The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used for research papers and essays in the humanities, especially literature. With MLA, in-text citations are brief while the works cited list at the end provides complete bibliographic information. This article will cover the key elements of MLA format for a literature research paper, including guidelines for in-text citations, the works cited page, formatting, and more.
Formatting the Paper
MLA style uses a simple left-aligned text with 1-inch margins on all sides and a readable font like Times New Roman size 12. Each page should include a header in the top right corner with your last name and the page number. Double space the entire paper. Indent the first line of each paragraph 1/2 inch from the left margin. Use italics rather than underlining for emphasis or titles of larger works like books, newspapers, and magazines.
Example In-text Citations
MLA in-text citations provide minimal information – typically just the author’s last name and a relevant page number if quoted directly. Include parenthetical citations after any quoted or paraphrased text from your source. For example:
As William Shakespeare so eloquently put it, “To thine own self be true” (Shakespeare 45).
Or in a paraphrased citation:
Scholars have discussed humanity’s inner struggle between good and evil (Frankenstein 234).
If quoting multiple works by the same author, include the author’s name in the parenthetical citation. For example:
As both Charlotte Brontë (Jane Eyre 23) and Emily Brontë (Wuthering Heights 78) described…
Works Cited Page
At the end of the paper, provide full bibliographic references for all sources used in the research paper on a new page titled “Works Cited.” List entries alphabetically by author’s last name. Italicize titles of larger works like books. Here is an example entry:
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin Classics, 2007.
For sources without page numbers like websites, omit the page number from in-text citations but include the URL or DOI if available in the works cited entry. Keep entries consistent in things like capitalization, underlining, indentation, and use of commas.
Introductions and Conclusions
The introduction should provide context on the subject and thesis statement. Provide 1-3 paragraphs of background and a thesis statement as the last sentence that addresses what will be proven or discussed. The conclusion should then summarize key findings or arguments made in the paper and their significance. Avoid introducing new evidence or ideas in the conclusion. Keep both brief but impactful.
Quoting and Summarizing Sources
MLA style encourages the use of quotations from sources as well as paraphrasing and summarizing. Shorter quotes can be incorporated into a sentence, while longer passages of 40 or more words should be formatted as a block quotation with no quotation marks. Introduce quoted material with a signal phrase including the author’s name and relevant identifying information. For example:
As James Joyce states in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, writing “is the center of my life” (Joyce).
Summarize and paraphrase sources in your own words but cite the author if any ideas are directly used. Changing a few words from the original source still requires an in-text citation. Avoid excessive quoted content—summarize and analyze source material for your paper’s theme.
Headings and Subheadings
Section divisions within the paper can use heading levels to separate topics or address different aspects of the thesis. Use headings strategically based on the complexity and length of the paper. For example, a short 5-page paper may only need level one headings whereas a 20-page paper could have multiple heading levels to better organize information.
Level one headings are centered and bold, such as:
Chapter One
Level two are left-aligned and bold:
Influence of Gothic Elements
Level three are left-aligned, italicized, and include a period:
Monsters and mysteries.
Be consistent with heading design and keep them concise but descriptive of content. Do not use headings for short one paragraph sections.
Following MLA guidelines provides structure and consistency for analyzing literature sources in a research paper. Adhering to proper citation of references and formatting establishes credibility. With practice, MLA style becomes straightforward for presenting an argument with cited evidence from literature works. Consult the MLA Handbook or style guide as needed for any unclear aspects of format or citation style.