The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely accepted format for writing research papers, particularly in the humanities. MLA 9, the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook, provides guidelines for formatting, citing, and referencing sources. In this article, we will explore 12 MLA 9 format tips to help students improve their writing and achieve better grades.
Understanding MLA 9 Format Basics
The MLA 9 format emphasizes clarity, consistency, and accuracy in writing. To master the MLA 9 format, students need to understand the basic elements of the style, including font, margins, and line spacing. The recommended font is legible, such as Times New Roman, and the font size should be 12-point. The margins should be set to 1 inch on all sides, and the line spacing should be double-spaced.
MLA 9 Header and Footer
In MLA 9, the header typically includes the student’s last name and page number, while the footer is usually empty. To create a header, students can use the “Header” feature in their word processing software, and type their last name followed by the page number. The header should be positioned in the upper-right corner of each page, and the font should be the same as the body text.
| MLA 9 Format Element | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Font | Legible, 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman) |
| Margins | 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right) |
| Line Spacing | Double-spaced |
| Header | Last name and page number in upper-right corner |
Citing Sources in MLA 9
Citing sources is a critical aspect of academic writing, and MLA 9 provides guidelines for citing various types of sources, including books, articles, and websites. In MLA 9, sources are cited using in-text citations and a Works Cited page. In-text citations typically include the author’s last name and page number(s), while the Works Cited page provides a detailed list of sources cited in the paper.
MLA 9 In-Text Citations
MLA 9 in-text citations are used to acknowledge the source of a quote, paraphrase, or summary. The citation should be placed at the end of the sentence, and should include the author’s last name and page number(s). For example: (Smith 24) or (Johnson 12-15). If the source has no author, the title should be used in the in-text citation.
MLA 9 Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a critical component of the MLA 9 format, as it provides a detailed list of sources cited in the paper. The page should be titled “Works Cited” and should be centered at the top of the page. The sources should be listed in alphabetical order, and each entry should include the author’s last name, first name, title of the source, publication date, and publication information.
MLA 9 Works Cited Examples
Here are some examples of MLA 9 Works Cited entries:
- Book: Smith, John. The History of Literature. New York: Random House, 2020.
- Article: Johnson, Mary. “The Impact of Social Media on Society.” Journal of Communication, vol. 70, no. 2, 2020, pp. 12-20.
- Website: Williams, David. “The Benefits of Meditation.” Mindful Living, 10 Feb. 2022, www.mindfulliving.com/meditation-benefits.
Additional MLA 9 Format Tips
In addition to understanding the basics of the MLA 9 format, students can improve their writing by following these tips:
- Use clear and concise language to convey complex ideas.
- Organize the paper using headings, subheadings, and paragraphs.
- Use transitions to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs.
- Proofread the paper carefully to catch errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
What is the MLA 9 format?
+The MLA 9 format is a style guide for writing research papers, particularly in the humanities. It provides guidelines for formatting, citing, and referencing sources.
How do I cite sources in MLA 9?
+In MLA 9, sources are cited using in-text citations and a Works Cited page. In-text citations typically include the author’s last name and page number(s), while the Works Cited page provides a detailed list of sources cited in the paper.
What is the difference between a Works Cited page and a bibliography?
+A Works Cited page is a list of sources cited in the paper, while a bibliography is a list of all sources consulted during the research process. In MLA 9, a Works Cited page is required, but a bibliography is not.
