The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the major formats for citing sources in academic writing. This style is commonly used in humanities subjects, such as English, foreign languages, literature, cultural studies, and art history. MLA citation format is generally used by students and academics in the fields of Languages, Literature, and other Cultural Studies.
MLA style provides writers with a systematic way to document their sources and give credit to the ideas of other authors and researchers. It not only gives credit to authors but also allows readers to locate and verify the sources independently. Accurate citations according to the MLA format help academic writers avoid plagiarism and helps readers evaluate the evidence and opinions presented in the paper by consulting the sources.
MLA Style Research Paper Format
The writing style recommended by the MLA specifies guidelines for formatting manuscripts and student papers. An MLA style paper should be typed on a standard-sized paper (8.5″ x 11″) with 1″ margins on all sides. The paper should be double-spaced throughout, including quotations. The title of the paper should be centered near the top of the first page. The student’s name, the name of the instructor, the course number and date should appear in the top left corner of the first page. Page numbers should be placed at the top right corner, half an inch from the top edge.
While MLA does not have a prescribed system of headings for different levels, headings can help structure longer research papers. Headings are typically bolded or underlined. For indented quotations longer than four lines, use a “block quote.” Single-space block quotes and do not surround them with quotation marks. Whether quoting directly or paraphrasing, cite page numbers in parentheses after quotes.
In-Text Citations
MLA in-text or parenthetical citations include the name of the author and the page number from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken. The author’s name and page number are enclosed in parentheses and placed at the end of the sentence or clause containing the referenced material, usually before the end punctuation mark.
For a quotation of fewer than four lines, provide both the author’s name and page number in parentheses after the quotation:
As Rowling states, “Harry faced hardship but continued with dignity and courage” (207).
For a quotation of four lines or more, do not use quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, indent the new line by 1/2 inch, and type single-spaced. At the end of the block quotation, cite the author and page number in parentheses:
Rowling describes Harry’s trials:
Harry faced hardship but continued with dignity and courage. He accepted difficulties with grace and overcame obstacles through determination. Many admired his poise under pressure. (207)
If the author’s name is mentioned in the text, only include the page number in parentheses:
As Rowling notes, Harry faced hardship with “dignity and courage” (207).
If the work has no page numbers, as is common with electronic sources or works separated into sections rather than pages, cite the appropriate section identifier:
(Section 1, para. 2).
MLA Works Cited Page
The list of sources cited in the text is placed at the end of the paper. This is known as the Works Cited page. It provides the full bibliographic information required by readers to locate each source. Entries should use a “hanging indent,” meaning the first line of each entry should be flush with the left margin and any additional lines of the same entry should be indented. List entries alphabetically by author’s last name, or by title for sources without an author.
The basic elements included in each entry are: author’s name, title of source, title of container, other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, location. The elements are recorded in a strict order and formatted using proper punctuation. Book entries give the place of publication and the name of the publisher. Journal articles provide the name of the journal, volume and issue number, date, and page range. Electronic sources include a URL or DOI.
Some key points to note in MLA style citations:
Use quotation marks for titles of short works like essays, articles, chapters or web pages, and italicize or underline titles of longer works like books, reports, movies or journals.
The place of publication is usually a city name, not a state name, for books and other sources. Only include the state name if the city is unfamiliar.
If no publication date is available for a source, use n.d. (no date) in its place.
If citing an online source where the publication date is a year followed by “-present” or “-continuing,” use the year of access instead of date of publication.
Use the shortest published version of a title. An abridged edition becomes an ‘Abridged ed.’
If two or more works by an author are cited and published in the same year, distinguish them by adding lowercase letters after the year: 2004a, 2004b, etc.
Consistent citing of sources according to the MLA format is essential for scholarly communication. It demonstrates academic integrity and allows others to evaluate findings by following cited evidence. Careful attention to MLA citation guidelines helps writers give proper credit and avoid plagiarism charges. Mastering the specifics of MLA citation permits readers to easily locate referenced material.
Andrew Stroud