MLA (Modern Language Association) citation is essential for academic writing. Getting it right ensures you avoid plagiarism and demonstrate your research credibility. This guide breaks down the process, helping you confidently cite your sources in any MLA paper.
Understanding MLA Style
Before diving into specifics, it's crucial to grasp the core principles of MLA style. It prioritizes conciseness and clarity, focusing on providing readers with enough information to easily locate your sources. This includes both in-text citations and a comprehensive Works Cited page.
Key Components of MLA Citations
Every MLA citation, whether in-text or in your Works Cited list, needs key information. These elements vary slightly depending on the source type (book, article, website, etc.), but generally include:
- Author: The person or organization responsible for creating the work.
- Title: The title of the specific work you're citing (article title, book title, website page title).
- Publication Information: This includes details like the publisher, publication date, journal name (for articles), website URL (for online sources), etc.
In-Text Citations: Weaving Sources into Your Writing
In-text citations are brief references within your paper, directly following the information you've borrowed. They point the reader to the full citation in your Works Cited page.
Parenthetical Citations: The Basics
The most common type of in-text citation uses parentheses. It typically includes the author's last name and page number (or paragraph number for online sources without page numbers). For example:
(Smith 12).
Important Considerations:
- Multiple Authors: For two authors, list both last names. For three or more, use the first author's last name followed by "et al." (Smith and Jones 15) (Smith et al. 20).
- No Author: If the author is unknown, use the title (or a shortened version) in place of the author's name. ("Impact of Climate Change" 4).
- Direct Quotes: Always enclose direct quotes in quotation marks and include the page number.
The Works Cited Page: Your Source Directory
The Works Cited page, appearing at the end of your paper, provides complete bibliographic information for every source you cited. It's alphabetically ordered by the first element of each citation (usually the author's last name).
Formatting Your Works Cited Page
- Heading: Center the title "Works Cited" at the top of the page.
- Hanging Indents: Use hanging indents for each entry. This means the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented.
- Consistency: Maintain consistent formatting throughout the page, following MLA guidelines for punctuation and capitalization.
Common Source Types and Their Citations
Here's a quick overview of how to cite common source types:
Books:
- Format: Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
Journal Articles:
- Format: Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, Volume.Issue (Year): Pages.
Websites:
- Format: Last Name, First Name. "Title of Page." Name of Website, Date of Publication, URL.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced MLA Citation Techniques
As you become more experienced, you'll encounter more complex citation scenarios, such as citing multiple works by the same author or dealing with sources with unusual publication details. Consult the official MLA Handbook for comprehensive guidance on these scenarios.
Utilizing Online Resources
While this guide provides a solid foundation, remember to cross-reference your work with authoritative online resources dedicated to MLA style. These resources can offer the most up-to-date guidelines and address specific citation challenges. Accurate and consistent citation is crucial for academic integrity, so invest the time to master this skill.
