Understanding MLA Style
MLA style is primarily used in the humanities, particularly in literature, philosophy, and the arts. The guidelines are designed to facilitate clear communication of ideas and arguments while giving proper credit to the sources used in research. Here are some key aspects of MLA style:
1. Clarity: MLA emphasizes clear and concise writing.
2. Credibility: Proper citation of sources enhances the credibility of the work.
3. Consistency: Uniform formatting allows readers to follow arguments easily.
Basic Formatting Guidelines
The following are the basic formatting requirements for a paper written in MLA style:
- Font: Use a legible font like Times New Roman, size 12.
- Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.
- Line Spacing: Double-space throughout the entire paper, including notes and the Works Cited page.
- Paragraph Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches.
- Page Numbers: Include a header in the upper right corner with your last name and the page number.
Title and Headings
When it comes to titles and headings in MLA format:
- Title: Center the title, and do not underline, italicize, or place it in quotation marks. Use standard capitalization.
- Headings: If your paper requires sections, use headings that are either centered or left-aligned. Do not number headings unless you are using a hierarchical structure.
In-Text Citations
In-text citations are crucial for acknowledging the sources you reference within the body of your text. MLA format employs a parenthetical citation system.
Basic Format
The basic format for in-text citations includes:
- Author’s Last Name: The last name of the author of the source.
- Page Number: The page number from which the information is derived.
For example:
- (Smith 123)
If you mention the author's name in the text, you only need to include the page number in parentheses:
- According to Smith, the findings suggest... (123).
Multiple Authors
When citing a source with multiple authors:
- Two Authors: List both names in the parenthetical citation, separated by “and”.
- (Smith and Johnson 45)
- Three or More Authors: Use the first author's last name followed by "et al."
- (Smith et al. 67)
No Author or Page Number
If a source has no known author, use the title in the citation. If no page number is available, simply include the author's last name.
- (Title of Work)
- (Smith)
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a comprehensive list of all the sources cited in your paper. This section allows readers to locate the sources you referenced and provides the necessary information for each source.
General Formatting
- Title: The title “Works Cited” should be centered at the top of the page.
- Entry Format: Use a hanging indent for each entry (the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches).
- Spacing: Double-space all entries.
Basic Entry Format
Each entry in the Works Cited page generally follows this format:
- Books:
- Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
- Articles:
- Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.
- Websites:
- Last Name, First Name. "Title of Page." Title of Website, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL.
Common Citation Examples
Here are some common examples of citations in MLA format:
- Book:
- Smith, John. Understanding Literary Theory. Academic Press, 2020.
- Journal Article:
- Johnson, Emily. "The Impact of Social Media on Literature." Journal of Modern Writing, vol. 15, no. 3, 2021, pp. 45-67.
- Website:
- Doe, Jane. "The Evolution of Poetry." Poetry Online, Poetry Press, 5 May 2022, www.poetryonline.com/evolution.
Additional Guidelines
In addition to the basic formatting and citation rules, there are several other important guidelines to keep in mind when writing in MLA format.
Quotations
Quotations should follow specific guidelines to maintain the flow of your writing:
- Short Quotations: For quotes that are fewer than four lines, include them within the text and enclose them in quotation marks.
- Long Quotations: For quotes that are more than four lines, format them as a block quote. Start on a new line, indent the entire quote 0.5 inches, and do not use quotation marks.
Footnotes and Endnotes
MLA style permits the use of footnotes and endnotes for additional commentary or citations. However, they should be used sparingly and only when necessary for clarification.
Avoiding Plagiarism
One of the primary purposes of MLA style is to help writers avoid plagiarism. Always ensure you give credit to the original sources of ideas, quotes, or data. Familiarize yourself with paraphrasing and summarizing techniques, and when in doubt, cite your sources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, following the MLA formatting and style guide is essential for anyone involved in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. By adhering to the guidelines for formatting papers, creating in-text citations, and compiling a comprehensive Works Cited page, writers can enhance their credibility and contribute to the scholarly conversation in a meaningful way. Remember, clarity, consistency, and proper attribution are the cornerstones of effective communication in academic writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MLA formatting?
MLA formatting is a style guide developed by the Modern Language Association for writing and citing research papers in the humanities, particularly in literature and language studies.
How do I set up my MLA formatted document?
To set up an MLA formatted document, use 1-inch margins on all sides, double-space the entire text, use a legible font like Times New Roman size 12, and include a header with your last name and page number.
What should be included in the MLA Works Cited page?
The MLA Works Cited page should include full citations of all sources referenced in your paper, listed alphabetically by the author's last name, with a hanging indent for each entry.
How do I cite a book in MLA format?
To cite a book in MLA format, include the author's last name, first name, title of the book in italics, publisher, and year of publication. For example: Smith, John. Understanding MLA. Penguin Books, 2020.
What is the correct way to format in-text citations in MLA?
In-text citations in MLA format typically include the author's last name and the page number in parentheses, e.g., (Smith 23). If the author's name is mentioned in the text, only the page number is needed, e.g., Smith argues that... (23).
Are there specific guidelines for citing online sources in MLA?
Yes, when citing online sources in MLA format, include the author's name, title of the page or article in quotation marks, the website name in italics, publication date, and URL. For example: Doe, Jane. "Research Tips for Students." Education Hub, 2023, www.educationhub.com/research-tips.
What is the purpose of the MLA style guide?
The purpose of the MLA style guide is to provide a standardized method for writing and citing sources, making it easier for readers to locate and verify sources while ensuring academic integrity.
How often does the MLA style guide get updated?
The MLA style guide is updated periodically, with the most recent edition being the 9th edition, published in 2021. It's important to check for the latest guidelines to ensure compliance with current standards.
