The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is a widely used formatting guide for academic writing, particularly in the humanities. Developed by the Modern Language Association, this style is used to cite sources, format papers, and create a consistent writing style. The MLA citation style is commonly used in subjects such as literature, language, and cultural studies.
History of MLA Citation Style
The MLA citation style has a long history, with the first edition of the MLA Handbook being published in 1977. Since then, the handbook has undergone several revisions, with the most recent edition being the 8th edition, published in 2016. The 8th edition introduced significant changes to the citation style, including the removal of the requirement to include the city of publication for books and the addition of a new format for citing online sources.
Key Components of MLA Citation Style
The MLA citation style consists of several key components, including:
- In-text citations: These are brief citations that appear in the text of the paper, usually in the form of the author’s last name and page number(s).
- Works Cited page: This is a list of all the sources cited in the paper, formatted according to MLA guidelines.
- Header and footer: The header should include the student’s last name and page number, while the footer should be blank.
- Font and spacing: The recommended font is 12-point Times New Roman, with double spacing throughout the paper.
The MLA citation style also has specific guidelines for formatting different types of sources, including books, articles, websites, and more. For example, when citing a book, the format is: Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. Page numbers.
MLA Citation Style for Common Sources
Here are some examples of MLA citation style for common sources:
| Source Type | MLA Citation Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. |
| Article | Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, Volume, Issue, Year of Publication, pp. Page numbers. |
| Website | Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Webpage.” Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. |
It's worth noting that the MLA citation style is not the only citation style used in academic writing. Other popular styles include APA (American Psychological Association) and Chicago, each with its own set of guidelines and formatting requirements.
Common MLA Citation Style Mistakes to Avoid
Some common mistakes to avoid when using the MLA citation style include:
- Forgetting to include the Works Cited page
- Incorrectly formatting in-text citations
- Not including the URL for online sources
- Not using title case for titles of sources
By following the guidelines outlined in the MLA Handbook and avoiding common mistakes, writers can ensure that their papers are properly formatted and cited, and that they maintain academic integrity.
What is the purpose of the MLA citation style?
+The MLA citation style is used to format academic papers, cite sources, and maintain a consistent writing style in the humanities.
How often is the MLA Handbook updated?
+The MLA Handbook is updated periodically, with new editions being published every few years to reflect changes in citation style and formatting guidelines.
What are some common sources that require MLA citation?
+Common sources that require MLA citation include books, articles, websites, and more. The MLA Handbook provides guidelines for citing a wide range of sources.
