MLA citation is a widely used referencing style in the humanities, literature, and arts. Developed by the Modern Language Association, it provides a standardized format for citing sources in academic writing. The MLA citation style is designed to be easy to use and understand, allowing writers to focus on the content of their work rather than the formatting of their citations.
Introduction to MLA Citation
The MLA citation style is commonly used in academic writing, particularly in the humanities, literature, and arts. It provides a standardized format for citing sources, including books, articles, websites, and other types of media. The MLA citation style is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing writers to cite a wide range of sources in a clear and consistent manner.
Key Components of MLA Citation
There are several key components to MLA citation, including the in-text citation, the works cited page, and the formatting of the citation. The in-text citation is a brief reference to the source that is included in the text of the paper, while the works cited page is a list of all the sources cited in the paper. The formatting of the citation includes the use of title case for titles, italic font for titles of longer works, and double spacing throughout the paper.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| In-text Citation | Brief reference to the source in the text of the paper |
| Works Cited Page | List of all sources cited in the paper |
| Formatting | Use of title case, italic font, and double spacing |
Formatting the Works Cited Page
The works cited page is a list of all the sources cited in the paper, formatted according to MLA guidelines. The page should be titled “Works Cited” and should be centered at the top of the page. The list of sources should be double spaced and should include the author’s name, title of the source, and publication information.
Citing Common Sources
There are several common sources that are frequently cited in MLA format, including books, articles, and websites. When citing a book, the author’s name should be listed first, followed by the title of the book in title case. When citing an article, the author’s name should be listed first, followed by the title of the article in title case and the title of the publication in title case.
Best Practices for MLA Citation
There are several best practices to keep in mind when using MLA citation, including consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail. It’s essential to use the same formatting throughout the paper and to double-check the citations for accuracy. Additionally, it’s crucial to use title case for titles and italic font for titles of longer works.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are several common mistakes to avoid when using MLA citation, including inconsistent formatting, inaccurate citations, and failure to include necessary information. It’s essential to proofread the paper carefully and to use a style guide to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Use title case for titles
- Use italic font for titles of longer works
- Double-space the paper
- Include the author's name, title of the source, and publication information in the citation
What is MLA citation?
+MLA citation is a widely used referencing style in the humanities, literature, and arts. It provides a standardized format for citing sources in academic writing.
How do I format the works cited page?
+The works cited page should be titled “Works Cited” and should be centered at the top of the page. The list of sources should be double spaced and should include the author’s name, title of the source, and publication information.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using MLA citation?
+Some common mistakes to avoid when using MLA citation include inconsistent formatting, inaccurate citations, and failure to include necessary information. It’s essential to proofread the paper carefully and to use a style guide to ensure accuracy and consistency.
