To use MLA format in an essay, consider the following:
If you are taking an English, art history, or music appreciation class, chances are that you will be asked to write an essay in MLA format. One common question goes something like “What’s the difference?” referring to APA and MLA style, and it deserves our consideration. The liberal arts and humanities often reflect works of creativity that come from individual and group effort, but they may adapt, change, or build on previous creative works. The inspiration to create something new, from a song to a music video, may contain elements of previous works. Drawing on your fellow artists and authors is part of the creative process, and so is giving credit where credit is due.
A reader interested in your subject wants not only to read what you wrote but also to be aware of the works that you used to create it. Readers want to examine your sources to see if you know your subject, to see if you missed anything, or if you offer anything new and interesting. Your new or up-to-date sources may offer the reader additional insight on the subject being considered. It also demonstrates that you, as the author, are up-to-date on what is happening in the field or on the subject. Giving credit where it is due enhances your credibility, and the MLA style offers a clear format to use.
is often used in the liberal arts and humanities. Like APA style, it provides a uniform framework for consistency across a document in several areas. MLA style provides a format for the manuscript text and parenthetical citations, or in-text citations. It also provides the framework for the works cited area for references at the end of the essay. MLA style emphasizes brevity and clarity. As a student writer, it is to your advantage to be familiar with both major styles, and this section will outline the main points of MLA as well as offer specific examples of commonly used references. Remember that your writing represents you in your absence. The correct use of a citation style demonstrates your attention to detail and ability to produce a scholarly work in an acceptable style, and it can help prevent the appearance or accusations of plagiarism.
To cite sources in MLA format, follow the guidelines:
We have addressed American Psychological Association (APA) style, as well as the importance of giving credit where credit is due, so now let’s turn our attention to the formatting and citation style of the Modern Language Association, known as MLA style.
Formatting with MLA is important because it provides consistency from one student to the next. If every writer had the freedom to follow their own format, it would make it more difficult for the reviewer to get through each one. Citing with MLA also ensures that all the necessary information is included within the citation. This gives proper credit to the information’s source while also making it easier for the reviewer to find that source themselves should they have any questions about the data referenced or if they want further information.
Nowadays, this layout is used in the subject of language and literature, but others take advantage of it. If we see on a broader level, there are formats other than MLA, which may assist and guide college students in jotting down their papers in a unique manner.
MLA style uses a citation in the body of the essay that links to the works cited page at the end. The in-text citation is offset with parentheses, clearly calling attention to itself for the reader. The reference to the author or title is like a signal to the reader that information was incorporated from a separate source. It also provides the reader with information to then turn to the works cited section of your essay (at the end) where they can find the complete reference. If you follow the MLA style, and indicate your source both in your essay and in the works cited section, you will prevent the possibility of plagiarism. If you follow the MLA guidelines, pay attention to detail, and clearly indicate your sources, then this approach to formatting and citation offers a proven way to demonstrate your respect for other authors and artists.
Format your paper according to MLA guidelines
You’re opening your laptop to write an essay, knowing exactly what you want to write, but then it hits you: you don’t know how to format it! Using the correct format when can help your paper look polished and professional while earning you full credit. In this article, we'll teach you the basics of formatting an essay according to three common styles: MLA, APA, and Chicago Style.
An MLA citation has two basic requirements:
Thank you for valuable information. Before my college year in America I didn’t know what MLA Format was, but with this delicate information I will survive my college year.
The five guidelines below are the standard for any MLA-styled paper.
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.
MLA citations have nine core elements:
Formatting enhances the document’s presentation, whether it is a research paper or any other type of article. There are different types of writing styles. It might be difficult for students to stick to one type of format. MLA format is used for specific research papers and essays in language and literature, and gaining knowledge about it is useful.
Figure 1 MLA format example: Key features
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.