MLA format is one of the major writing styles used in academic papers. When writing a research paper for a class, MLA format is often required to properly cite sources and format the final paper. While it may seem tedious to properly cite sources, doing so is important as it allows readers to find the original sources on their own if desired and credits the original authors for their work. Not properly citing sources is considered plagiarism which can have serious academic consequences. This guide will walk through how to cite sources in MLA format within the body of a paper and provide a works cited page at the end.
In-Text Citations
The Modern Language Association (MLA) has established a set of guidelines for referencing sources used in an academic paper to prevent plagiarism. When directly quoting or paraphrasing a source, an in-text citation is required and should correspond to the source listed in the works cited page at the end. The in-text citation typically includes the author’s last name and a page number if available. Page numbers are not required if paraphrasing, but are preferred if directly quoting. Unless referencing your own personal communication, every cited claim must have a corresponding reference in the bibliography.
For example:
Direct quote from a book:
As Crowley describes “writing is a way to participate in important conversations and have your ideas heard” (Crowley 5).
Paraphrased idea from an article:
Studies have shown that students find writing assignments stressful (Jones).
Citation with no page number:
Recent research suggests technology can aid student learning (Smith).
Multiple authors:
Scholars argue effective writing takes practice (Brown and Smith 145).
Group or organization as author:
A recent report from the Pew Research Center found…
Citation with multiple authors:
(Garcia, Smith, and Brown 22).
If the work has two authors, cite both last names each time. If three or more authors, cite the first author’s last name followed by “et al.”
Works Cited Page
At the end of the paper, include a works cited page with full citations for all in-text references. Begin the works cited page on a new page and center the title “Works Cited” without underlining, italics, bold or quotation marks. Arrange entries in alphabetical order by the first element (usually the author’s last name). Alphabetize works with no author by title, ignoring initial articles like “The.”
The citations are formatted differently depending on the type of source, but common elements include:
Author’s name last name, first name format
-Title of source in italics for books and periodicals, in quotation marks for articles
-Publisher location (New York for example) followed by two-em dash publisher name
-Date of publication in parentheses
-Medium of publication (Print, Web)
Some examples:
Book with one author:
Crowley, Sharon. Composition in the University: Historical and Polemical Essays. University of Pittsburgh Press, 1998.
Book with two authors:
Henry, Jay, and Larry McEwan. How to Write Better Essays. Palgrave Study Guides, 2008.
Journal article with one author:
Connor, Ulla. “New Directions in Contrastive Rhetoric.” TESOL Quarterly, vol. 36, no. 4, 2002, pp. 493–510.
Newspaper article with no author:
“New Tech Tools Support Active Reading.” Monitor on Psychology, vol. 40 no. 9, October 2009, p. 17.
Website with organization as author:
Pew Research Center. “Social Media Fact Sheet.” Pewresearch.org, June 12, 2019, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2019.
Following MLA format properly allows a writer to ethically use and cite outside sources of information to support ideas in a research paper. Readers who are familiar with MLA style will quickly be able to locate the original sources referred to, leading to more credibility for the writer. Though the process of in-text citations and works cited pages takes time, it is essential for avoiding plagiarism and giving due credit to original authors whose work contributed to the paper. Mastering MLA style also demonstrates to instructors and readers that a writer understands proper academic Conduct.