Understanding MLA Documentation: A Comprehensive Guide
MLA (Modern Language Association) Format is a widely used citation style for research papers and academic writing in the humanities. It provides guidelines for formatting papers, citing sources, and creating a Works Cited page. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key aspects of MLA documentation to help you master this citation style.
MLA Format
When it comes to paper formatting in MLA, there are specific guidelines to follow. It is recommended to use white 8 ½ x 11″ paper with 1-inch margins on all sides. Each paragraph should have the first word indented one half inch, and block quotations should also be indented one half inch from the left margin. The preferred font is Times New Roman, with a 12-point font size. Additionally, the entire research paper, including the Works Cited page, should be double-spaced.
Header and Title Page
The header in MLA format includes the student’s name, instructor’s name, course name and number, and the date. It should be placed one inch from the top and left margins of the page. The title should be centered and written in standard lettering, without underlines, bold font, italicized font, or quotation marks. If a title page is required, it should be centered and double-spaced, with the name of the school at the top and the title of the paper below.
In-text Citations
In MLA format, in-text citations are used to indicate the source of information within the text. Parenthetical citations are placed within parentheses after the quoted or paraphrased information. They typically include the author’s last name and the page number. If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number is included in parentheses. In cases where there are multiple authors, their names are separated by commas.
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a separate page at the end of the research paper that lists all the sources cited in the paper. It should be titled “Works Cited” and arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name. Each entry on the Works Cited page should include the author’s name, the title of the source, the publication information, and the medium of publication.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your MLA documentation is accurate and follows the proper formatting and citation rules.
Sources:
- MLA Format: Everything You Need to Know Here. Available at: https://www.easybib.com/guides/citation-guides/mla-format/
- MLA Overview and Workshop. Purdue OWL® – Purdue University. Available at: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_overview_and_workshop.html
- MLA Documentation | Basic Reading and Writing. Available at: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-basicreadingwriting/chapter/outcome-mla-documentation/
FAQs
Understanding MLA Documentation: A Comprehensive Guide
What is MLA Format?
MLA (Modern Language Association) Format is a citation style widely used in the humanities for research papers and academic writing. It provides guidelines for formatting papers, citing sources, and creating a Works Cited page.
How should I format my paper in MLA?
To format your paper in MLA, use white 8 ½ x 11″ paper with 1-inch margins on all sides. Indent the first word of each paragraph one half inch and indent block quotations one half inch from the left margin. Use a readable font like Times New Roman, size 12, and double-space the entire research paper.
What should be included in the header and title page?
The header in MLA format includes the student’s name, instructor’s name, course name and number, and the date. It should be placed one inch from the top and left margins of the page. The title should be centered and written in standard lettering, without underlines, bold font, italicized font, or quotation marks.
How do I cite sources within the text?
In MLA format, use parenthetical citations to indicate the source of information within the text. Include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses after the quoted or paraphrased information. If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, include only the page number in parentheses.
What is the Works Cited page and how do I create it?
The Works Cited page is a separate page at the end of the research paper that lists all the sources cited in the paper. It should be titled “Works Cited” and arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name. Each entry should include the author’s name, the title of the source, the publication information, and the medium of publication.
Are there specific guidelines for citing different types of sources?
Yes, MLA format provides specific guidelines for citing different types of sources such as books, articles, websites, and more. It includes information about the required elements and formatting for each type of source. Refer to the MLA citation guide for detailed instructions on citing specific sources.
Can I use abbreviations in MLA format?
MLA format allows for the use of abbreviations when necessary. However, it is important to ensure that abbreviations are clear and widely recognized. If using an abbreviation that may not be familiar to readers, it is recommended to provide the full term in parentheses when it is first used.
Is there a specific format for citing online sources?
Yes, MLA format provides specific guidelines for citing online sources, including websites, articles from online databases, and social media posts. The format includes information such as the author (if available), title of the page or article, title of the website, publication date, URL, and access date. Refer to the MLA citation guide for detailed instructions on citing online sources.
These frequently asked questions cover key aspects of MLA documentation, helping you navigate the formatting and citation requirements for your research papers and academic writing.