1. Tips and Resources for Successful Writing
The joy of writing
Tips and Resources for Successful Writing

2. Style Modern Language Association (MLA) Writing and Literature Classes
The Modern Language Association (MLA) offers specific guidelines for formatting manuscripts and documenting sources used in your research. MLA style specifies a type of cross-referencing that uses parenthetical citations and a works cited list. As a brief overview, we will cover the basic elements of MLA Style, such as formatting the page, citations, quoting, and the Works Cited page. Should you want or need more in depth information, we recommend that you consult the official publication of the Modern Language Association, presently in its 7th edition.

3. MLA Style: Header
LastName Page#

4. Format of the Paper
Page Number
Heading
Title
Body

5. Citations and Quoting In text citations: Direct quote:
Rosa Parks was one of very few people who could quiet a crowded bus. When she refused to move, “a stony silence fell over the bus as nobody moved.”(Brinkley 296). In her small act of defiance, she started a movement.
Paraphrase:
Rosa Parks was one of very few people who could quiet a crowded bus. When she refused to move, everyone became completely silent there was no movement whatsoever (Brinkley 296). In her small act of defiance, she started a movement.

6. Works Cited Page
Page Number
Title
Citations
Margins

7. Works Cited Entries Book:
Author’s name. Title of Book. Place of publication: Publisher, year of publication. Publication medium.
Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, Print.
Book with two or more authors:
Authors’ names. Title of Book. Place of publication: Publisher, year of publication. Publication medium.
Preston, Douglas and Lincoln Child. The Wheel of Darkness. New York: Hachette Books, Print.
NOTE: The first author’s name should be listed last name first, and all other authors should be first name then last name. Use the first author’s last name to place the entry alphabetically in the Works Cited.

8. Works Cited Entries Web sites:
Author’s name. Name of Web site. Name of institution or organization associated with the site. Date of posting/revision. Publication medium. Date of access.
Irvine, Martin, and Deborah Everhart. The Labyrinth: Resources for Medieval Studies. Georgetown University Web. 21 June
Article on a website:
Author’s name. “Title of Article.” Name of Web site. Name of institution or organization associated with the site. Date of posting/ revision. Publication Medium. Date of access.
Stanley, Sally. “Sabotaging a Child’s Education: How Parents Undermine Teachers.” Teacher-Parent Connections. Disney Learning Web. 22 Apr

9. Works Cited Entries Online article with no obvious author:
“Title of Article.” Name of Web site. Name of institution or publication. Date of posting/revision. Publication medium. Date of access.
“Reebok International Ltd.” Hoover’s Online. Hoover’s Inc Web. 19 June 2002.