MLA Format & How to Research

MLA Format
Your research paper must be in MLA format.  Please take a look at this MLA formatted sample paper.  It contains examples of a sample formatted essay, how to do in text citations, and how to create a bibliography.

Annotated Bibliography
An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.  Remember you must have at least 2 authoritative sources by October 28th.  Here is an example of an annotated source.

Research
Google Scholar
Google scholar allows you to search for academic literature. Many are available for free as a PDF, while others may require you to visit a library  Make sure to read the abstract to get an overview of the article.  You do not need to read every word of every article.  Once you have found something you think may be relevant read the abstract to make sure.  Once you have done that you can look at the table of contents to find where the info you need will be located.

Mesa Library
Use the Mesa Article and reference database for peer reviewed journals and periodicals.  You can also find books that relate to your topic for check out.

WorldCat
If google scholar does not have a pdf available you can check WolrdCat to see if there is a copy available at a local library.

PSAT Tomorrow
For those of you taking the PSAT tomorrow consider looking of the preparation packets you were given, and be sure to get a good nights sleep.

For those of you not taking the test, you will be in Mr. Silva's class doing research for your exhibition.