When it comes to writing a research paper, proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors of the ideas and information used in the paper. The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is one of the most commonly used citation styles in the humanities, and mastering it can help you ace your research paper. In this article, we will provide 10+ MLA citation tips to help you navigate the complexities of MLA citation and produce a well-cited paper.
Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation
The MLA citation style is designed to be simple and easy to use, with a focus on providing clear and concise citations that allow readers to locate the sources used in the paper. The MLA style uses a parenthetical citation system, where the author’s last name and page number(s) are included in parentheses at the end of the sentence. For example: (Smith 24). This system allows for easy identification of the source and page number, making it easier for readers to locate the information.
MLA Citation Tips for In-Text Citations
In-text citations are used to cite sources within the text of the paper. Here are some tips for using in-text citations in MLA style:
- Use the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses, separated by a space: (Smith 24)
- If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only include the page number(s) in parentheses: Smith argues that… (24)
- If there are multiple authors, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” and the page number(s): (Smith et al. 24)
- If there is no author, use the title of the source in parentheses: (“The Importance of Citation” 24)
MLA Citation Tips for the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a list of all the sources used in the paper, formatted according to MLA guidelines. Here are some tips for creating a Works Cited page:
- Arrange the sources in alphabetical order by author’s last name
- Use a hanging indent for each source, with the first line of the source flush with the left margin and subsequent lines indented 0.5 inches
- Include the author’s name, title of the source, publication date, and page number(s) for each source
- Use title case for titles of sources, with major words capitalized: The Importance of Citation
| Source Type | MLA Citation Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. |
| Article | Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. Volume, no. Issue, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. |
| Website | Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Website." Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, http://www.url.com. |
Common MLA Citation Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common MLA citation mistakes to avoid:
- Forgetting to include the page number(s) for in-text citations
- Not using title case for titles of sources
- Not including the publication date for sources
- Not using a hanging indent for the Works Cited page
Best Practices for Using MLA Citation
Here are some best practices for using MLA citation:
- Use a citation management tool, such as MLA Citation Generator or Zotero, to help format citations and create a Works Cited page
- Keep track of sources as you research, using a citation log or spreadsheet to organize information
- Double-check citations for accuracy and consistency before submitting the paper
What is the purpose of MLA citation?
+The purpose of MLA citation is to give credit to the original authors of ideas and information used in a paper, and to allow readers to locate the sources used in the paper.
How do I format an in-text citation in MLA style?
+In MLA style, in-text citations are formatted with the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses, separated by a space: (Smith 24).
What is the difference between a Works Cited page and a bibliography?
+A Works Cited page is a list of all the sources used in a paper, while a bibliography is a list of all the sources consulted during research. In MLA style, a Works Cited page is required, while a bibliography is not.
