ELAR Inquiry and Research Skills 4

Question 1

In an MLA Works Cited entry for a book, which element appears FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Author's last name

Answer

MLA format requires entries to begin with the author's last name, followed by a comma and first name.

Question 2

Which question helps a researcher evaluate the AUTHORITY of a source?

Accepted Answer

Who is the author, and what are their credentials?

Answer

Evaluating authority involves examining who created the source and whether they have relevant expertise or credentials.

Question 3

What is 'synthesis' in the context of research writing?

Accepted Answer

Combining ideas from several sources to support an original argument

Answer

Synthesis involves integrating ideas from multiple sources to build and support the writer's own argument.

Question 4

A student needs current statistics on U.S. unemployment rates. Which source is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website

Answer

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a government agency that provides current and authoritative employment data.

Question 5

Why should a researcher avoid using Wikipedia as a final source in an academic paper?

Accepted Answer

Wikipedia content can be edited by anyone and may not be reliable

Answer

Wikipedia allows public editing, which means content accuracy cannot be fully guaranteed for academic use.

(ELAR) English Language Arts and Reading Practice Test