The MLA (Modern Language Association) format is a widely used citation style in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. The Purdue Online Writing Lab (Purdue OWL) provides a comprehensive guide to MLA format, which includes guidelines for formatting research papers, citing sources, and creating a works cited page.
Introduction to MLA Format
The MLA format is designed to be simple and easy to use, with a focus on clarity and consistency. The format includes guidelines for margins, font, line spacing, and indentation, as well as rules for citing sources and creating a works cited page. The Purdue OWL MLA guide provides detailed instructions on how to format a research paper in MLA style, including how to set up the paper, create headings, and cite sources.
MLA Format Guidelines
The following are some key guidelines for MLA format:
- Font and size: Use a legible font, such as 12-point Times New Roman.
- Line spacing: Double-space the entire paper, including the works cited page.
- Margins: Leave one-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
- Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph five spaces (or use the tab key).
- Headings: Use headings to divide the paper into sections, such as introduction, body, and conclusion.
Citing Sources in MLA Format
In MLA format, sources are cited using a parenthetical citation system, which includes the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses. The following are some examples of MLA citations:
| Type of Source | MLA Citation |
|---|---|
| Book with one author | (Smith 24) |
| Book with two authors | (Smith and Johnson 24) |
| Article with one author | (Williams 12) |
| Website with no author | (“Title of Website” 24) |
Works Cited Page in MLA Format
The works cited page is a list of all the sources used in the research paper, formatted according to MLA guidelines. The following are some guidelines for creating a works cited page:
Arrangement of entries: Alphabetize the entries by author’s last name.
Format of entries: Use a hanging indent for each entry, with the first line flush left and the subsequent lines indented five spaces.
Content of entries: Include the author’s name, title of the source, publication date, and page numbers (if applicable).
Examples of Works Cited Entries
The following are some examples of works cited entries in MLA format:
Book with one author: Smith, John. The History of Literature. New York: Random House, 2020. Print.
Article with one author: Williams, Jane. “The Impact of Climate Change.” Journal of Environmental Studies 20.2 (2020): 12-20. Print.
Website with no author: “Title of Website.” Website Title, www.website.com, accessed 10 Feb. 2023.
Common Challenges in MLA Format
One of the common challenges in MLA format is citing sources with no author or multiple authors. The Purdue OWL MLA guide provides guidance on how to handle these situations, including using the title of the source in place of the author’s name and listing multiple authors in the correct order.
Tips for Using MLA Format
The following are some tips for using MLA format:
- Use a citation management tool: Tools like Zotero or EndNote can help you format your citations and works cited page.
- Double-check your citations: Make sure your citations are accurate and complete.
- Use the Purdue OWL MLA guide: The guide provides detailed instructions and examples to help you learn MLA format.
What is the purpose of MLA format?
+The purpose of MLA format is to provide a consistent and clear way of formatting research papers and citing sources in the humanities.
How do I cite a source with no author in MLA format?
+In MLA format, you can cite a source with no author by using the title of the source in place of the author’s name.
Where can I find more information about MLA format?
+The Purdue OWL MLA guide is a comprehensive resource for learning about MLA format and citation style.
