When it comes to academic writing, proper citation and referencing are crucial for maintaining the credibility and integrity of your work. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most widely used citation styles in the humanities, and mastering it can significantly improve your grades. In this article, we will provide you with 10 MLA sources tips to help you better understand the style and achieve better grades.
Understanding the Basics of MLA Style
The MLA style is used to cite sources in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. It is characterized by the use of in-text citations, a works cited page, and a specific formatting style. To get started with MLA style, it’s essential to understand the basics, including the use of in-text citations, works cited page, and header formatting.
MLA In-Text Citations
In-text citations in MLA style are used to acknowledge the source of a quote, idea, or piece of information. They typically consist of the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses. For example: (Author’s Last Name 24). If the author’s name is not mentioned in the sentence, it should be included in the parentheses. For instance: (Smith 24). It’s also important to note that MLA style requires the use of a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence.
| MLA In-Text Citation Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| (Smith 24) | Author's last name and page number in parentheses |
| (Johnson and Williams 12-15) | Multiple authors and page range in parentheses |
Formatting the Works Cited Page
The works cited page is a crucial component of MLA style, as it provides a comprehensive list of all sources used in the research paper. The page should be formatted with double spacing, one-inch margins, and hanging indents for each entry. The works cited page should also be alphabetized by author’s last name or title.
MLA Works Cited Page Examples
Here are some examples of MLA works cited page entries:
- Book: Smith, John. The History of Literature. New York: Penguin, 2020. Print.
- Journal Article: Johnson, Mary. “The Impact of Social Media on Society.” Journal of Communication, vol. 70, no. 2, 2020, pp. 12-20. JSTOR.
- Website: Williams, David. “The Benefits of Meditation.” Mindful Magazine, 2020, www.mindful.org/the-benefits-of-meditation.
Additional MLA Sources Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you master MLA style and improve your grades:
- Use a citation generator: Citation generators like MLA Citation Generator or EasyBib can help you format your citations and works cited page correctly.
- Consult the MLA Handbook: The MLA Handbook is the official guide to MLA style, and it provides detailed instructions on formatting, citation, and referencing.
- Use online resources: The MLA website and other online resources like the Purdue Online Writing Lab provide helpful guides and tutorials on MLA style.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice using MLA style, the more comfortable you will become with its rules and conventions.
- Get feedback from instructors: Don’t be afraid to ask your instructors for feedback on your MLA style and citation. They can provide valuable guidance and help you improve your skills.
In conclusion, mastering MLA style takes time and practice, but with these 10 MLA sources tips, you can improve your grades and become a more confident writer. Remember to always consult the MLA Handbook, use online resources, and practice, practice, practice to become proficient in MLA style.
What is the purpose of MLA style?
+The purpose of MLA style is to provide a standardized way of formatting and citing sources in academic writing, particularly in the humanities.
How do I format a works cited page in MLA style?
+A works cited page in MLA style should be formatted with double spacing, one-inch margins, and hanging indents for each entry. The page should also be alphabetized by author’s last name or title.
What is the difference between a citation and a reference?
+A citation is a brief reference to a source in the text, while a reference is a more detailed description of the source, usually included in a works cited page or bibliography.
