MLA Format for Works Cited Entries

What is MLA? The Modern Language Association They write a book of guidelines about how to do research and write citations (give credit to your sources).

What does Format Mean?

What does Format Mean? To structure something in a document or paper and make it look nice.

2 Parts to MLA Citations In-text Citation: at the end of any quote, summary, or paraphrase, you need a short citation in parentheses. The newspaper’s media reviewer claims that “Last Sunday’s Mad Men episode was illogical and ill-considered” (Martin C15).

2 Parts to MLA Citations In-text Citation: at the end of any quote, summary, or paraphrase, you need a short citation in parentheses Works Cited Entry: This leads you to a page at the end of the paper listing all the sources you quote, summarize, or paraphrase.

What’s an In-Text Citation? A clue for the reader to follow to the full entry at the end of the paper. It gives immediate credit to the original source of information.

In-Text Citations Includes the author and page number One study shows that microwave ovens emit low-level radiation, but no more than a cell phone (Werner and Lowe 65). Note that the period at the end bolts the whole parenthetical citation to the rest of the sentence.

In-Text Citations Includes the author and page number When there’s no author, use a short version of the title The website states that all users must keep their passwords updated (“Password Protection Policies”).

In-Text Citations Includes the author and page number When there’s no author, use a short version of the title If there isn’t a page number, you can write (n. pag.)

What’s a Works Cited Entry? A Works Cited page is the MLA version of a bibliography—or list of sources at the end of a research paper.

Works Cited "Blueprint Lays Out Clear Path for Climate Action Works Cited "Blueprint Lays Out Clear Path for Climate Action." Environmental Defense Fund. Environmental Defense Fund, 8 May 2007. Web. 24 May 2009. Clinton, Bill. Interview by Andrew C. Revkin. “Clinton on Climate Change.” New York Times. New York Times, May 2007. Web. 25 May 2009. Dean, Cornelia. "Executive on a Mission: Saving the Planet." New York Times. New York Times, 22 May 2007. Web. 25 May 2009. Ebert, Roger. "An Inconvenient Truth." Rev. of An Inconvenient Truth, dir. Davis Guggenheim. Rogerebert.com. Sun-Times News Group, 2 June 2006. Web. 24 May 2009.

Each Source Has Its Own Entry "Blueprint Lays Out Clear Path for Climate Action." Environmental Defense Fund. Environmental Defense Fund, 8 May 2007. Web. 24 May 2009.

Basic Format for Entries Author’s Last Name, First Name . “Article Title”. Book/Journal/Website Title. Publishing Information. Date. Medium of Publication. Use this as a template (fill-in-the-blanks).

Where Do I Learn More? libguides.usu.edu/MLA Purdue OWL MLA