The MLA (Modern Language Association) style format is a widely used citation style in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. It provides a set of guidelines for formatting research papers, citing sources, and creating a bibliography. The MLA style is designed to be clear, concise, and easy to use, making it a popular choice among students, researchers, and scholars.
History of MLA Style
The MLA style has a long history, dating back to 1951 when the Modern Language Association first published its guidelines for formatting and citing sources. Since then, the MLA style has undergone several revisions, with the most recent edition being the 8th edition, published in 2016. The 8th edition introduced significant changes to the MLA style, including a new approach to citing online sources and a more flexible system for formatting research papers.
Key Features of MLA Style
The MLA style has several key features that distinguish it from other citation styles. Some of the most notable features include:
- Double-spacing: MLA-style papers are double-spaced throughout, including the title page, body, and bibliography.
- One-inch margins: MLA-style papers have one-inch margins on all sides, including the top, bottom, left, and right.
- 12-point font: MLA-style papers are typically written in a 12-point font, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
- In-text citations: MLA-style papers use in-text citations to acknowledge sources, with the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses.
- Works Cited page: MLA-style papers include a Works Cited page, which lists all sources cited in the paper in alphabetical order.
MLA Style Format Guidelines
To format a paper in MLA style, follow these guidelines:
First, set the margins to one inch on all sides and the font to 12-point Times New Roman or Arial. Double-space the entire paper, including the title page, body, and bibliography.
Next, create a title page with the following information:
- Student’s name
- Professor’s name
- Course name
- Date
The title page should be centered and double-spaced, with the title of the paper in title case.
Header and Footer
The header and footer of an MLA-style paper should include the following information:
- Page numbers: The page numbers should be located in the upper right corner of each page, starting with the first page of the body.
- Student’s last name: The student’s last name should be included in the header, along with the page number.
Citing Sources in MLA Style
Citing sources in MLA style involves using in-text citations and a Works Cited page. In-text citations acknowledge the source of a quote, paraphrase, or summary, while the Works Cited page provides a comprehensive list of all sources cited in the paper.
To create an in-text citation, include the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses. For example:
(Smith 23)
If the source has no author, use the title of the source in the in-text citation. For example:
(The Great Gatsby 23)
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a list of all sources cited in the paper, in alphabetical order. Each source should be formatted according to the MLA style guidelines, with the following information:
- Author’s name
- Title of source
- Publication date
- Publisher
- Page numbers
For example:
Smith, John. The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1925. Print.
| Source Type | Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Author's name. Title of book. Publisher, Publication date. Medium of publication. |
| Article | Author's name. "Title of article." Title of publication, Publication date, pp. Page numbers. Medium of publication. |
| Website | Author's name. "Title of webpage." Title of website, Publication date, URL. Accessed Date. |
Example of an MLA-Style Paper
The following is an example of an MLA-style paper:
[Title page]
John Smith Professor Johnson English 101 February 12, 2023
[Header and footer]
Smith 1 The Great Gatsby and the American Dream
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the American Dream is a central theme. According to Fitzgerald, the American Dream is “the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination” (Fitzgerald 23). However, the novel also critiques the idea of the American Dream, suggesting that it is ultimately unattainable.
[Works Cited page]
Works Cited Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1925. Print.
What is the purpose of the MLA style format?
+The MLA style format is used to provide a consistent and clear way of formatting research papers, citing sources, and creating a bibliography. It helps to ensure that sources are properly credited and that the paper is easy to read and understand.
How do I cite a source with no author in MLA style?
+If a source has no author, use the title of the source in the in-text citation. For example: (The Great Gatsby 23). In the Works Cited page, list the source alphabetically by title.
What is the difference between a Works Cited page and a bibliography?
+A Works Cited page is a list of all sources cited in the paper, in alphabetical order. A bibliography, on the other hand, is a list of all sources consulted during the research process, whether or not they are cited in the paper.
