MLA Format

Has anyone here had to write papers using the MLA style? I'm a bit confused as to how to incorporate an outline into a paper. I was given the assignment of writing a pro physician assisted suicide paper for my Ethics class and it has to be in MLA format with an outline. I have very limited experience with this type of paper.

I printed off a paper with some good MLA tips, but it is vague in regards to an outline. All it says if that if an outline is included, it should precede the paper itself. Can the outline go on the same page as my title and thesis? Should the title and outline each be on separate pages and the thesis starting off the first page of my paper?

Thanks.

I don't know what MLA is, but an outline should definitely be on a separate page.

I've written a few MLA style papers but I'm blanking on the outline part of it. Do they want an outline or a table of contents? I've got a little writing handbook as home... I'll check it when I get there and let you know what I find.

I've never had to do an outline for MLA, but it most likely should be on a separate page and the title goes right above your intro paragraph. I have an example I can e-mail you as far as what the first page should look like

It's been a long time, and I always hated MLA, but iirc you do put the title and thesis at the beginning of the outline - thus stating what the outline is for.

MLA, I used to buy the handbook every year and follow it like a big nerd. However that was almost 10 years ago (i'm sooooo OLD!) so i don't remember anything about it. I'd suggest if you don't want to buy the handbook, see if they have it in the library.

Also I just did a Google search and found these:
http://rexrose.com/DMAC/MLA Outline Format.rtf
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/pock...vi-MLA-Out.pdf

Assuming those are actually correct, I hope it helps somewhat!!

Yeah, i need to get my butt back in school...

Bryan, here's a realyl good resource for MLA http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/

I'm trying to find something about outlines............

okay, here's one http://homeworktips.about.com/od/mla...ple-MLA-Pages/ it say that you only need a title page if your teacher asks you for one.

I'm not a real big fan of MLA myself, it takes as long to figure out the dang rules as it does to write the paper

Originally Posted by DarkMavis

MLA, I used to buy the handbook every year and follow it like a big nerd. However that was almost 10 years ago (i'm sooooo OLD!) so i don't remember anything about it. I'd suggest if you don't want to buy the handbook, see if they have it in the library.

Also I just did a Google search and found these:
http://rexrose.com/DMAC/MLA Outline Format.rtf
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/pock...vi-MLA-Out.pdf

Assuming those are actually correct, I hope it helps somewhat!!

Yeah, i need to get my butt back in school...

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Thanks! The second link was more of what I was looking for.

Originally Posted by katiemae1277

Bryan, here's a realyl good resource for MLA http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/

I'm trying to find something about outlines............

okay, here's one http://homeworktips.about.com/od/mla...ple-MLA-Pages/ it say that you only need a title page if your teacher asks you for one.

I'm not a real big fan of MLA myself, it takes as long to figure out the dang rules as it does to write the paper

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Thanks, Katie. I bookmarked the first link you provided.

When it comes to these writing styles I tend to picture a bunch of old men sitting in a stuffy room wearing smoking jackets, puffing on cigars, and sipping on some brandy while they come up with more ways to make the life of a student miserable.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/

that's the site I've always used, it's very good. There is an entire section on how to do an outline I believe. I remember that I had to do one in MLA style in high school a few years ago.
And for your citations in the end, use www.easybib.com ...It saves SO much time!!! I'm in love w/ it. In case you haven't heard of it: how it works is you just give all the information about the source and they put it in MLA style for you.
MLA style really sux. The good news is, once you do one or two papers in it you get so used to it that it becomes second nature and you don't even have to think about the rules anymore...I just wish all professors required the same format!! That would be so awesome. In my high school we did MLA and I knew it so well...But now each of my professors has their own style they want...

Nothing to add except to say that my degree is from the English department at Purdue and I always get a tingly/proud feeling to see people outside of the University using the OWL Web site.

I called a local bookstore and they put aside a copy of the MLA Handbook for research papers.

I have an idea of what I want to write about. When writing a position paper don't I need to present the other side of the argument as well as stating my own arguments for the position?

Originally Posted by Essayons89

I called a local bookstore and they put aside a copy of the MLA Handbook for research papers.

I have an idea of what I want to write about. When writing a position paper don't I need to present the other side of the argument as well as stating my own arguments for the position?

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I would do that in general regardless of instructions. But I don't think MLA tells you this kind of thing, it's just about formatting..or were you asking in general?

I was asking in general.

The professor didn't if hew wanted a separate title page or not, and there is nothing in the assignment instructions about it. I think I'm going to this route:

First Name

Last Name

Course

Date

Thesis

Outline

Form there I'll use the next four pages to introduce the reader to euthanasia, explain the different types of euthanasia, then introduce and talk about what assisted physician suicide is. From there I'll discuss some of the arguments against using a couple of the ethical theories as examples including the slippery slope argument, as well as the legality of assisted suicide.

To make my argument I'm going to use the utilitarian theory, dispute the slippery slope argument, and use the example of brain death as a reason for physician assisted suicide. I'd like to try and find one more ethical theory that I can use to make a case "for" but all of them can be used to make an argument against- some of them quite effectively.

Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated. I don't want this to turn into a debate over the issue, though. That's not this thread is about. Thanks.

*Edited to add: I already found a hole in one of the points in my argument. There's another pothole in the road.

Two "A's" in English Comp, you would think I have better reading comprehension.

Develop a detail outline. That's what the criteria sheet for my paper says. I assume it needed to be included with the paper, but there's no mention of specifically needing one included in the paper.

I have to use one or more ethical theories to support my position. I have to begin by stating my position in the first paragraph, then support the position throughout the paper by using documented facts, reasons, premises and ethical theories. The premises should lead the reader to the conclusion stated in my thesis.

I've been going about this all wrong. I spent six hours working on this tonight and I have to start over. That sucks.

Originally Posted by Essayons89

Two "A's" in English Comp, you would think I have better reading comprehension.

Develop a detail outline. That's what the criteria sheet for my paper says. I assume it needed to be included with the paper, but there's no mention of specifically needing one included in the paper.

I have to use one or more ethical theories to support my position. I have to begin by stating my position in the first paragraph, then support the position throughout the paper by using documented facts, reasons, premises and ethical theories. The premises should lead the reader to the conclusion stated in my thesis.

I've been going about this all wrong. I spent six hours working on this tonight and I have to start over. That sucks.

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I'm sorry your assignment is annoying you... I'm sure the work you've already done is going to help you anyway, even if you change the format and organization...what class is this for?

Originally Posted by ut0pia

I'm sorry your assignment is annoying you... I'm sure the work you've already done is going to help you anyway, even if you change the format and organization...what class is this for?

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Ethics. I have a new game plan.