MLA format is widely used in academic papers and is recommended by many academic institutions. It provides a set of rules and guidelines for citing sources, creating citations, and formatting the layout of your paper. In this article, we will explore the complete MLA formatting and style guide, including examples and rules for in-text citations, works cited pages, and more.
MLA format helps writers establish consistency and clarity in their papers. It ensures that the information used from other sources is properly credited and allows readers to easily find and evaluate the sources being cited. By following the MLA guidelines, you can create a well-organized and credible paper that is suited for academic purposes.
The MLA format was created by the Modern Language Association and is now in its 8th edition. It is the most commonly used format for papers in the humanities, including literature, languages, and cultural studies. While there are other citation styles available, MLA is generally recommended for academic papers in these fields.
Complete MLA Formatting and Style Guide
The MLA style guide has gone through several editions, and the most recent one is the eighth edition. It is recommended to use the latest edition when formatting your papers.
In MLA style, in-text citations are used to credit the sources used in the paper. The specific citation method depends on the type of source, such as books, articles, websites, films, or museum exhibits. The MLA manual provides detailed guidelines on how to cite each type of source.
When citing books, for example, the MLA format includes the author’s name, the title of the book, the publisher, and the publication year. If the book has multiple authors, only the first author’s name is listed, followed by “et al.” If no author is listed, the title of the book is used as the first element in the citation.
Websites, on the other hand, require the inclusion of the URL or the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) if available, as well as the date of access. The MLA format for websites also includes the name of the website, the title or description of the specific item being cited (such as a webpage, article, or blog post), and the name of the webmaster or sponsor of the site.
In addition to the guidelines on citing individual sources, the MLA manual also provides rules for formatting the overall structure of the paper, including margins, font size, and spacing. The first page of the paper should include the student’s name, instructor’s name, course name and number, and the due date.
The MLA style guide includes guidelines for formatting titles of works, such as books, articles, and episodes of TV shows. Titles should be italicized or placed in quotation marks, depending on the type of work and the medium in which it is published.
It is important to review and evaluate the MLA guidelines at the beginning stages of the writing process to ensure that your papers are formatted correctly. MLA style provides a consistent and standardized format for academic writing, making it easier for readers and researchers to locate and review the sources you used.
Overall, the MLA formatting and style guide is a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of academic writing, from citing sources to formatting the paper itself. By following the MLA guidelines, you can ensure that your papers adhere to the highest standards of scholarly writing.
MLA Format Rules and Examples
Purpose and Formats
The MLA format is used for humanities and liberal arts disciplines. It provides a standardized way of documenting sources used in research papers, articles, and essays. The primary purpose of MLA format is to provide a uniform and consistent method for evaluating and citing sources.
MLA format has specific rules for different formats such as books, articles, websites, and more. Each format may have slightly different rules, but the overall purpose remains the same – to provide accurate and consistent information about the sources used in the paper.
Citation Examples
Below are some examples of MLA citations according to the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook:
- Book with a single author:
- Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
- Journal article:
- Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. XX, no. XX, Year, pp. XX-XX.
- Website:
- Last Name, First Name. “Title of Web Page.” Title of Website, Publisher/Website, Year, URL.
In-Text Citations
MLA format also requires in-text citations when referencing sources within the text of the paper. These in-text citations provide brief information about the source and direct the reader to the corresponding entry in the Works Cited page.
In-text citations include the author’s last name and the page number(s) where the information is found. For example: (Smith 123).
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a separate page at the end of the paper that lists all the sources cited in the text. It follows specific formatting rules and includes full bibliographic information for each source.
Each entry on the Works Cited page begins with the author’s last name, followed by a comma and their first name. Then comes the title of the source, the container it is found in (such as a book or journal), the publication details, and the page numbers if applicable.
These are just a few examples of MLA format rules. It is important to consult the MLA Handbook or MLA style guides for more specific guidelines and examples.
Remember, proper formatting and citation provide a clear and concise way to evaluate and evaluate sources, ensuring that your work is credible, reliable, and well-documented.
Welcome to the Purdue OWL
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities, such as English and literature. It provides guidelines for citing sources within your text (in-text citations) and creating a Works Cited page at the end of your paper. This guide will walk you through the rules and examples for formatting your papers using MLA style.
In MLA style, the main focus is on the author of the source, which is different from other citation styles that prioritize the title of the work. The MLA format also includes in-text citations that are needed whenever you reference a source within your paper. These citations provide key information about the source, such as the author’s name and the page number where the information can be found.
When creating your Works Cited page, you need to include all the necessary information about the source, such as the author’s name, the title of the work, the name of the publisher, the publication date, and the medium of publication. This guide will show you how to format these different types of sources, including books, articles, websites, and more.
It’s important to note that some sources, such as government documents or web pages with no stated author, may present challenges when determining the necessary information to include. Our guide discusses how to handle these situations and provides examples to help you properly cite these sources.
While the rules for MLA style can seem daunting at first, don’t worry! Our guide is here to help you navigate the formatting and citation process. Whether you’re writing a research paper, an essay, or a simple assignment, following the MLA guidelines will ensure that your work is properly formatted and that you give credit to the original sources you’ve used.
Lastly, it’s important to keep in mind that the MLA style has gone through several editions over the years. Currently, the eighth edition is the most up-to-date version. However, if you’re assigned a paper that requires a different edition, our guide includes a summary of the main differences between the various editions, so you can refer to the appropriate rules.
Thank you for choosing the Purdue OWL as your trusted resource for MLA formatting and style guidelines. We hope this guide helps you in your writing journey!
In Industry and Government
One of the most significant aspects of MLA formatting is the way in which sources are cited. The MLA style guide recommends using in-text citations, where the author’s last name is cited within the text, followed by the page number in parentheses. This allows readers to easily locate the source in the works cited list at the end of the paper.
In MLA, sources are referenced using containers, which can be books, journals, websites, or any other medium that contains the source. Examples of containers include the title of a book, the title of a journal article, or the URL of a website. The MLA style guide provides detailed instructions on how to format each type of container correctly.
In industry and government, it is common for papers to be published in journals or other collections. The MLA style guide provides specific guidelines for citing works published in various types of collections, including journals, edited books, and anthologies. It also provides guidelines for citing works that have been reproduced or translated, as well as works that have been submitted but not yet accepted for publication.
While the MLA style guide is most commonly used in the humanities, it can also be used in industry and government contexts. In fact, many industry and government organizations have their own specific guidelines for formatting and referencing documents, which are often based on the MLA style guide.
In industry and government, it is important to keep the formatting and style consistent throughout all documents. This includes not only citations and references, but also headings, section numbers, and page numbers. Following the MLA style guide can help ensure that documents are clear, coherent, and professional.
The MLA style guide is available in various editions, with the eighth edition being the most recent at the time of writing. In each edition, the guidelines are updated to reflect changes in technology, research practices, and publishing standards. It is recommended to use the most recent edition of the MLA style guide when formatting and referencing documents.
Whatever industry or government agency you are in, following the guidelines of the MLA style guide can help to ensure that your documents meet the standards expected in your field. By using proper formatting and referencing techniques, you can create documents that are professional, accurate, and easy to read.
Creating in-text citations using the previous eighth edition
In MLA formatting, in-text citations play a crucial role in acknowledging the sources used in a research paper or essay. These citations help readers identify the specific sources from which the information was obtained. In the previous eighth edition of MLA, several guidelines were provided on how to effectively create in-text citations.
Method 1: Using author’s name in the sentence
One method of creating in-text citations is by incorporating the author’s name into the sentence itself. According to the MLA guidelines, this method should be used when introducing the author’s name in the sentence and providing a direct quote or a paraphrase of their work. For example:
“According to Johnson, the hypothesis presented in his report is the strongest one to-date.”
Method 2: Using author’s name in parenthesis
Another method of creating in-text citations is by including the author’s name in parenthesis at the end of the sentence. This method should be used when the author’s name is not mentioned in the sentence, but their work is still being referenced. For example:
“The research conducted by Johnson (2019) concluded that the hypothesis was supported by the findings.”
Method 3: Using titles or abbreviated titles
In some cases, when the author’s name is not available, the title or abbreviated title of the work can be used to create an in-text citation. This is particularly useful when citing sources such as websites, articles, or reports that don’t have clearly identifiable authors. For example:
“The article on the MLA website states that the new ninth edition of the MLA style guide is now available.”
Please note that these methods are a summary of the guidelines provided in the previous eighth edition of the MLA style manual. If you need more specific information or if you’re uncertain about how to create in-text citations, it is recommended to refer to the MLA handbook or consult the Purdue OWL website for further guidance.
| Citation | Format |
|---|---|
| Single author book | (Smith 45) |
| Two authors book | (Johnson and Peterson 27) |
| Three or more authors book | (Smith et al. 12) |
| Government document | (United States, Department of Education) |
| Website with no author | (“MLA Formatting and Style Guide”) |
Lab Report Citations
In MLA, the most significant pieces of information in a citation are the author’s name, the title of the source, and the publication date. The citation is generally listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. For lab reports, the date can be significant because it may reflect when the experiment was conducted or when the data was collected.
| Author’s Last Name, First Name. |
| Evaluating the Strength of Women’s Museum Collections. |
| City of Publication: Publisher’s Name, Year of Publication. |
When referencing lab reports within your paper or project, it is important to provide page numbers or section numbers within the lab report. This will help your reader locate the specific information you are citing. If page numbers are not available, provide a descriptive term to guide your reader to the relevant section.
FAQ
What is MLA formatting and style guide?
MLA formatting and style guide is a set of rules and examples for writing academic papers in the MLA (Modern Language Association) style. It provides guidelines on how to format your paper, cite sources, and create a works cited list.
How do I create a Works Cited list using the ninth edition?
To create a Works Cited list using the ninth edition, you should start with the author’s name, followed by the title of the source. Then, provide the container’s title (if applicable), followed by the names of any other contributors, the version number, the publisher, the publication date, and the location. Finally, add the date of access for online sources. Make sure to use hanging indentation for each entry.
Where can I find the Purdue OWL website?
The Purdue OWL website can be found at owl.purdue.edu. It is a reliable online resource that provides guidance on various writing topics, including MLA formatting and style.
How do I create in-text citations using the previous eighth edition?
To create in-text citations using the previous eighth edition, you should include the author’s last name and the page number of the source in parentheses. If the author’s name is mentioned in the text, you only need to include the page number in parentheses.
How do I cite references in a lab report?
To cite references in a lab report, you should follow the guidelines of the citation style specified by your instructor or institution. Generally, you will need to include the author’s name, the title of the source, the publication date, and any relevant page numbers. It is important to properly format and cite your references to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.
What is the MLA format and style guide?
The MLA format and style guide is a set of rules and examples for formatting academic papers and citing sources in the Modern Language Association (MLA) style.
