The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is a widely accepted style of formatting and citation used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. It provides a set of guidelines for formatting research papers, in-text citations, and Works Cited pages. Understanding the MLA format is essential for scholars, researchers, and students to maintain the integrity and credibility of their work.
Introduction to MLA Format
The MLA format was first introduced by the Modern Language Association in 1985 and has undergone several revisions since then. The most recent edition, the 8th edition, was published in 2016. This format is preferred by many scholars and researchers in the humanities due to its simplicity and clarity. The MLA format emphasizes the author’s name and page number(s) in in-text citations, making it easy to locate sources and maintain the flow of the text.
Key Elements of MLA Format
There are several key elements to the MLA format, including the header, font, margins, line spacing, and paragraph indentation. The header typically includes the author’s last name and page number, while the font is usually set to 12-point Times New Roman. Margins are set to one inch on all sides, and the text is double-spaced. Paragraphs are indented five spaces, and the Works Cited page is formatted with hanging indents.
| MLA Format Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Header | Author's last name and page number |
| Font | 12-point Times New Roman |
| Margins | One inch on all sides |
| Line Spacing | Double-spaced |
| Paragraph Indentation | Five spaces |
In-Text Citations and Works Cited Page
In-text citations in the MLA format typically include the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses. If the source has no author, the title is used instead. The Works Cited page is a separate page at the end of the research paper, listing all sources cited in the paper. The sources are formatted according to the type of source, such as books, articles, or websites.
Formatting In-Text Citations
In-text citations are formatted differently depending on the type of source and the number of authors. For a source with one author, the citation includes the author’s last name and page number(s). For sources with two or three authors, all authors’ names are listed. For sources with more than three authors, only the first author’s name is listed, followed by “et al.”
Examples of in-text citations include:
- One author: (Smith 24)
- Two authors: (Smith and Johnson 24)
- Three authors: (Smith, Johnson, and Williams 24)
- More than three authors: (Smith et al. 24)
Conclusion
The MLA format is a widely accepted style of formatting and citation used in the humanities. It provides a set of guidelines for formatting research papers, in-text citations, and Works Cited pages. Understanding the MLA format is essential for scholars, researchers, and students to maintain the integrity and credibility of their work. By following the guidelines outlined in the MLA Handbook and online resources, researchers can ensure that their work is properly formatted and cited.
What is the purpose of the MLA format?
+The MLA format is used to maintain the integrity and credibility of research papers in the humanities, providing a set of guidelines for formatting and citation.
What are the key elements of the MLA format?
+The key elements of the MLA format include the header, font, margins, line spacing, and paragraph indentation, as well as the Works Cited page and in-text citations.
How do I format in-text citations in the MLA format?
+In-text citations in the MLA format typically include the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses, with variations depending on the type of source and the number of authors.
