Crafting compelling research papers requires more than just insightful analysis; it demands meticulous attention to detail, especially when it comes to citing sources. This comprehensive guide delves into the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style, providing you with the knowledge and tools to become a responsible and effective researcher.
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely recognized standard for formatting research papers and citing sources, particularly in the humanities. Mastering MLA ensures you:
MLA format provides guidelines for various aspects of academic writing, including:
Citations acknowledge the sources you've used in your research. There are two primary types:
In-text citations are brief references within the body of your paper that point to the full citation in the Works Cited list. They typically include the author's last name and the page number where the information was found.
Example:
"Each person is made of five elements.... Too much fire and you have a bad temper...too little wood and you bent too quickly...too much water and you flowed in too many directions" (Tan 31).
This indicates that the quote comes from page 31 of a work by an author named Tan. These are often parenthetical citations.
When the author's name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number needs to be in the citation. This is called a citation in prose.
Example:
Tan writes, "Each person is made of five elements.... Too much fire and you have a bad temper...too little wood and you bent too quickly...too much water and you flowed in too many directions" (31).
The Works Cited list is a comprehensive list of all the sources you cited in your paper, appearing on a separate page at the end. Each entry provides complete information about the source, enabling readers to locate it themselves.
A full citation generally follows this 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).
Though often used interchangeably, the terms "bibliography" and "Works Cited list" have distinct meanings:
Generally, instructors expect a Works Cited list unless otherwise specified.
The MLA Handbook is currently in its 9th edition, which expands upon the 8th edition. Key updates include:
For more detailed information on MLA 9, you can click here.
Creating MLA citations can be simplified with online tools like the Citation Machine MLA generator. These tools can assist you in generating citations for various sources, including:
Beyond citation generation, these resources often provide support for plagiarism and grammar.
Mastering MLA citation style is critical for academic success and responsible research practices. By understanding the principles outlined in this guide and utilizing available resources, you can confidently create accurate citations, avoid plagiarism, and enhance the credibility of your work.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or academic advice. Always consult the official MLA Handbook or your instructor for specific guidance.
