📖 MLA Citation Guide: Mastering the Modern Language Association Format

The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is widely used in the humanities, especially in writing on language and literature. Understanding how to properly cite sources in MLA format is essential for academic success and avoiding plagiarism. This guide will walk you through the essentials of MLA citation, including in-text citations, works cited pages, and formatting rules.

🔍 What is MLA Citation?

MLA citation is a method of crediting sources in academic writing. It involves two key components:

In-text citations: Brief references within your text that direct readers to the full citation in your works cited page.
Works Cited page: A comprehensive list of all sources referenced in your paper, placed at the end of your document.

📁 In-Text Citations

In-text citations in MLA format typically include the author’s last name and the page number from which the information was taken, enclosed in parentheses.

Example:

(Smith 123)

If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number is required in the citation.

Example:

Smith argues that… (123).

📄 Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page lists all the sources you referenced in your paper. Entries should be alphabetized by the author’s last name and formatted with a hanging indent.

Basic Format:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Source. Publisher, Publication Date.

Example:

Smith, John. Understanding MLA Citation. Academic Press, 2020.

📈 Formatting Rules

Font: Use a legible font like Times New Roman, 12 pt.
Spacing: Double-space the entire document.
Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides.
Header: Include your last name and page number in the top right corner.
Title: Center the title of your paper; do not underline, italicize, or place it in quotation marks.Style Manual+10EasyBib+10Purdue OWL+10

📅 Common Source Types and Examples

Book:

Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.

Journal Article:

Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.CofC Library Guides+4York Catholic+4Purdue OWL+4

Website:

Last Name, First Name. “Title of Web Page.” Title of Website, Publisher, Date published, URL.

📆 Tips for Success

Always double-check your citations for accuracy.
Use citation tools or guides to help format your sources correctly.
Keep track of all sources as you research to make citation easier.

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