Formatting an Essay in MLA Style
Citing sources in MLA format varies slightly depending on the type of source, but the general structure remains consistent. For instance, to cite a book, the format would typically look like this: Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year. When citing a journal article, the format would be: Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages. These examples show how to format the citation with appropriate punctuation and order of information, which is critical for leading the reader to your sources.
For online sources, additional information is required to guide the reader to the exact location of the content. A website citation in MLA format would generally be formatted as follows: Last Name, First Name. "Title of Page." Name of Website, Publisher, date of publication, URL. Remember to use the date of the last update if available, and include the URL at the end of the entry. This format ensures that even if the physical characteristics of the source are different (like a digital versus a print source), the citation provides enough information for readers to find the source material. Integrating quotations accurately in your MLA essay not only strengthens your argument but also shows respect for the original source material. When using direct quotations, it's crucial to introduce them smoothly into your text to maintain the flow of your writing. You can introduce a quotation with a complete sentence followed by a colon, use a comma after a signal phrase, or integrate it into the sentence with no additional punctuation if it forms a part of the sentence. This careful integration helps clarify the connection between your argument and the evidence provided by the quotation. Correct punctuation is essential when integrating quotations in MLA style. For short quotations, enclose the quote within double quotation marks and incorporate it into your text. For longer quotations, format them as block quotations: start the quote on a new line, indented half an inch from the left margin, without quotation marks. Always provide an in-text citation, including the author’s last name and the page number, placed after the quotation’s ending punctuation. This method not only adheres to MLA guidelines but also ensures the readability and integrity of your essay. When writing an MLA essay, using abbreviations must be handled with care to maintain formality and clarity. The MLA Handbook suggests spelling out terms in the main text and reserving abbreviations for parenthetical references, tables, and figures. For instance, abbreviate "page" as "p." and "pages" as "pp." when used with numbered citations in parentheses. Always introduce an abbreviation with its full term at its first occurrence. This approach keeps the essay clear and accessible, especially for readers unfamiliar with the abbreviations. The 'Works Cited' page is an essential component of any MLA format essay, serving as a comprehensive list of all the sources referenced throughout your paper. It should appear at the end of your essay on a separate page, maintaining the same one-inch margins and consistent header as the rest of your document. The title, 'Works Cited', should be centered at the top of the page but not italicized or placed in quotation marks. Each entry on this page must be alphabetized by the author's last name and formatted with a hanging indent to enhance readability and organization. In MLA essays, the formatting of numbers must follow specific guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency. Use words for numbers that can be written in one or two words, such as "one" to "ninety-nine," and use numerals for numbers above one hundred or when accompanied by units, such as "3 cm" or "50 years." Always spell out numbers that begin a sentence. However, for statistical or technical data, numerals provide better clarity and should be used regardless of their position in the sentence. This rule helps maintain a formal and professional tone throughout your essay.
Look online to see samples of a properly formatted MLA essay.
Including images and tables in your MLA format essay can significantly enhance the understanding and visual appeal of your academic work. When integrating tables, always place them as close as possible to the related text to maintain a logical flow in your essay. Begin by labeling the table above it with 'Table' followed by its number (e.g., Table 1) on a new line, without any punctuation following the number. Directly below, provide a descriptive title for the table to inform the reader about its content. This title should be in title case and positioned flush-left. Remember, the word 'table' should not be capitalized when referenced within your text.
"MLA General Format." The Purdue Owl
Writing an MLA format essay involves adhering to specific guidelines set by the Modern Language Association. Key elements include using a legible font like Times New Roman in 12 pt., ensuring all text is double-spaced, and maintaining 1-inch margins on all sides. Each paragraph should begin with a half-inch indentation. The essay should include a header with your last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner of each page. Additionally, integrate quotations properly and ensure your 'Works Cited' page is formatted correctly, with entries double-spaced and using a hanging indent.
Exercise 1: MLA In-text Citations
An example of MLA format for a book citation would be: Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year. For a journal article, the format would be: Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages. These examples show the order and punctuation to use when formatting your citations in MLA style.
Exercise 1: MLA In-text Citations
The MLA citation format varies slightly depending on the type of source but generally follows a consistent structure. For a book, the citation would look like this: Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year. For a journal article, it would be formatted as: Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages. Each entry should be double-spaced with a hanging indent on the 'Works Cited' page.