When it comes to academic writing, proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most widely used citation styles in the humanities, and mastering its secrets can help you create perfect citations. In this article, we will explore over 10 MLA style secrets to help you improve your citation skills.
Understanding the Basics of MLA Style
The MLA style is designed to be simple and easy to use, with a focus on clarity and concision. The basic elements of an MLA citation include the author’s last name, first name, title of the source, title of the container, publication date, and page numbers. However, there are many nuances to the MLA style that can be tricky to navigate, especially for beginners.
MLA Style Secrets for In-Text Citations
In-text citations are a crucial part of the MLA style, and they can be used to cite a wide range of sources, including books, articles, and websites. Here are a few secrets to keep in mind when using in-text citations:
- Use the author's last name and page number for in-text citations, separated by a space. For example: (Smith 24)
- Cite multiple authors by separating their last names with "and" or an ampersand (&). For example: (Smith and Johnson 24) or (Smith, Johnson, and Williams 24)
- Use a shortened title for sources with long titles. For example: ("The Impact of Climate Change" 24) instead of ("The Impact of Climate Change on Global Food Systems" 24)
MLA Style Secrets for Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a critical component of the MLA style, and it requires careful attention to detail. Here are a few secrets to keep in mind when creating your Works Cited page:
- Arrange entries alphabetically by the author's last name. If there is no author, use the title of the source.
- Use hanging indents for each entry, with the first line flush left and the subsequent lines indented 0.5 inches.
- Include all relevant publication information, including the publication date, page numbers, and DOI (if available).
MLA Style Secrets for Citing Different Types of Sources
The MLA style provides guidelines for citing a wide range of sources, including books, articles, websites, and more. Here are a few secrets to keep in mind when citing different types of sources:
Citing Books
When citing books, be sure to include the author’s name, title of the book, publication date, and page numbers. For example:
Smith, John. The History of Literature. Random House, 2020. Print.
Citing Articles
When citing articles, be sure to include the author’s name, title of the article, title of the container, publication date, and page numbers. For example:
Johnson, Jane. "The Impact of Climate Change." Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 24-30. JSTOR, doi: 10.2307/23456789.
Citing Websites
When citing websites, be sure to include the author’s name, title of the webpage, title of the website, publication date, and URL. For example:
Williams, Bob. "The Benefits of Meditation." Mindful Magazine, 10 Feb. 2020, www.mindfulmagazine.com/the-benefits-of-meditation.
MLA Style Secrets for Avoiding Common Mistakes
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when using the MLA style. Here are a few secrets to keep in mind to avoid common mistakes:
- Double-check your citations for accuracy and completeness.
- Use a citation generator to help with formatting and punctuation.
- Consult the MLA Handbook for guidance on tricky citations or unusual sources.
| Type of Source | MLA Citation Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. Print. |
| Article | Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Container, vol. Volume Number, no. Issue Number, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. Database Name, doi: DOI Number. |
| Website | Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Webpage." Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. |
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when using the MLA style?
+The most important thing to keep in mind when using the MLA style is to be consistent and accurate in your citations and formatting.
How do I cite a source with no author in the MLA style?
+When citing a source with no author in the MLA style, use the title of the source in the in-text citation and the Works Cited page entry.
What is the difference between a Works Cited page and a bibliography in the MLA style?
+A Works Cited page is a list of sources that you have cited in your paper, while a bibliography is a list of all sources that you have consulted, whether or not you have cited them.
