MLA FORMAT

What is MLA documentation style? A documentation style is a standard format that writers use to tell readers what sources they used and how readers can locate them. The one most frequently used in English is the Modern Language Association (MLA).

What does MLA require? MLA style requires writers to document their sources in two equally important ways. 1. Within the body of the paper, you need to use parenthetical documentation. 2. At the end of the paper, you need to provide a list of the sources you used in your paper. This is called a “Works Cited.”

What is MLA in-text Parenthetical Documentation? MLA-style parenthetical documentation (also called in-text citations) places source information in parentheses within the sentences of your research papers. This information is given each time you SUMMARIZE, PARAPHRASE, or use a QUOTATION from source materials

In-text Citation rules: Author name cited in essay=page number cited in parentheses. According to Brent Staples, IQ tests give scientists little insight into intelligence (293). No mention of author name in essay=author name and page number cited in parentheses. IQ tests give scientists little insight into intelligence (Staples 293).

Placement of parenthetical reference The best position is at the end of the sentence. When placed at the end of a sentence, insert it before the sentence-ending period.

Mla guidelines for a works cited list The Works Cited list gives complete bibliographic information for each source used in your paper. In all—but only—the sources from which you quote, paraphrase, or summarize. Title- Works Cited is without quotation marks and centered. Placement of List- Entries should be alphabetized by Author’s last name, or if no author, alphabetize by the title’s first significant word (ignore A, An, and The). Content and Format- Start each entry on a new line and at the regular left margin. If the entry uses more than one line, indent the second and all following lines one-half inch from the left margin. Double-space all lines. Spacing after Punctuation- Use one space after a period, comma, or a colon.

Author’s names Use author’s complete name the first mention. Any subsequent mention, you can use the author’s last name.

General formatting instructions—MLA Use 8 ½ by 11 inch paper Double-space throughout Use a one-inch margin on the left, right, top, and bottom Use Times New Roman 12 point font Use a heading and a header with a page number

Name-and-Page-number header for all pages Use a header at the top right-hand side of your paper. The header should include your last name and page number.

First Page Use a four-line heading at the top left of the first page. Include the following information: Your name (first line) Your Instructor’s name (second line) Your course name and section (third line) The date you hand in your paper (fourth line) ex: Oct. 7 2013 The month is abbreviated. On the next line (fifth line) Center the tile of your paper. Don’t underline or enclose it in quotation marks. On the line below the title, start your paper.

Common MLA Citations Book with one author: Last name, First name. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Medium of Publication. Book with more than one author: 1st Author's Last name, First name, and 2nd Author's First name Last name. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Medium of Publication. Online database: Last name, First name. "Name of Article." Title of Journal Volume.Issue (Year): pages. Title of Database. Medium of Publication. Date of Access.

Common MLA Citations, cont. Page from a Web Site: Author’s Last name, First name. “Title of Article.” Website Name. Publisher Name, Date Published. Medium of publication. Date of Access. Article in a Scholarly Journal: Author’s Last name, First name. “Article Title.” Journal Title Volume (Date of Publication): Page numbers. Medium of Publication. Personal Interview: Interviewee’s Last name, First name. Type of interview. Date of Interview.