The Literary Research Paper - Notes Day 2: MLA format, Easy Bib, Documentation

In the best of all possible worlds, you have . . .

• chosen the story and the topic you plan to work with
• read through the criticism and determined the three (or more) essays you plan to you in your paper
• taken notes, underlined, highlighted or otherwise started note taking
• drafted a preliminary thesis statement--one that may be refined as you work on your paper
• you have a very rough draft that you will develop and polish, incorporating relevant research AND proper MLA documentation

NOW . . .

If you have not already done so, use need to create your bibliography, either using Easy Bib  or  the Purdue OWL: MLA Formatting and Style Guide.  Neither of the websites will work automatically, but if you read carefully, follow the directions and/or prompts, you should have a correct bibliography. The only difference between a Works Cited page and a Bibliography is that the "Works Cited" refers only to those works actually used in a research paper; a Bibliography may include works cited in a paper as well as other works read in the research.  You will be composing a Works Cited page.  To see a sample Works Cited page, refer to: Sample Works Cited Page.  Your last name and appropriate page number will still be in the upper right corner. The words "Works Cited" will be centered on the first line of the paper and a hanging indent will be used in listed references, which will be in alphabetical order.

Whew . . . remember: the devil is in the details, but the resources above will help you. Also: I will help you, if you get stuck or have trouble.