MLA Tables, Figures, and Examples: How to Use and Format Them

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MLA Tables, Figures, and Examples: How to Use and Format Them

Welcome to a comprehensive guide on utilizing tables, figures, and examples in MLA documentation and citation! MLA, or the Modern Language Association, provides guidelines for citing sources in academic papers. In their ninth edition, MLA offers specific instructions on how to best present visual aids, such as tables and figures, within your research. Whether you are a seasoned MLA expert or just beginning to explore this form of documentation, this article will provide you with all the information you need to confidently incorporate tables, figures, and examples into your papers.

MLA understands the importance of visual aids in enhancing the overall communication and understanding of your research. Tables, figures, and examples can help illustrate complex information, provide additional clarity, and make your paper more visually appealing. In MLA style, these aids are usually referred to as illustrations, which encompass a wide range of materials, including images, charts, graphs, diagrams, and more. When used appropriately, visuals can greatly enhance the purpose and impact of your paper.



First and foremost, it is important to note that any tables, figures, or examples used in your paper must be clearly labeled and cited according to MLA guidelines. This includes providing a title or caption for each illustration, as well as a corresponding citation within your in-text references or footnotes. The citation should include the author (if available), the title or description of the image, the source where it was found, and any relevant page numbers. MLA also recommends providing a brief explanation or summary of the illustration, especially if it is complex or requires further clarification.

MLA provides a general template for formatting tables, figures, and examples in their documentation. The template includes guidelines on the placement of illustrations within your paper, the necessary labels and captions, and how they should be numbered. It is important to follow these guidelines closely to ensure consistency and clarity in your work. MLA also advises leaving ample space around your illustrations to separate them from the surrounding text and to improve readability.

In addition to the specific instructions provided by MLA, it’s always best to consult other resources and examples to gain a better understanding of how to effectively use tables, figures, and examples in your paper. There are many online forums and websites, such as the Purdue OWL or the MLA Style Center, that offer detailed explanations and examples of MLA-style documentation. These resources can provide valuable insights and practical tips for implementing MLA guidelines in your own work.

What is MLA

The MLA 9th edition, also known as MLA 9e, provides instructions on how to format papers, including tables, figures, and examples. It offers a template for organizing information and credits sources properly. The MLA guidelines ensure that readers can easily find and locate the cited sources, giving them the full information needed to access the original material.



A key feature of MLA is the use of in-text citations, which include the author’s last name and the page number where the information can be found. This allows readers to easily check the credibility of the information and verify the sources. In addition to in-text citations, MLA also requires a list of Works Cited at the end of the paper, where all the sources cited within the paper are listed.

MLA also provides guidelines for formatting tables, figures, and examples within the paper. Tables are used to present numerical data, while figures and examples can include images, graphs, charts, or illustrations. Each table, figure, or example should be labeled with a number and a caption explaining its content. This helps readers understand the information presented and its relevance to the topic.

MLA is constantly evolving to adapt to new forms of communication and sources. The MLA 9th edition, for example, includes guidelines on how to cite electronic sources, such as websites and online articles. It also provides instructions for citing sources from social media platforms, forums, and infographics. MLA acknowledges that the way people access information has changed, and it aims to provide guidelines that reflect these changes.



MLA is widely recognized and used in academia, and it is often required by professors and institutions. Using MLA guidelines ensures that your papers meet the standards of academic integrity and professionalism. MLA is a valuable resource for students and researchers, as it provides clear and consistent guidelines for documenting sources and presenting information in a scholarly manner.

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The MLA guidelines are comprehensive and cover various aspects of academic writing. From formatting papers to citing sources and organizing information, MLA offers a step-by-step guide that helps writers create well-structured and properly documented papers. It is a valuable tool for students to familiarize themselves with and use throughout their academic journey.

Welcome to MLA!

MLA Documentation for Tables, Figures, and Examples

What’s the Purpose of Captions?

The purpose of captions is to provide a brief description of the content of the table, figure, or example. Captions typically appear below the visual aid and must be concise and clear. They provide essential information for readers, especially when the visual aid is referred to or explained in the text.

Where Should Tables, Figures, and Examples be Placed?

Tables, figures, and examples should be placed as close as possible to the text that refers to them. In general, they are placed immediately following the paragraph or sentence where they are first mentioned. This ensures that readers can easily locate and understand the visual aid in relation to the surrounding text.

What’s the MLA Template for Tables, Figures, and Examples?

The MLA template for tables, figures, and examples includes a clear structure for presenting the content, including titles, labels, and sources. The format follows the guidelines provided in the MLA Style® Guide, 9th Edition, except where noted. MLA tables and figures should be numbered consecutively throughout the paper using Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.).

How to Cite Tables, Figures, and Examples

Tables, figures, and examples must be cited and referenced in the same way as other sources in MLA style. This includes providing in-text citations and a corresponding entry in the Works Cited page. The citation format may vary depending on the specific type of source being cited, such as an image or infographic. The MLA Style® Guide, 9th Edition provides detailed instructions for citing various sources, including electronically accessed ones.

What’s the Best Form for Paraphrased Sources?

When paraphrasing information from a table, figure, or example, it is important to follow MLA guidelines for citation and attribution. This includes crediting the original source within the text and providing a corresponding entry in the Works Cited page. By correctly citing sources, you give credit to the people whose work you have referenced and allow readers to locate the original information if they wish to explore the subject further.

What’s Allowed within MLA Tables, Figures, and Examples?

Within MLA tables, figures, and examples, you can include a variety of visual aids, including images, illustrations, charts, graphs, and tables. The format should be selected based on what best represents and supports the information you are presenting. Ensure that the visual aids are relevant and enhance the understanding of your topic or argument.

Where Can I Find More Information and Resources?

MLA documentation for tables, figures, and examples is an important part of academic writing across various disciplines. Following the guidelines and using the correct format for citing and referencing your visual aids ensures that your work adheres to the MLA style and provides accurate and transparent information for your readers.

CLA Resources

Tables, figures, and examples are typically labeled and numbered sequentially within the paper. Captions are provided below each table, figure, or example to provide a brief description or explanation of its contents. These captions should be concise, yet informative, and should include enough information for the reader to understand the purpose and relevance of the resource.

When citing tables, figures, or examples in MLA papers, their full titles should be provided within the text, followed by their corresponding number in parentheses. For example, “According to Table 1 (Modern Language Association 45), the number of people using MLA resources increased by 20% in the past year.”

In-text citations for tables, figures, and examples should follow the same guidelines as regular citations within the paper. Paraphrased or quoted information should be properly cited with the author’s last name and page number, if available.

The MLA style guide, provided by the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL), offers detailed instructions on how to cite tables, figures, and examples in MLA papers. It includes examples and guidelines for citing both print and electronically sourced resources.

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) also provides resources and supports MLA citation style. The CLA website offers a template for MLA papers, as well as guidelines and instructions for citing various sources and formatting paper elements.

In addition to textual resources, the CLA website also offers an infographic that illustrates the MLA citation style guidelines. This infographic can serve as a visual aid for understanding the formatting and citation rules in a more accessible and engaging manner.

Overall, the resources from the CLA, Purdue OWL, and the MLA association provide the necessary information and support for students and researchers to effectively use tables, figures, and examples in their MLA papers. By following these guidelines and utilizing the provided resources, writers can ensure that their papers are well-organized, properly documented, and adhere to the MLA style guidelines.

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Campus MLA Citation Guide 9th Edition Welcome

The MLA (Modern Language Association) provides guidelines for citing sources in academic papers. These guidelines ensure that proper credit is given to the original authors and that readers can easily locate the sources used in a paper. MLA style is commonly used in English and other humanities subjects.

MLA documentation style has been updated in the 9th edition to better reflect the changing landscape of communication and sources. This edition provides instructions on how to cite a wide range of sources including electronic resources, social media posts, and more.

In this guide, we will cover the general principles of MLA citation, including how to cite within the text, create a Works Cited page, and format tables, figures, and examples. We will also provide examples and templates for citing different types of sources, such as books, journal articles, websites, and more.

Tables, figures, and examples are often used to enhance the content and provide visual support. MLA provides guidelines for including these elements in your paper, including how to label them, provide captions, and cite them within the text. A well-designed table, figure, or example can help convey complex information more effectively.

This guide will also explain the purpose of each element and how it should be formatted according to MLA guidelines. The 9th edition of the MLA handbook offers more flexibility in formatting, allowing researchers to adapt to new forms of information and communication.

Throughout this guide, we will provide examples and explanations to help you understand the MLA citation style and apply it to your own research. It’s important to note that the examples provided are not exhaustive, and for full instructions and guidelines, it’s best to consult the MLA handbook or visit the Purdue OWL website.

We hope that this MLA Citation Guide will be a valuable resource for you. Remember to always cite your sources to avoid plagiarism and give proper credit to the people whose work you’ve referenced. Good luck with your research!

Citing and Image Credits

According to the MLA guidelines, tables and figures should be numbered and have informative titles or captions. The citation for the source of the table or figure should be placed below the table or figure, with a proper citation format.

For example, if you are using an image from an electronic source, your citation would include the creator’s name, the title of the image, the year it was created, and the source where you found it. If you are using an infographic, you may need to provide additional information such as the purpose of the infographic or the subject it is depicting. Make sure to follow the specific instructions provided by your instructor or the MLA style guide.

The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a great resource for MLA documentation. Their MLA Formatting and Style Guide provides detailed instructions on how to cite tables, figures, and other visual aids. The guide is updated regularly to reflect new editions of the MLA handbook. You may also check the MLA website or consult the MLA handbook for more specific guidelines.

It is worth noting that MLA guidelines for citing tables and figures are slightly different from the guidelines for citing other sources such as books or journal articles. The purpose of the table or figure, as well as its source, should be clearly stated in the citation.

When citing tables or figures from papers presented at a conference or forum, you may need to provide additional information such as the conference name and the location where it took place.

In general, it is best to cite all sources where you obtained tables, figures, or other visual aids, even if they are paraphrased or adapted. This applies to both printed and electronically sourced materials.

Remember to leave enough space for the citations and image credits within the MLA paper. They should be included in the final version of the paper, except in notes and in-text citations where their purpose is to provide information rather than full citations.

If you are unsure about how to cite a table or figure, it is always a good idea to consult your instructor or the MLA style guide for clarification. Properly citing and crediting your sources is an important part of the research process and demonstrates integrity and respect for the work of others.

FAQ

How do I use and format tables and figures in MLA?

In MLA style, tables and figures should be labeled and numbered, with a caption that explains what they show. They should be placed as close to their reference in the text as possible. Refer to the MLA guidelines for specific formatting instructions.

How do I cite an infographic in MLA?

To cite an infographic in MLA, you should provide the name of the creator, the title of the infographic, the name of the website or publication where it was found, the date it was published, and the URL or other location information. Consult the MLA guidelines for more detailed instructions.

What resources are available for MLA style?

The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides various resources for MLA style, including style guides, templates, and online citation generators. You can also find helpful resources on the Purdue OWL website and other educational platforms.

What is MLA?

MLA stands for Modern Language Association, which is an organization that focuses on the study and teaching of language and literature. MLA style is a set of guidelines for writing and formatting academic papers in the field of humanities.

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By Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics. His scientific research has been published in the most reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California, and a TEFL certification from The Boston Language Institute.