Basic MLA Principles: Practice in the Relationship

A Basic MLA Principle:

Practice with the Relationship between Parenthetical Documentation and the Works Cited Page

Here is another excerpt from a research paper, along with the Works Cited page. As you look over these two pages, remember that the primary aim of all documentation is to show the reader where to find the sources you used.

Try to see how the parenthetical documentation points the reader to the correct Works Cited entry. Note that the word(s) in the parenthetical documentation must be the first word(s) in the Works Cited entry. After you've looked over the pages, answer the questions below.

Increasingly, teachers in public schools are

being required to use technology as they

teach. Even some kindergarten teachers

incorporate educational software ("Even"

786). Nevertheless, as White and Brett

observe, "we cannot assume that

skillful use of technology will solve all our

educational problems. Furthermore, some

educators argue that the time required for

technology training takes away time that

should be dedicated to education (76).

Works Cited

Cook, Brian. "Technology Training for

Teachers." Technology and Education

43 (1998): 45-59.

"Even in Kindergarten?" The Dallas

Morning Sun Feb. 12, 1999: B1+.

Frank, Steve. "An Embarrassment of

Riches: Technology in Education."

The Richmond Monitor July 18, 1997:

C5-6.

White, Ann, and Susan Brett. Technology

in Our Schools. New York: Virago

Press, 1993.

Please answer these questions:

Why are there more than two entries in the Works Cited page?
Why is the word "Even" in the first parenthetical documentation?
Why can't Technology in Our Schools be in the place of White and Brett in the parenthetical documentation?

When you're ready, check your answers by clicking on the colored words.

In addition, note that the placement of the page number for the White and Brett source in the text lets the reader know that both sentences, the quote and the paraphrase, come from page 76 in this source; this is an important technique to use when your paraphrase takes more than one sentence.

If the different forms of parenthetical documentation confused you, you can look at these websites for some help with parenthetical documentation:

Ok, great! You're ready to move on to the last of our three basic principles: general guidelines for Works Cited entries and page format.