The 9th edition of the MLA Handbook, released in 2021, provides updated guidelines for formatting and citing sources in academic papers. For students, researchers, and writers, adhering to these guidelines is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and producing high-quality papers. Here are 12+ MLA 9th edition tips for perfect papers, covering a range of topics from formatting to source citation.
Understanding the Basics of MLA 9th Edition
The MLA 9th edition introduces several changes aimed at simplifying the citation process and accommodating the evolving nature of sources in the digital age. One of the key changes is the emphasis on the concept of “containers,” which helps in organizing and citing sources that are part of a larger work, such as an article within a journal or a chapter in an edited book. Citation styles, such as the use of commas versus periods, have also been updated for clarity and consistency.
Formatting Your Paper
When it comes to the physical layout of your paper, the MLA 9th edition advises using a legible font, typically 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced throughout. The margins should be set to one inch on all sides. The header should include your last name and page numbers, starting from the first page. It’s also important to indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch from the left margin.
| Formatting Element | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Font | 12-point Times New Roman |
| Spacing | Double-spaced |
| Margins | 1 inch on all sides |
| Header | Last name and page number |
Citing Sources in MLA 9th Edition
Citation in the MLA 9th edition involves listing the author’s last name, title of the source in title case, title of the container in title case, version, publisher, publication date, and page numbers if applicable. For online sources, the DOI or URL and the date of access are also required. The MLA 9th edition simplifies the process by allowing for more flexibility in how sources are cited, especially for digital sources where certain information might not be available.
Citing Common Sources
When citing books, you’ll need the author’s name, book title, publication city, publisher, and year of publication. For articles in journals, include the author, article title, journal title, volume and issue number, publication date, and page range. Websites require the author, page title, website title, publication date, and URL.
Examples of citations:
- Book: Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. City: Publisher, Year.
- Journal Article: Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. Volume, no. Issue, Day Month Year, pp. Page Numbers.
- Website: Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Page." Title of Website, Day Month Year, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is where you list all the sources you've cited in your paper. It should be double-spaced and have a hanging indent for each entry. Sources are listed alphabetically by author's last name. If a source has no author, list it by title. The Works Cited page title should be centered at the top of the page.
Organizing Your Sources
Keep track of your sources from the beginning of your research. Using citation management tools can help you organize and format your citations and Works Cited page according to the MLA 9th edition guidelines. It’s also a good practice to save sources and take detailed notes to avoid plagiarism and to ensure you can find the information again when you need it.
What is the main difference between the MLA 8th and 9th editions?
+The MLA 9th edition introduces the concept of “containers” for organizing sources and simplifies the citation process, especially for digital sources.
How do I cite a source with no author in MLA 9th edition?
+For sources without an author, use the title in the in-text citation and list the source by title in the Works Cited page.
What should I include in the header of my MLA paper?
+Your last name and the page number should be included in the header, starting from the first page of your paper.
