLA style.

4.2 Name, Instructor's Name, Class, and Due Date

This subsection will provide guidelines on how to include your name, instructor's name, class, and due date in your essay according to MLA style.

4.3 Indenting Paragraphs

In this subsection, we will explain how to properly indent paragraphs in an essay written in MLA format.

5. Incorporating Quotations, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing

This section will provide guidance on how to incorporate quotations, paraphrases, and summaries in your essay, along with the appropriate use of quotation marks and citation.

5.1 Quoting Directly from a Source

Here, we will explain the proper way to quote directly from a source in your essay and the necessary steps to cite the source.

5.2 Paraphrasing an Author's Idea

This subsection will provide tips on how to effectively paraphrase an author's idea in your essay, including when to use quotation marks and when to omit them.

5.3 Summarizing an Author's Idea

In this subsection, we will explain the process of summarizing an author's idea and how to attribute the information to the source without using quotation marks.

6. In-Text Citations and Works Cited Page

This section will provide a comprehensive explanation of in-text citations and how to create a works cited page, ensuring that you give proper credit to your sources.

6.1 In-Text Citations

Here, we will explain the purpose of in-text citations and provide examples of how to format them according to MLA style.

6.2 Works Cited Page

In this subsection, we will guide you through the process of creating a works cited page, including the correct format and organization of the entries.

7. Understanding the Elements of an Essay

This section will delve into the three essential elements of an essay - logos, pathos, and ethos - and explain how they contribute to effective writing.

7.1 Logos

Here, we will discuss the importance of using facts, statistics, and other logical arguments in your essay to appeal to the reader's sense of logic.

7.2 Pathos

In this subsection, we will explore the role of emotional appeal in writing and how to effectively engage the reader's emotions in your essay.

7.3 Ethos

Here, we will explain the significance of establishing credibility and trustworthiness in your writing and how to achieve this through proper citation of sources.

8. Creating an Accurate Works Cited Page

This section will provide tips and guidelines on how to accurately create a works cited page, avoiding common mistakes and ensuring that all necessary information is included.

9. Following the Correct Format for Works Cited

Here, we will provide detailed instructions on how to follow the correct format for a works cited page, including alphabetical ordering and proper formatting of different source types.

10. Conclusion

In this final section, we will summarize the key points discussed throughout the guide and emphasize the importance of using sources in an essay while adhering to MLA style guidelines.

Highlights

• Learn how to effectively use sources in your essays while following MLA style guidelines.
• Understand the importance of proper formatting and citation to enhance the credibility of your arguments.
• Discover the correct placement of titles, page numbers, and indenting paragraphs in an essay written in MLA format.
• Gain insights on when to quote directly, paraphrase, or summarize an author's ideas, along with the appropriate citation methods.
• Master the art of in-text citations and create an accurate works cited page to give proper credit to your sources.

FAQs

Q: Can I use sources in my essays for non-research writing classes? A: Yes, it is common to use external sources in essays for non-research writing classes, either as prompts or to provide additional information on the subject.

Q: Do I need to format and cite sources if they are provided by the instructor? A: Yes, even if the sources are provided by the instructor, it is still important to format and cite them properly to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.

Q: Should I include a works cited page for every essay? A: It depends on the instructor's requirements. Some essays may require a works cited page, while others may not. Always follow the specific instructions given by your instructor.

Q: How do I know which information needs to be cited and which doesn't? A: Any information that is not common knowledge or originated from your own ideas should be cited. It is better to be safe and provide a citation for any source you have used.

Q: Can I use sources from websites or online articles? A: Yes, you can use sources from websites or online articles, but it is important to evaluate their credibility and reliability. Ensure that the information comes from reputable sources.

Q: What if I have multiple sources for my essay? A: If you have multiple sources for your essay, make sure to include them in alphabetical order on your works cited page and format each citation correctly according to MLA style guidelines.