Outcome 5 (Document Work MLA) – Document their work using appropriate conventions (MLA)
Sample One
Initially hearing MLA format would be used, I was enthusiastic since I knew how to use this format from years of practicing in high school. This response, however, was incorrect; I knew most of what it required, but some fine details slipped through the cracks. Primarily, using signal phrasing, I did not realize that if the author is mentioned, there is no need to include the last name in the citation following the quote or paraphrase. I also struggled with signal phrases in general. Allowing the sentences leading up to the quote or paraphrase to breathe was not a strong point until it was pointed out and revised. Below is a rough draft example of a run-on signal phrase.
Understanding Empathy Rough Draft: Page Two Paragraph Two
This sentence would benefit from being split into two, as I did in my final draft, which includes a condensed signal phrase.
Sample Two
In my second example, I display a more supportive signal phrase for the subsequent quote.
Delightful Sorrow Final Draft: Page Four Paragraph Four
Here, the quote is presented as its own statement to support my claims. I could omit the author’s last name in the citation since Ross Gay was mentioned in the signal phrase. “They Say / I Say” is an imperative tool that I hope to continue using and is constructive in my writing of signal phrases.
Word count: 212
