The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely accepted formatting style used in academic and research writing, particularly in the humanities. The MLA style provides guidelines for formatting, citation, and referencing sources in a consistent and clear manner. In this article, we will delve into the world of MLA article references, exploring the intricacies of citation, formatting, and style guidelines.
Introduction to MLA Article References
When writing a research paper or academic article, it is essential to properly cite and reference sources to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. The MLA style provides a set of guidelines for citing and referencing sources, including articles, books, and online materials. In the MLA style, article references are formatted differently depending on the type of publication, such as a journal, magazine, or newspaper.
MLA Article Reference Format
The MLA style recommends the following format for article references:
- Lastname, Firstname. “Article Title.” Journal Title, vol. Volume, no. Issue, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
- Lastname, Firstname. “Article Title.” Magazine Title, Day Month Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
- Lastname, Firstname. “Article Title.” Newspaper Title, Day Month Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
For example, an article reference in a journal would be formatted as follows:
Smith, John. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Communities.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 12-20.
Citing Online Articles
When citing online articles, the MLA style recommends including the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or URL, if available. The format for citing online articles is as follows:
- Lastname, Firstname. “Article Title.” Journal Title, vol. Volume, no. Issue, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers, doi: DOI or URL.
For example, an online article reference would be formatted as follows:
Johnson, Mary. “The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health.” Journal of Psychology, vol. 15, no. 1, 2022, pp. 1-10, doi: 10.1080⁄00224545.2022.123456.
MLA Article Reference Examples
The following are examples of MLA article references in different formats:
| Type of Publication | MLA Format |
|---|---|
| Journal Article | Smith, John. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Communities.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 12-20. |
| Magazine Article | Jones, Jane. “The Benefits of Meditation.” Wellness Magazine, 10 Feb. 2020, pp. 20-25. |
| Newspaper Article | Williams, David. “The Economic Impact of Brexit.” The New York Times, 20 Jan. 2020, pp. A1-A3. |
| Online Article | Johnson, Mary. “The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health.” Journal of Psychology, vol. 15, no. 1, 2022, pp. 1-10, doi: 10.1080⁄00224545.2022.123456. |
MLA Style Guidelines
The MLA style provides guidelines for formatting, citation, and referencing sources. Some key guidelines include:
- Use a legible font, such as 12-point Times New Roman.
- Double-space the entire document, including the title page, body, and references.
- Use one-inch margins on all sides.
- Indent the first line of each paragraph five spaces.
For more information on MLA style guidelines, refer to the MLA Handbook or the MLA website.
In conclusion, MLA article references are a crucial aspect of academic writing, allowing authors to properly cite and credit sources. By following the MLA style guidelines, writers can ensure that their work is well-organized, easy to read, and free of plagiarism. Whether writing a research paper or academic article, it is essential to understand the MLA style and its application in citing and referencing sources.
What is the MLA style?
+The MLA style is a formatting style used in academic and research writing, particularly in the humanities. It provides guidelines for formatting, citation, and referencing sources in a consistent and clear manner.
How do I cite an article in MLA style?
+To cite an article in MLA style, use the following format: Lastname, Firstname. “Article Title.” Journal Title, vol. Volume, no. Issue, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. If the article is online, include the DOI or URL, if available.
What is the difference between a journal, magazine, and newspaper article?
+A journal article is a scholarly article published in a academic journal, while a magazine article is a more general interest article published in a magazine. A newspaper article is a news article published in a newspaper. Each type of article has a different format and citation style in MLA.
