MLA (Modern Language Association) format is widely used in the humanities, particularly in academic writing. Knowing how to correctly cite your sources in MLA style is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and giving credit where it's due. This guide will walk you through the essentials of MLA citation, covering both in-text citations and the Works Cited page.
Understanding MLA In-Text Citations
In-text citations are brief references within your paper that point the reader to a more detailed entry in your Works Cited page. They typically include the author's last name and page number (or other relevant locator).
Basic In-Text Citation:
If you mention the author's name in your sentence, you only need to include the page number in parentheses:
"Shakespeare's use of iambic pentameter is masterful" (Smith 123).
If you don't mention the author's name in your sentence, you need to include both the author's last name and the page number:
Iambic pentameter is a key element of Shakespeare's work (Smith 123).
Multiple Authors:
- Two authors: Use "and" between the authors' last names. (Smith and Jones 45)
- Three or more authors: Use the first author's last name followed by "et al." (Smith et al. 67)
No Author:
If there's no author listed, use a shortened version of the title in place of the author's name. Use quotation marks for short titles and italics for longer titles.
The study's findings were surprising ("Study on Climate Change" 2).
Creating Your Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page appears at the end of your paper and provides complete bibliographic information for all sources cited in your paper. It should be alphabetized by the first element of each entry (usually the author's last name).
Basic Book Citation:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year.
Example:
Smith, John. A History of Shakespeare. Oxford University Press, 2020.
Journal Article Citation:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, Volume Number, Issue Number (Year): Page Numbers. Database Name, URL.
Example:
Jones, Jane. "Shakespeare's Influence on Modern Literature." Literary Review, vol. 5, no. 2 (2021): 100-115. JSTOR, [Insert database URL here - this example omits the URL per instructions].
Website Citation:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name (or Website Name). "Title of Page." Website Name, Date of Publication, URL.
Example:
Shakespeare Online. "Shakespeare's Life." Shakespeare Online, 2023, [Insert URL here - this example omits the URL per instructions].
Important Considerations:
- Consistency: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your Works Cited page.
- Accuracy: Double-check all information for accuracy. A small mistake can invalidate your entire citation.
- Use a Style Guide: Refer to the latest MLA Handbook or online resources for the most up-to-date guidelines. While this guide provides an overview, always consult the official resources for complete accuracy.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently and correctly cite your sources in MLA format, demonstrating academic integrity and enhancing the credibility of your work. Remember to always double-check your citations and consult official MLA resources for the most current and accurate information.
