Citing Mla Style

Citing sources in MLA style is a crucial aspect of academic writing, particularly in the humanities. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for properly citing sources to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. In this article, we will delve into the world of MLA style citations, exploring the basics, in-text citations, works cited page, and providing examples to illustrate the concepts.

Introduction to MLA Style

MLA style is widely used in academic writing, especially in English, literature, and other humanities fields. The MLA Handbook, now in its eighth edition, provides comprehensive guidelines for writers to properly cite sources, format papers, and avoid plagiarism. Understanding the basics of MLA style is essential for students, researchers, and writers to produce high-quality work.

Basic Principles of MLA Style

The MLA style emphasizes the importance of in-text citations, which allow readers to quickly identify the source of a quote or idea. The in-text citation typically includes the author’s last name and page number(s) where the information can be found. MLA style also requires a Works Cited page, which lists all sources used in the research paper, formatted according to specific guidelines.

In-Text Citations in MLA Style

In-text citations in MLA style are used to acknowledge the source of a quote, idea, or information. The citation typically includes the author’s last name and page number(s) where the information can be found. There are several types of in-text citations, including those for direct quotes, paraphrased information, and multiple sources by the same author.

Examples of In-Text Citations

The following examples illustrate the different types of in-text citations in MLA style:

• Direct quote: (Smith 24)
• Paraphrased information: (Johnson 12-15)
• Multiple sources by the same author: (Williams 23; Williams 45)

MLA style also allows for variations in in-text citations, such as using a title instead of an author's name or including multiple authors' names. It's essential to consult the MLA Handbook or a reliable online resource for specific guidance on formatting in-text citations.

Works Cited Page in MLA Style

The Works Cited page is a critical component of MLA style, as it provides a comprehensive list of sources used in the research paper. The Works Cited page should be formatted according to MLA guidelines, including double-spacing, a hanging indent, and alphabetization by author’s last name.

Examples of Works Cited Entries

The following examples illustrate the different types of Works Cited entries in MLA style:

1. Book: Smith, John. The History of Literature. New York: Random House, 2010. Print.
2. Article: Johnson, Mary. “The Impact of Social Media on Society.” Journal of Communication 20.2 (2015): 12-20. Print.
3. Website: Williams, David. “The Benefits of Meditation.” Mindfulness Matters, 10 Jan. 2018, www.mindfulnessmatters.com/meditation-benefits. Accessed 20 Feb. 2020.

MLA style requires attention to detail when formatting the Works Cited page, including punctuation, capitalization, and indentation. It's essential to consult the MLA Handbook or a reliable online resource for specific guidance on formatting Works Cited entries.