The Research Report

The United States flag

Which of these topics is more appropriately narrowed for a research paper?

Iowa's recycling program

Which of these topics is more appropriately narrowed for a research paper?

the planet Jupiter

Which of these topics is more appropriately narrowed for a research paper?

the benefits of e-mail

Which of these topics is more appropriately narrowed for a research paper?

Example A is correctly formatted.

Study these examples of a student's research paper. These examples show the top of the first page. Which of these first pages is correctly formatted using MLA style?
Smith 1
Carol Smith
Professor Marcos
Language Arts
April 3, 2009

True

According to MLA style guidelines, the first line of each paragraph should be indented.

False (Margins should be one inch on all sides)

According to MLA style guidelines, the bottom margin should be one and one-half inches.

True

According to MLA style guidelines, all MLA text is double spaced.

True

Your body paragraphs should discuss your main points as indicated in your outline.

True

It is okay to use slang in a direct quotation.

False

You should always use a quotation to begin your paper.

False (You want to provide the reader with a summary that is an overview, not a restatement of everything)

In your conclusion, it is important to restate everything you have said in your paper.