Mastering MLA: A Beginner’s Guide on How to Cite Information in MLA Format
Have you ever struggled to properly cite your sources in a research paper or academic essay? Fear not, as MLA (Modern Language Association) format provides a clear and concise set of guidelines for citing information in your work.
In this article, we will guide you through the basics of MLA format and help you understand how to cite different types of sources. Let’s dive in!
The Basics of MLA Format
MLA format consists of a set of guidelines for formatting academic and research papers. This includes guidelines for citing sources, formatting headings, using in-text citations, and more.
When writing an academic paper in MLA format, there are some basic rules to keep in mind:
1. Use 12-point font, double-spaced throughout
2. Include a header with your last name and page number in the top right corner of each page
3. Use one-inch margins on all sides
4. Include a Works Cited page at the end of your paper to list all sources cited in your work
Citing Different Types of Sources in MLA Format
MLA format provides guidelines for citing a variety of sources, including books, articles, websites, and more. Here are some examples:
Book:
Last name, First name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Date.
Example: Smith, John. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.
Article:
Last name, First name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, volume number, issue number, year, pages.
Example: Jenkins, Mary. “The Role of Women in Shakespeare’s Plays.” Shakespeare Quarterly, vol. 35, no. 2, Summer 1984, pp. 201-17.
Website:
Author (if available). “Title of Web Page.” Title of Website, Publisher, Date published, URL.
Example: Hernandez, Maria. “The History of Jazz Music.” Music History Online, 30 May 2022, www.musichistoryonline.com/historyofjazz.html.
In-text Citations in MLA Format
In-text citations in MLA format provide readers with information about where a particular piece of information was sourced from. These are typically located within the body of your paper, next to the information you are citing.
In-text citations should contain the author’s last name and the page number where the information can be found (Smith 45). If the author’s name is not available, use the title of the work instead.
Conclusion
Mastering MLA format takes time and practice, but with the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you are well on your way to citing your sources like a pro. Remember to always double-check your citations and formatting to ensure your work is free of errors and follows all MLA guidelines. Happy writing!
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