Mastering MLA: A Comprehensive Guide to Citations and Formatting (2024 Update)
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely used citation format, especially in the humanities. Whether you're a high school student or an undergraduate researcher, understanding MLA is crucial for academic success. This guide, based on the 9th edition of the MLA Handbook, will provide you with the knowledge and tools to accurately cite sources and format your papers.
What is MLA and Why is it Important?
The Modern Language Association (MLA) developed the MLA citation style to standardize formatting and citation practices in academic writing especially in the fields of language, literature, and other humanities disciplines. Proper citation gives credit to the original authors, avoids plagiarism, and enhances the credibility of your work. Always check which citation style your instructor or institution requires, as using the correct style can positively impact your grade.
Core Components of MLA Style
MLA uses a two-part system:
- In-text citations: Brief references within the body of your paper.
- Works Cited list: A comprehensive list of all sources cited in your paper, located at the end.
Creating Your Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is an alphabetized list of every source you directly cite within your research paper. Keep in mind that any sources consulted but not explicitly cited are omitted from this list. Each entry is constructed from core elements presented in a specific order, along with optional information as needed.
Core Elements:
- Author.
- Title of Source.
- Title of Container,
- Contributor,
- Version,
- Number,
- Publisher,
- Publication Date,
- Location.
The final element should always end with a period.
Example: Citing a Journal Article
Let's break down an example using the journal article, "What Should We Do with a Doctor Here?: Medical Authority in Austen’s Sanditon" by Amy Mallory-Kani, published in Nineteenth-Century Contexts:
- Author: Mallory-Kani, Amy.
- Title of Source: “What Should We Do with a Doctor Here?: Medical Authority in Austen’s Sanditon."
- Title of Container: Nineteenth-Century Contexts,
- Version: vol. 39, no. 4,
- Publication Date: 2017,
- Location: pp. 313-26.
Complete MLA Citation:
Mallory-Kani, Amy. “What Should We Do with a Doctor Here?: Medical Authority in Austen’s Sanditon.” Nineteenth-Century Contexts, vol. 39, no. 4, 2017, pp. 313-26.
Key Considerations for the Core Elements
- Author: If no author is listed, skip this element and begin with the Title of Source. List the author's last name first, followed by a comma and the rest of the name. For sources with multiple authors, follow specific guidelines for listing names.
- Title of Source: This is the title of the specific work you are citing (e.g., a journal article, a web page, or a chapter in a book).
- Title of Container: A "container" holds the source. Examples include journals, websites, or databases. Italicize the title of the container. For example, if you found a New York Times article via a Facebook link, the New York Times website is the container, not Facebook.
- Contributor: List key contributors like translators or editors, specifying their roles (e.g., Translated by Lydia G. Cochrane).
- Version: Include edition numbers (e.g., 3rd ed.) if applicable.
- Number: Specify volume and issue numbers for journals or series.
- Publisher: The entity responsible for making the work public (e.g., a book publisher or a website). Omit the publisher’s name for some periodicals and websites.
- Publication Date: Use the most specific date available (day, month, year).
- Location: Provide page ranges for print sources or a DOI/URL for online sources.
In-Text Citations: Directing Readers to Your Source
In-text citations are brief references within your paper that correspond to entries in your Works Cited list. Typically, they include the author's last name and the page number within parentheses.
Examples:
- Parenthetical citation: “It's silly not to hope. It's a sin he thought.” (Hemingway 96)
- Author named in text: Cox names five strategies to implement Diversity Management in companies (50).
Styling Your In-Text Citations:
- Use the author's full name initially and the last name thereafter.
- For two authors, include both names initially and connect their last names with "and" in subsequent citations.
- For three or more authors, use the first author's last name followed by "et al." in parenthetical citations.
Formatting Your Paper in MLA Style
MLA provides guidelines for the overall presentation of your paper, ensuring clarity and consistency:
- Font: Use a legible font like Times New Roman, 12 pt.
- Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Spacing: Double-space the entire text.
- Indentation: Indent new paragraphs one half-inch.
- Header: Include a header with consecutive page numbers in the upper right-hand corner.
- Title Page: Unless specifically required, avoid a separate title page. Instead, list your name, instructor's name, course name, and date on the first page, followed by a centered title.
Helpful Resources for MLA Style
Conclusion
Mastering MLA style is essential for academic writing in the humanities. By understanding the core elements of MLA citations, correctly formatting your paper, and utilizing available resources, you can present your research in a clear, credible, and professional manner.
