SI: MLA Citation Style

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What is MLA Style?

  • MLA (Modern Language Association) developed this style for citing sources within scholarly writing. 
  • MLA style is typically used in research papers within the humanities.
  • The authoritative resource for MLA style is the MLA Handbook (8th edition). You can access this book in the reference section on the first floor of the CSI library. You can also consult the library's Citing Sources guide or the MLA Style Center website.
  • This brief guide will provide information on how to cite commonly used resources in MLA format, as well as other helpful links regarding MLA style and how to avoid plagiarism.
  • Please click here to navigate to the library's webpage on citation styles. (there is a section on MLA).

MLA Style: General Format

  • MLA Style does not only cover the format of citations. There are also MLA standards for the general formatting of research papers as well as stylistic conventions (abbreviations, quotations, etc). 
  • Here are some general guidelines for MLA papers. MLA papers:
    • Are typed in a size 12-pt standard font, double spaced
    • Have 1-inch margins all around
    • Have a right-aligned header .5 inches from the top of the page with the author's last name and page number
    • Have a heading on the first page, aligned-right, with a separate line for the author's name, followed by the instructor's name, class number, and due date of the paper
    • Have the title on the next line, centered, not underlined, in quotes, or italicized 
    • Have the first sentence of each paragraph indented by .5 inches

MLA Format Paper Example

Here is an example of the first page of a paper in MLA style (click the image to enlarge):

Sample First Page

"Sample Papers in MLA Style." The MLA Style Center, 14 Aug. 2018, https://style.mla.org/sample-papers/.

 MLA Format In-Text Citations:

MLA style, like other standardized formats, requires that any mention of another author's work, whether it is a direct quote or a summary/paraphrase of the original, must be properly attributed. This is done with a parenthetical citation at the end of a sentence with the author's name and the associated page number(s).

 Examples:

  • This point has already been argued (Tannen 18-24).
  • Tannen has argued this point (18-24).
  • Robertson maintained that “in the appreciation of medieval art the attitude of the observer is of primary importance . . .” (136).
  • Others hold the opposite point of view (Jacobson and Waugh 8-12).

MLA Format Works Cited Page:

The final page of an MLA-formatted paper should be the Works Cited page. This is the page where all of the sources which were cited in the text are listed. The Works Cited should be on a new page, with only Works Cited as the title, centered. The citations all begin with the name of the author of the source (or the editor, or the title if there is no author or editor), and are listed in alphabetical order. After the first line of each citation, all subsequent lines are indented. 

To view details for how to cite each type of source on the works cited page, click here for the library's in-depth guide.

MLA Works Cited Page Example

Here is an example of a works cited page in MLA style (click the image to enlarge):

 Sample Works Cited Page

"Sample Papers in MLA Style." The MLA Style Center, 14 Aug. 2018, https://style.mla.org/sample-papers/.

You are almost done with this mini-tutorial and should now have a basic understanding of MLA format. For more comprehensive information, please navigate to the library's citation guide to find useful links on MLA formatting.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a librarian.

Now let's test your knowledge to see what you've learned from this tutorial with a short quiz:

 

Quiz

In which discipline is MLA format typically used?

Which elements of a research paper is MLA formatting applied to?

You only need to include the author’s name and a page number when you are including a direct quote in your paper.

What resource(s) can you consult for guidance on implementing MLA format?

What is the Works Cited page?

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