Understanding MLA Style
MLA style is a widely accepted format for writing in the humanities and liberal arts. It emphasizes clarity, precision, and uniformity in the presentation of written work. The Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) serves as an important resource for understanding these conventions.
Key Features of MLA Style
1. In-Text Citations: MLA style uses parenthetical citations within the text that correspond to a full citation in the Works Cited page.
2. Works Cited Page: This page lists all the sources referenced in your paper, formatted according to specific guidelines.
3. Formatting Guidelines: Papers should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides, and use a legible font like Times New Roman, size 12.
4. Header and Pagination: Each page should have a header that includes your last name and the page number in the upper right corner.
5. Title and Indentation: The title should be centered and not bolded, underlined, or italicized. The first line of each paragraph should be indented by half an inch.
Basic Formatting Guidelines
When you are preparing to write a paper in MLA format, adhering to the following guidelines is crucial to ensure that your work is professional and easy to read.
General Document Setup
- Font: Use a standard, easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial.
- Size: The font size should be 12 pt.
- Spacing: Double-space throughout the entire document, including the Works Cited page.
- Margins: Set margins to 1 inch on all sides.
First Page Format
The first page of your document should include the following:
1. Your name
2. Your instructor’s name
3. The course name
4. The date (in Day Month Year format, e.g., 12 October 2023)
All of this information should be left-aligned at the top of the first page.
Title and Indentation
- Title: Center the title of your paper on the first page. Do not underline, italicize, or place it in quotation marks.
- Indentation: The first line of each paragraph should be indented by half an inch. This can often be set in your word processor’s settings.
In-Text Citations
In-text citations in MLA style are critical for crediting the sources from which you draw information or ideas. The basic format of an in-text citation includes the author’s last name and the page number from where the information is taken.
Examples of In-Text Citations
- Single Author: (Smith 23)
- Two Authors: (Smith and Johnson 45)
- Three or More Authors: (Smith et al. 67)
When quoting directly from a source, include the quote within quotation marks and follow it with the citation.
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is an essential component of your paper, providing a comprehensive list of all sources referenced throughout.
General Guidelines for Works Cited
- Start the Works Cited page on a new page.
- The title "Works Cited" should be centered at the top of the page.
- Entries should be double-spaced, with no extra space between entries.
- Use a hanging indent for each entry, where the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented by half an inch.
Common Types of Works Cited Entries
1. Book:
- Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
- Example: Smith, John. Understanding MLA Style. Academic Press, 2020.
2. Journal Article:
- Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.
- Example: Johnson, Mary. "The Impact of MLA Style." Journal of Writing Studies, vol. 5, no. 2, 2021, pp. 123-135.
3. Website:
- Last Name, First Name. "Title of Webpage." Website Name, Publisher (if different from website name), Date of publication, URL.
- Example: Brown, Lisa. "MLA Formatting Tips." Purdue OWL, Purdue University, 2023, owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_overview.html.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using the Purdue OWL MLA Formatting and Style Guide, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine your paper’s credibility and clarity.
- Neglecting In-Text Citations: Always cite your sources to avoid plagiarism.
- Improper Formatting: Follow specific guidelines for margins, spacing, and font to ensure your paper looks professional.
- Incorrect Works Cited Entries: Ensure that all entries are formatted correctly and include all necessary information.
- Overusing Quotes: Use quotes sparingly; instead, aim to paraphrase or summarize information in your own words.
Conclusion
The Purdue OWL MLA Formatting and Style Guide serves as a vital tool for students and writers aiming to master MLA style. By following the formatting guidelines, understanding how to create accurate in-text citations, and compiling a comprehensive Works Cited page, writers can produce clear, professional, and academically sound papers. Avoiding common mistakes will further enhance the quality of your work, ensuring that your ideas are effectively communicated and appropriately credited. Whether you are new to MLA style or looking to refine your skills, the Purdue OWL remains an invaluable resource for all your academic writing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Purdue OWL MLA Formatting and Style Guide?
The Purdue OWL MLA Formatting and Style Guide is an online resource that provides comprehensive guidelines on how to properly format and style academic papers using the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation format.
How do I format a paper in MLA style according to Purdue OWL?
To format a paper in MLA style, you should use 1-inch margins, 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 on the top right corner of each page.
What should be included in the Works Cited page in MLA format?
The Works Cited page in MLA format should include a list of all the sources cited in your paper, formatted with hanging indents, and organized alphabetically by the author's last name or the title if no author is available.
How do I cite a book in MLA format from the Purdue OWL guide?
To cite a book in MLA format, you should format it as follows: Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
What is the purpose of in-text citations in MLA format?
In-text citations in MLA format serve to give credit to the original sources of information or ideas used in your paper, allowing readers to locate the full citation in the Works Cited page.
Can I use online sources for my research paper according to Purdue OWL?
Yes, you can use online sources for your research paper. However, it's important to evaluate the credibility of the sources and cite them properly according to MLA guidelines.
What is the correct way to format a title page in MLA style?
In MLA style, a title page is not typically required. Instead, you should include your name, your instructor's name, the course number, and the date in the upper left corner of the first page, followed by the title centered on the next line.
Where can I find additional resources for MLA formatting beyond Purdue OWL?
In addition to Purdue OWL, you can find additional resources for MLA formatting on the official MLA website, as well as through academic libraries and writing centers.
