A Comprehensive Guide to MLA Citation: Tips and Resources for Academic Success

MLA (Modern Language Association) citation style is a widely used format in the humanities, particularly in disciplines like literature and language studies. This guide aims to provide a detailed overview of how to use MLA citation effectively in your academic work, including in-text citations, the Works Cited page, and basic formatting guidelines. Alongside this, we will discuss the invaluable resources available to help you master MLA citation.

In-Text Citations

In-text citations are a fundamental aspect of MLA citation practice. These citations help to seamlessly integrate your research into your paper while giving credit to the original authors. An in-text citation typically consists of the author's last name and the page number from which the information is taken. If you mention the author's name in your text, you only need to include the page number within the parentheses.

Examples of In-Text Citations

Mentioning the author: According to Smith, the study shows significant results (123). Loose citation within text: Smith (123) notes that...

The Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page is a crucial component of your MLA-style paper. This page lists all the sources you have cited in your text. It should be placed at the end of your document.

Basic Format for Common Sources

Book:

Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.

Journal Article:

Last Name, First Name. Title of Article. Name of Journal, Volume, Issue, Publication Date, page numbers.

Website:

Last Name, First Name. Title of Web Page. Name of Website, Date of Publication or Update, URL.

Example Entries

Book:

Smith, John. Understanding Literature. Penguin Books, 2020.

Journal Article:

Doe, Jane. "The Impact of Technology on Modern Literature." Journal of Literary Studies, vol. 25, no. 2, 2023, pp. 45-58.

Website:

Brown, Lisa. "An Introduction to MLA Style." Website Name, 2022,

Additional Formatting Guidelines

Adhering to specific formatting guidelines is essential to ensure your paper is clear and professional. Here are some general tips for formatting your MLA-style document:

Font: Use a readable font such as Times New Roman, 12-point. Spacing: Double-space your text, including the Works Cited page. Margins: Use 1-inch margins on all sides. Indentation: Indent the second and subsequent lines of each citation with a hanging indent.

Resources for MLA Citation

The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is an invaluable resource for all things related to citation. Whether you need guidance in MLA, APA, or Chicago styles, this site provides comprehensive resources. The MLA Handbook is another essential tool for in-depth understanding and application of MLA citation practices.

If you have specific sources that require citation, don't hesitate to seek help from these resources. They are designed to guide you every step of the way and ensure that your academic writing is accurate and credible.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the available resources, you can effectively incorporate MLA citation into your academic work, contributing to the clarity and consistency of your research.