Mastering MLA Format: A Comprehensive Guide to Citations, Formatting, and Avoiding Plagiarism

MLA (Modern Language Association) format is a widely used style for academic writing, particularly in the humanities. This guide provides an in-depth overview of MLA format, covering citations, plagiarism prevention, formatting guidelines, and practical examples to help you create well-structured and properly cited papers.

What is MLA Format?

MLA format is a set of guidelines developed by the Modern Language Association for language and literature studies. It covers various aspects of writing, including grammar, research paper layouts, and, most importantly, how to cite sources to avoid plagiarism (Modern Language Association). While primarily used in the liberal arts and humanities, many instructors across different disciplines may also require or prefer MLA style.

Why Use MLA Format?

There are several reasons why using MLA format is crucial in academic writing:

• Avoiding Plagiarism: Proper citation is essential to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism, which is using others' work without acknowledgment.
• Credibility: Citing sources demonstrates that you have conducted thorough research and relied on reputable sources to support your arguments.
• Clarity: MLA provides a standardized format for citations, making it easier for readers to understand the sources you have used and locate them if needed.

Understanding Plagiarism and Citations

What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's work, ideas, or words as your own without giving proper credit. This can include:

• Copying text verbatim without citation.
• Paraphrasing someone else's work without attribution.
• Submitting work you previously submitted for another class.

What is a Citation?

Citations are references within your paper that indicate the sources of information you have used. They come in two forms:

• In-text citations: Brief references within the body of your paper that point to the full citation in the works-cited list.
• Works-cited list: A comprehensive list at the end of your paper that provides full bibliographic information for all sources cited.

Creating Effective MLA Citations

In-Text Citations

In-text citations are brief and include the author's last name and the page number where the information was found in the original source. The basic format is: (Author's Last Name Page Number). For example: (Tan 31).

• Parenthetical Citations: Enclose the author's name and page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence.
• Citations in Prose: Integrate the author's name into your sentence. For example: "In Tan's novel..."

Works-Cited List

The works-cited list provides full bibliographic information for each source you cited in your paper. Here's the basic format:

Last name of the author, First name of the author. "Source's Title." Container's Title, roles and names of any other individuals who helped contribute to the source, the version of the source, any numbers associated with the source, the name of the publisher, the date the source was published, the location where individuals can find the source themselves (usually a DOI, URL, or page range).

• Example:

  Tan, Amy. The Joy Luck Club. Penguin, 1989, p. 31.

Navigating the MLA 9th Edition

The MLA Handbook is currently in its 9th edition, which expands upon previous standards. Some key updates include:

• DOI Format: DOIs are formatted as https://doi.org/xx.xxxx/xxx.xxxx.xxxx.
• Lowercase Seasons: Seasons in publishing dates are lowercased (e.g., spring 2020).
• Supplemental Elements: "Optional elements" are now referred to as "supplemental elements."
• Citations in Prose: "Narrative in-text citations" are now called "citations in prose."

For more details on MLA 9th edition updates, refer to the MLA Style Center.

Formatting Your Paper in MLA Style

General Guidelines

• Paper Size: Use 8½-by-11 inch paper.
• Margins: Set one-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
• Font: Use an easily readable font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica, in 12-point size.
• Spacing: Double-space the entire paper, including headings, quotations, and the works-cited list.

Heading and Title

• The heading should include your name, instructor's name, course number, and date, each on a separate line, aligned to the left.
• Center the title below the heading without bolding, underlining, or italicizing it.

Page Numbers

• Include page numbers in the upper right-hand corner of each page, preceded by your last name. For example: "Jacobson 1".

Works Cited Page

• Start the works-cited list on a new page at the end of your paper.
• Center the title "Works Cited" at the top of the page.
• List your sources in alphabetical order by the author's last name or the first word of the title if there is no author.
• Use a hanging indent for each citation: all lines after the first line should be indented half an inch from the left margin.

Other Key Elements of MLA Style

Quotations

• Use direct quotes sparingly to support your own points.
• Enclose short quotes (four lines or fewer) in quotation marks within your text.
• For quotes longer than four lines, use a block quote: indent the entire quote half an inch from the left margin, without quotation marks.

Paraphrasing

• Paraphrase information from outside sources in your own words.
• Always include an in-text citation when paraphrasing.

Common Knowledge

• You don't need to cite common knowledge (facts that are widely known).

Footnotes and Endnotes

• Use footnotes and endnotes to provide additional information or cite multiple sources in a single note.

Figures and Tables

• Label figures and tables with a number and a descriptive caption beneath them.

Tools for MLA Formatting

• Citation Generators: Online tools like Citation Machine can help you create citations quickly and easily.
• Grammar and Plagiarism Checkers: Use grammar and plagiarism checkers to ensure your paper is error-free and properly cited.
• Word Processors: Most word processors have features that allow you to format your paper according to MLA guidelines.

Common Citation Examples

• Website:
  • Last name of the author, First name of the author. "Title of Web Page." Name of Website, Publisher (if different from website name), Date Published, URL.
• Book:
  • Last name of the author, First name of the author. Title of Book. Publisher, Year Published.
• Journal Article:
  • Last name of the author, First name of the author. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. (volume number), no. (issue number), Date Published, pp. (page numbers).

Avoiding Accidental Plagiarism

1. Poor Paraphrasing: Ensure that your paraphrases are in your own words and style, not just substituting a few words with synonyms
2. Incorrect Citations: Double-check all citation details for accuracy.
3. Missing Quotation Marks: Always use quotation marks for direct quotes.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently create well-researched, properly cited papers in MLA format, avoiding plagiarism and showcasing your credibility as a scholar.