MLA Citations: a brief overview

Works Cited pages Label the page Works Cited (do not italicize the words Works Cited or put them in quotation marks) and center the words Works Cited at the top of the page. Double space all citations, but do not skip spaces between entries.

Works Cited Indent the second and subsequent lines of citations five spaces so that you create a hanging indent. List page numbers of sources efficiently, when needed. If you refer to a journal article that appeared on pages 225 through 250, list the page numbers on your Works Cited page as 225-50.

In text citation Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).  OR Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263).

In text citations No know author We see so many global warming hotspots in North America likely because this region has “more readily accessible climatic data and more comprehensive programs to monitor and study environmental change . . . ” (“Impact of Global Warming” 6).

In text citations Multiple Editions Marx and Engels described human history as marked by class struggles (79; ch. 1).

In text citation formatting. If the authors name is included in the sentence, only include the page number in the parentheses. If you only use one source for multiple sentences, you are permitted to cite the first sentence using that source as (Name #) and subsequent sentences as just (#) until you change sources.

In text citation formatting Example: The crucial aspect of beginning the baking process is to ensure all ingredients are at room temperature (Lane 7). Additionally, the materials used to beat the egg whites should be completely clean, otherwise the egg whites will deflate (9). Furthermore, one should always use shortening and flour to grease the pan, rather than oil, or the sponge cake will not rise properly (Jones 22).

Still have questions? Use easybib.com can type in books ISBN number or enter Database URL and auto cite. Use owl.english.purdue.edu Left hand side, see MLA 2009 Style guide