If your college instructor wants you to cite every fact or opinion you find in an outside source, how do you make room for your own opinion? Paraphrase, quote selectively, and avoid summary. –Dennis G. Jerz (Jerz’s Literacy Weblog)
Choose a form, fill it out, and push the button… you will get an individual entry for a “Works Cited” page, which you may then copy and paste into your word processor. My “BibBuilder” is more like a guide than a full-fledged utility, but you may nevertheless find it helpful.
Find everything you need to know about formatting a paper, name, number, quotations, works cited, and more in MLA format!
This guide to formatting MLA style papers is incredibly detailed and helpful! It’s great to have step-by-step instructions for setting up everything from margins to citations correctly. Thanks for sharing—this will definitely make writing research papers in MLA format much easier!
The information was very helpful
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Thanks for sharing such an informative post with us.
fantastic information
Thanks for info!
hello i am nate sedmack i am here to kill all the furries for what they did to gavin born
I’m learning more writing a paper
it was very informational and helped me a lot
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Curious how you would Cite this webpage? haha…
awesome reminders
what about if when your using a quote and there is no name just anonomus
Honestly, I’d say find another way to make your point. An anonymous saying like “A stitch in time saves nine” won’t help you demonstrate your ability to write the kind of scholarly paper that MLA is designed for. Certainly investigate the quote to find out whether it maybe comes from Shakespeare or some other source that you can quote. I might identify the example I used as “English proverb,” but since I won’t be marking your paper, you really should check with your instructor.
This article..thing is the only reason I am passing my online college class. Especially the citation builder. Thank you!
I would Like You To Give Simple Instructions Not Complicated Ones , and Include also how much Papers Should be worked on.
Khalid, if there is any particular detail you are confused about, please let me know what question you have and perhaps I can help. There is no specific answer to how much a paper should be worked on. It depends on what grade you want to earn, how much time you have, whether your instructor is willing to meet with you before the due date, whether your instructor will give you the chance to revise your work, and many other factors.
hahahah xD me too same
How do I cite a photo that I found online?
Is it a historical photograph or a photograph published in a book that someone scanned and posted on line, is it a photograph of something like a sculpture? Is your paper focused on the work of the photographer, the makeup artist who prepared the model, the digital image enhancer who altered the image, the model? There is no single correct way to cite a photograph, because there are many different reasons to cite a photograph. Your instructor would be able to give you more specific advice. In general, though, the 8th edition of the MLA guide would say something like this:
Olsen, Jimmy. “Superman Rescues Boy Scouts from Lava Pit.” Photograph. The Daily Planet . July 22, 1956.
If you found the picture on a blog or a Flickr gallery, adjust the citation accordingly. If you found the image as the result of a Google search for something, you might very well end up finding a page that re-uses someone else’s picture without appropriately giving credit. There are many variables. Talk to your instructor, who will be the one grading your work, and will therefore be the right person to advise you on what to do.
is the text or what you wrote supposed to be centered in the page or to the left margin
Left margin.
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cool it was helpful
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I think you should include online resource citation instructions
Click on “Citing” at the top of the page. One of the options on the other end of that link is how to cite a web page.
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which writing style (MLA, APA) have more importance for students of social sciences, media sciences and business?
It depends on the instructor or editor who’s calling the shots. http://subjectguides.library.american.edu/c.php?g=175008&p=1154150
Very informative. It helped introduce my tired old mind to the MLA format. So, I can better help coach and prepare my wife for her English course. Thank you very much.
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I’m using a book title and author as my paper heading. How is that formatted?
I would tell my own students that a book title and the name of an author is not a good paper title, and I would ask them to write a title that catches the reader’s attention, identifies the topic, and identifies what position the paper is going to take on the topic. But if you are not my student, then I’m not the person who will be evaluating your paper. MLA style puts the book title in italics. Other than that, I really don’t have any advice for you.
Thank you very much for this useful information. As a freshman in highschool, my biology teacher asked for me to write an essay in mLA format about evolution. I had no clue what mLA format was,so I searched it up and it brought me here. In middle school I never wrote an essay in this format before,but I feel very confident to type my first mLA essay and I’m excited to do so! (Right after I finish my draft >.<) thank you very much! (⌒▽⌒)✌
This wasn’t helpful at all
Shavez, what were you looking for? This page is about formatting a paper you have already written. The first section includes links to pages about how to write essays.
u a real nigga dennis
really dude my collies and I would prefer that you didn’t use any profane language due to younger children that may be reading this
thank u i got an A 97 percent
this was very helpful i got an A 95 percent
hi my name is Jessie i have to writ a 2 pages Essay about MLA can someone help me
Dennis, what lends itself to science in the APA system? And what lends itself to the Humanities with the MLA? TIA.
As compared to MLA papers, APA papers tend to be shorter, and divided up into sections. Authors who use APA style tend to publish more frequently, because their knowledge goes out of date more quickly; so the date is prominent in APA citations, and page numbers are rare.
By contrast, people who use MLA style tend to write longer essays that aren’t divided up into standard sections like “procedure” and “conclusions.” Humanities scholarship generally doesn’t go out of date quickly. Instead of conducting experiments, humanists read and write a lot of longer essays and books, re-interpreting and quoting passages from them. MLA style makes the page numbers prominent, so that other scholars can easily find and re-read those same passages for themselves, and further the work of scholarship as it is conducted in the humanities.
Thanks for the reply. What do you mean by ” MLA style tend to write longer essays that aren’t divided up into standard sections like “procedure” and “conclusions.”? Are we not suppose to use conclusions in MLA format? In my English class, we use MLA with conclusions, but what do you mean by “procedure” and “conclusions”? I understand each instructor is different but is it right to use conclusions in an MLA paper…or am I getting confused?
Typically papers written in MLA style DO have a conclusion, but it would not be set off in a separate section under the subheading “Conclusion.” MLA papers tend NOT to follow a standard, particular structure. Papers written in the sciences DO have a fairly rigid set of sections, with separate subheadings. But it’s best for you to talk to your teacher about the specifics of any asisgnment.
Ok, thanks. I just wanted to ask and clarify it. Also, doesn’t the word “humanist” means something else entirely? The Humanist term today implies ‘human’ and is often used for atheists, for example… or am I wrong?
I used the term “humanist” to mean “a person who studies the culture of humans,” without intending the more specific meaning you mention. At my school, the humanities division includes theologians.
seems easy enough
We get asked often about what “format” the college application essay should be in. Although not generally… http://t.co/v1TTNxtE4e
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When using MLA format, do you list the book title, the title of the article or both?
For guidance on citing individual sources, see the link in item 4, above. This page is about formatting the paper once you’ve already written it.
I wrote a paper and it looks just like your example. I followed everything to the “t” and my professor says that my header is indented and my paragraphs are double indented and the page numbers are in wrong format. What can I do?
Winston, I suggest you talk to your professor. I have been teaching from thiis handout for years, and when a student makes a formatting error on a rough draft, I just ask them to fix it for the revision. But your instructor is the one who designed the assignment and who evaluates your submissions, so he or she is the person to approach with questions.
I agree. .let me ask you this. Are your headers indented?
The screenshot was taken from a page that I created following the instructions for using MS-Word with a MacBook Pro. I followed the instructions that are on the page. But surely your instructor gave you guidelines, in a handout or an assigned textbook, which is why I encourage you to have this conversation with your instructor. Whether your instructor does or does not agree with the information on this page really doesn’t matter, since your instructor created the assignment and evaluates it according to his or her own criteria. I suggest you let your your teacher know you are confused about what you did wrong, and ask for an opportunity to make minor formatting changes to a paper that, we hope, met all the major criteria.
How do you add footnotes to an MLA style paper?
Most word processors will have an Insert -> Footnote or Insert -> Note (footnote or endnote) option. Most short college papers don’t need footnotes. (They aren’t for documenting sources — use an in-text citation and a Works Cited list instead.) I suggest you talk to your instructor about whether you really do need to use a footnote.
RT @DennisJerz: MLA Format Papers: Step-by-step Instructions for Writing Research Essays #mlastyle http://t.co/B6pGb3Pkeh
Thank you so much!! I love the Bib builder!!
I’m glad to hear you found it helpful!
Dear Dr. Jerz,
I am writing to request permission to link your webpage, “MLA Format Papers: Step-by-step Instructions for Writing Research Essays” to our website.
Marie Walcroft Librarian Lansdale School of Business
I am glad you found this page helpful. Yes, you are welcome to include a link and a brief extract.
Can you put what information is supposed to be in each paragraph???
Emma, I’m afraid I don’t understand the question. I feel like you’ve asked me what emotions are supposed to be in each verse of a song, or what colors are supposed to be in a painting. The many different kinds of songs or paintings are all created for different reasons; likewise, paragraphs are assigned, written, and read for a whole range of different reasons, so there’s no answer that covers all possible cases.
that was beautiful
I really find this useful (especially fudging the line spacing to 2.1). Good job!
Im in middle school and I have to do this. I have never heard of MLA Format and this helped ALOT. Thanks so much! Hopefully I get a good grade on this paper!
“@pretti_slimm: @Thyler_Jonzy http://t.co/QIf00vlgws try this site looks helpful”I just found a sample paper on Google
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Is the Table of Contents double spaced – MLA?
i think you should add an explanation about page header. that was what i was looking for
See item 2 from the table of contents: http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/mla-style-papers/#page-header
when you say page numbers (Wordworth-Fuller 20), are you referring to the page number within the MLA document or the page number the text appears on within the authors works?
In this case, your paper would be referring to something you found on page 20 of the text by Wordsworth-Fuller.
With your delicate information about to write MLA format essay in right way will lead me to successful college year.
Thank you for useful information about how to write MLA format essay. Before my college year I didn’t know there were many different forms of essay. When my professor asked me to write MLA format I had no idea how to write it, but with your delicate information I think I will survive my college year. Thank you again.
I’m glad to know you found this page helpful. Most instructors will be happy to help if you stop by during their office hours, and if your prof is too busy for that most universities will have a writing center where you can get help at any stage of any assignment involving writing.
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.
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That means the quote is from page 20 of the book or article written by Wordsworth-Fuller.
Very good information, I really needed this incite on research paper formats. It has such thorough details and that make it so much easier to understand.
How do you in text cite a website? I didnt really see much about that.
I think you should add an explanation about page numbers. That was what I was looking for, but I couldn’t find the significant area.
Section 2 explains how to put page numbers in the header, and section 4 discusses page numbers in citations.
read it… it’s there.
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Mla style papers.
Always consult your assignment guidelines for course-specific formatting.
Things to know before you begin:
Typical MLA style papers have two sections:
See the tabs below for a breakdown of how each portion should be formatted.
Below you will find templates for MLA Style papers. Click the link to make a copy of the file.
Below you will find an example of an accurately formatted MLA Style paper.
Need help formatting your MLA style citations using the 8th edition of the Modern Language Association Handbook ? Click the image or link below to go to the citation guide.
Need help learning what hanging indents are and how to create them using Google Docs or Microsoft Word?
To cite this LibGuide use the following templates:
APA : Northern Essex Community College Library. (Date updated). Title of page . Title of LibGuide. URL
MLA : Northern Essex Community College Library. "Title of Page." Title of LibGuide, Date updated, URL.
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Learn how to write a research paper in MLA format with examples. Get tips, guidelines, and sample papers to ace your academic writing.
Last updated on Mar 26th, 2024
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Writing a research paper in MLA format requires attention to detail and allegiance to particular rules set by the Modern Language Association. From formatting the title page to citing sources accurately, MLA format is fundamental for academic success. Let’s start by synthesizing the key components and steps included in making a well-structured and properly formatted MLA research paper.
A research paper in MLA (Modern Language Association) format is an academic report that follows the rules built up by the MLA for formatting and citing sources. It typically incorporates an introduction, a thesis statement, body paragraphs with supporting ideas, and a conclusion. In MLA format, particular rules oversee the formatting of the paper, including margins, font size and type, spacing, headings, and page numbering. Moreover, MLA format requires the use of in-text citations to recognize sources and a Works Cited page posting all the sources used within the paper.
The MLA research paper format provides important guidelines to help represent your research paper with a focus on every point in detail and delivered in a concise but interesting way. Following MLA format guidelines ensures consistency, clarity, and appropriate attribution of sources in academic writing.
The significance of the MLA format in academic writing cannot be overstated. It serves as a standardized framework that ensures consistency and clarity in academic communication. Here are a few key reasons why the MLA format for research papers is significant:
1. Validity : Following the MLA format illustrates your commitment to academic standards and consideration for detail, upgrading the validity of your research.
2. Consistency : MLA format gives a uniform structure for citing sources, formatting papers, and organizing content, encouraging ease of reading and comprehension for both writers and readers.
3. Accurate Attribution : Proper MLA citations permit readers to follow and verify your sources, empowering them to explore the research and ensuring academic integrity.
4. Maintaining a strategic distance from plagiarism : MLA format makes a difference when writers properly attribute ideas and data to their unique sources, guard against inadvertent plagiarization, and maintain ethical writing practices.
5. Availability : By following the MLA format, you make your research more available to others inside your academic community, empowering effective communication and collaboration.
6. Professionalism : Following MLA standards reflects professionalism and competence in academic writing, contributing to the overall quality and impact of your research.
1. select a topic.
Select a researchable topic that interests you and adjusts to the requirements of your task or academic goals.
Accumulate relevant sources, such as books, journal articles, websites, and other academic materials related to your topic. Take detailed notes and record bibliographic data for each source.
Create an outline to organize your research paper into logical areas, including an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Must write the main points and supporting ideas for each section.
Start writing your research paper according to the outline, including information from your collected sources and adding in-text citations for paraphrases, summaries, and direct quotations. Follow the MLA guidelines for page formatting, including margins, font size, spacing, and page numbering.
Insert in-text citations within the body of your paper to identify your information sources. Use the author-page format for in-text citations (example: (Salmon 321)) or include the author’s name in the signal state, followed by the page number in brackets. You can visit Scribbr [1] and cite your source easily.
Make a Works Cited page after the conclusion of your paper, listing all the sources you cited in your research. Organize the sections in order by the authors’ last names and follow the MLA format for each citation type (books, articles, websites, etc.).
Revising and editing allow us to correct any grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors in our paper. Eliminating these errors improves the professionalism and credibility of our writing. Be alert to your common writing errors . If you want to write more advanced, you should know how to improve your writing skills . For grammar check, Grammarly and QuillBot are the easiest ways that help you improve grammatical errors and improve your writing.
Share your research paper with your brilliant, intelligent peers, experienced instructors, researchers, or writing centers to get feedback on its structure in MLA format. Join constructive feedback to upgrade the effectiveness of your paper.
Before submitting the reset paper, do one more final check to understand whether the corrections and editing you have done so far are correct.
By following these steps, you will be able to write a research paper in MLA format that successfully communicates your ideas and thoughts and contributes to the academic discussion in your field.
The MLA format is one of the best research paper writing formats. The MLA format is easy to follow as compared to other formats and does not require extra effort to write a research paper. Here are six benefits of an MLA-format research paper:
1. Worldwide Acceptance : The MLA format is widely recognized and accepted in academic institutions around the world, making it simpler to share and spread research findings across the world.
2. Ease of Use : Once you become familiar with MLA guidelines, writing papers in MLA format gets easier and more productive. Many online resources and citation generators are available to assist you in making citations and organizing your paper accurately.
3. Career Opportunities : MLA format has a great role in making high-quality research papers that can improve your academic and professional reputation, leading to career advancement opportunities in academia.
Let us share with you one MLA research paper format that was done by me and my teammates. I hope it will play a special role in your undergraduate life.
In conclusion, MLA format is crucial for academic writing, ensuring consistency, validity, and adherence to academic standards. By following MLA guidelines for formatting, citing sources, and making a Works Cited page, scholars contribute to the clarity and accessibility of their research. Whether creating research papers within the humanities or related fields, understanding MLA format cultivates compelling communication and maintains moral standards in academic discourse.
Embracing these standards not only upgrades the professionalism of research papers but also advances intellectual judgment and fosters a culture of academic excellence. Let the accuracy of the MLA format be your guide to academic success and impactful research endeavors.
Generally, MLA-format research papers do not require a cover page; it is completely optional. You should include just the student name, instructor name, designation, and date of submission on the top left side of the first page.
Most of the time, MLA format is used only in cultural studies, humanities, and literature subjects.
There are various online tools and citation machines available on the internet to create citations and references as per MLA guidelines. If you share your chosen links in these tools, MLA citations and references will automatically be made easily.
Our content is thoroughly researched and fact-checked using reputable sources. While we aim for precision, we encourage independent verification for complete confidence.
1. Scribbr Citation Generator: https://www.scribbr.com/citation/generator/
We keep our articles up-to-date regularly to ensure accuracy and relevance as new information becomes available.
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A research paper is a kind of paper that is different from other papers. Especially a research paper needed for academic life. The main purpose of the research paper is to deliver new knowledge from researchers’ critical thinking. To learn how to write a research paper, you need to know
Writing a research paper in MLA format requires attention to detail and allegiance to particular rules set by the Modern Language Association. From formatting the title page to citing sources accurately, MLA format is fundamental for academic success. Let’s start by synthesizing the key components and steps included in making
Abstract writing is essential for researchers looking to communicate the substance of their work concisely. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll systematically explore the process of writing a compelling abstract. From defining its purpose to exploring formatting requirements, understanding the key components and strategies ensures the effective communication of a research
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Unless you are told otherwise by your instructor, format your paper according to the following MLA Style rules:
Setting Up Software for MLA, Word 2003 through Word 365
Knowing proper MLA formatting for your paper is one thing; knowing how to get your version of software to comply is another. Check this link for tips, since the settings vary depending upon the Word version you are using. (from academictips.org)
Using a Google Template:
from academictips.org
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Chapel audio.
General guidelines.
Please also visit the Academic Integrity LibGuide , which provides a Citation guide for your information.
A BOOK BY A SINGLE AUTHOR Sayers, Dorothy L. The Nine Tailors. San Diego: Harcourt, 1962. Print.
A BOOK BY MORE THAN ONE AUTHOR (OR EDITOR) Kerrigan, William, and Gordon Braden. The Idea of the Renaissance. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins UP, 1989.Print.
Dyal, James A.,William C. Corning, and Dale M. Willows. Readings in Psychology: The Search for Alternatives. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw, 1975. Print.
WORKS BY MORE THAN THREE AUTHORS (OR EDITORS) Nielsen, Niels C., Jr., et al. Religions of the World. 3rd ed. New York: St. Martin's, 1992. Print.
A BOOK COMPILED BY AN EDITOR(S) Arp, Thomas R. and Greg Johnson, eds. Perrine's Story and Structure. 12th ed. Boston: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2009. Print.
A WORK IN AN ANTHOLOGY OR A COLLECTION Fairbairn-Dunlop, Peggy. "Women and Agriculture in Western Samoa." Different Places, Different Voices. Ed.
Janet H. Momsen and Vivian Kinnaird. London: Routledge, 211-26. Print.
AN ARTICLE WITHOUT AN AUTHOR IN A REFERENCE BOOK "Hadadrimmon." Davis Dictionary of the Bible. John D. Davis, ed. 4th ed. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1972. Print.
AN ARTICLE FROM A WEEKLY OR BIWEEKLY MAGAZINE Glastris, Paul. "The New Way to Get Rich." U.S. News & World Report 7 May 1990: 26-36. Print.
AN ARTICLE FROM A DAILY NEWSPAPER Wilford, John N. "Corn in the New World: A Relative Latecomer." New York Times 7 Mar. 1995, late ed.: C1+. Print.
AN ARTICLE IN A SCHOLARLY JOURNAL Rosen, Jonathan. "The Celestial Rolodex." The American Scholar 73 (Autumn 2004): 115-118. Print.
AN ANONYMOUS ARTICLE "Awash in Garbage." New York Times 15 Aug. 1987, sec. 1: 26. Print.
INTERNET SOURCE (without author) "Bertha Advances toward Bahamas." CNN WORLD News. 9 July 1996. Web. 21 March 2011.
ARTICLE FROM A SCHOLARLY JOURNAL ONLINE Brittain, Clark M. "The Architecture of Redemption: Spatiality in the Short Stories of Flannery O'Connor." The Journal of Southern Religion 4 (2001). 25 July 2005. Web. 25 March 2011.
MATERIAL FROM A DATABASE ON CD-ROM Grych, John H. "Patterns of Adjustment among Children of Battered Women." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 68 (2000): 84-94. Abstract. PsycLIT. CD-ROM. Silverplatter. 23 July 2003.
FILM, VIDEO, OR FILM CLIP ONLINE "The Glory Suffered: The Transfiguration of the Cross." The History of the Orthodox Christian Church. 2003. GoTelecom Online. 24 Oct. 2003. Web. 5 April 2011.
BIBLE Bible. Revised Standard Version. Cleveland: Word Publishing Company, 1962. Print.
LECTURE Mitten, David M. "Greek Art and Architecture in the West: Southern Italy, Sicily, and Campania." Class lecture. Harvard University. Cambridge, 15 May 1989.
MUSIC Sting, narr. Peter and the Wolf, op. 67. By Sergei Prokofiev. Chamber Orch. of Europe. Cond. Claudio Abbado. Deutsche Grammophon, 1990.
BASIC FORM (last name and page number) Dr. James is described as a "not-too-skeletal Ichabod Crane" (Johnson 68).
AUTHOR'S NAME IN TEXT Johnson describes Dr. James as a "not-too-skeletal Ichabod Crane" (68).
SOURCE BY TWO OR THREE AUTHORS The Authority-Rebel "tends to see himself as superior to other students in the class" (Dyal, Corning, and Willows 4).
A MULTIVOLUME WORK In the middle of several volumes of modern literary criticism, Rene Wellek admits, "An evolutionary history of criticism must fail. I have come to this resigned conclusion" (5: xxii).
ONE OF TWO (or more) WORKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR A friend of C. S. Lewis once said that Lewis "gave me not only love, but wisdom and understanding and, when necessary, severity" (Vanauken, Severe 21).
WORK LISTED ONLY BY THE TITLE (magazine article) An international pollution treaty would prohibit plastic garbage from being dumped at sea ("Awash" 26).
SECONDARY SOURCE THAT QUOTES THE ORIGINAL E. M. Forster says, "The collapse of all civilization, so realistic for us, sounded in Matthew Arnold's ears like a distant and harmonious cataract" (qtd. in Trilling 11).
INTERNET SOURCE Often there are no page numbers for the source, so indicate in the text who the author is. For example, Hershel Winthrop interprets Hawthorne's stories as the search for holiness in a corrupt Puritan society.
May 2012, compiled and updated by Karyn Hecht at Moody Bible Institute, Chicago
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What is a Citation?
A citation is positioned within the body of your paper, right after you finish referencing or quoting another author's work. This is known as an inline or in-text citation. At the end of your paper, you will also provide a complete reference. A reference must provide enough information to both identify and locate the original source of the information.
A reference usually includes:
Style Guide Resources
Check out the U-M Library's comprehensive Citation Help Research Guide for examples and formatting tips for APA Style, MLA Style, IEEE Style, and well as other Science Styles. You'll also find guidance on citing government documents, data and statistics, and using bibliography tools. Learn how to manage your citations and get help with the Manage Citations with Zotero, Mendeley, Endnote Research Guide .
Many students also rely on PurdueOWL for their various style guides, but be aware that the website has many ads, whereas our Citation Help Research Guide is ad-free.
Related Sources
Having trouble formatting your citations? Use these tools to automatically generate citations for books, journal articles, newspapers and more in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.
When you're ready to write, check out Sweetland Writing Center's Resources page for undergraduate students. Here you'll find Writing Support , Writing Guides , and more.
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Heading and title, sample papers from mla, sample mla paper, mla format setup in word 2013.
An MLA research paper does not need a title page, but your instructor may require one. If no instructions are given, follow the MLA guidelines below:
There are three sample papers available in the MLA Style Center. Check them out to see the correct formatting.
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Learning how to conduct accurate, discipline-specific academic research can feel daunting at first. But, with a solid understanding of the reasoning behind why we use academic citations coupled with knowledge of the basics, you’ll learn how to cite sources with accuracy and confidence.
When it comes to academic research, citing sources correctly is arguably as important as the research itself. "Your instructors are expecting your work to adhere to these professional standards," said Amanda Girard , research support manager of Shapiro Library at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).
With Shapiro Library for the past three years, Girard manages the library’s research support services, which includes SNHU’s 24/7 library chat and email support. She holds an undergraduate degree in professional writing and a graduate degree in library and information science. She said that accurate citations show that you have done your research on a topic and are knowledgeable about current ideas from those actively working in the field.
In other words, when you cite sources according to the academic style of your discipline, you’re giving credit where credit is due.
Citing sources properly ensures you’re following high academic and professional standards for integrity and ethics.
“When you cite a source, you can ethically use others’ research. If you are not adequately citing the information you claim in your work, it would be considered plagiarism ,” said Shannon Geary '16 , peer tutor at SNHU.
Geary has an undergraduate degree in communication from SNHU and has served on the academic support team for close to 2 years. Her job includes helping students learn how to conduct research and write academically.
“In academic writing, it is crucial to state where you are receiving your information from,” she said. “Citing your sources ensures that you are following academic integrity standards.”
According to Geary and Girard, several key reasons for citing sources are:
Ultimately, citing sources is a formalized way for you to share ideas as part of a bigger conversation among others in your field. It’s a way to build off of and reference one another’s ideas, Girard said.
Any time you use an original quote or paraphrase someone else’s ideas, you need to cite that material, according to Geary.
“The only time we do not need to cite is when presenting an original thought or general knowledge,” she said.
While the specific format for citing sources can vary based on the style used, several key elements are always included, according to Girard. Those are:
By giving credit to the authors, researchers and experts you cite, you’re building credibility. You’re showing that your argument is built on solid research.
“Proper citation not only builds a writer's authority but also ensures the reliability of the work,” Geary said. “Properly formatted citations are a roadmap for instructors and other readers to verify the information we present in our work.”
Certain disciplines adhere to specific citation standards because different disciplines prioritize certain information and research styles . The most common citation styles used in academic research, according to Geary, are:
The benefit of using the same format as other researchers within a discipline is that the framework of presenting ideas allows you to “speak the same language,” according to Girard.
Are you writing a paper that needs to use APA citation, but don’t know what that means? No worries. You’ve come to the right place.
Are you writing a paper for which you need to know how to use MLA formatting, but don’t know what that means? No worries. You’ve come to the right place.
Keeping track of your research as you go is one of the best ways to ensure you’re citing appropriately and correctly based on the style that your academic discipline uses.
“Through careful citation, authors ensure their audience can distinguish between borrowed material and original thoughts, safeguarding their academic reputation and following academic honesty policies,” Geary said.
Some tips that she and Girard shared to ensure you’re citing sources correctly include:
How to cite a reference in academic writing.
A citation consists of two pieces: an in-text citation that is typically short and a longer list of references or works cited (depending on the style used) at the end of the paper.
“In-text citations immediately acknowledge the use of external source information and its exact location,” Geary said. While each style uses a slightly different format for in-text citations that reference the research, you may expect to need the page number, author’s name and possibly date of publication in parentheses at the end of a sentence or passage, according to Geary.
A longer entry listing the complete details of the resource you referenced should also be included on the references or works cited page at the end of the paper. The full citation is provided with complete details of the source, such as author, title, publication date and more, Geary said.
The two-part aspect of citations is because of readability. “You can imagine how putting the full citation would break up the flow of a paper,” Girard said. “So, a shortened version is used (in the text).”
“For example, if an in-text citation reads (Jones, 2024), the reader immediately knows that the ideas presented are coming from Jones’s work, and they can explore the comprehensive citation on the final page,” she said.
The in-text citation and full citation together provide a transparent trail of the author's process of engaging with research.
“Their combined use also facilitates further research by following a standardized style (APA, MLA, Chicago), guaranteeing that other scholars can easily connect and build upon their work in the future,” Geary said.
Developing and demonstrating your research skills, enhancing your work’s credibility and engaging ethically with the intellectual contributions of others are at the core of the citation process no matter which style you use.
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A former higher education administrator, Dr. Marie Morganelli is a career educator and writer. She has taught and tutored composition, literature, and writing at all levels from middle school through graduate school. With two graduate degrees in English language and literature, her focus — whether teaching or writing — is in helping to raise the voices of others through the power of storytelling. Connect with her on LinkedIn .
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MLA Style establishes standards of written communication concerning:
Using MLA Style properly makes it easier for readers to navigate and comprehend a text through familiar cues that refer to sources and borrowed information. Editors and instructors also encourage everyone to use the same format so there is consistency of style within a given field. Abiding by MLA's standards as a writer will allow you to:
MLA Style is typically reserved for writers and students preparing manuscripts in various humanities disciplines such as:
You should start by becoming familiar with the general formatting requirements of MLA Style, as well as the different standards for notation that MLA writers are expected to use. Because MLA is different than other writing styles, such as APA, you should pay attention to every detail of the Style, from general paper layout to abbreviations. The following pages will introduce you to some of these basic requirements to get you started in the right direction.
As with any publishing style, the most difficult aspects of MLA Style are the requirements for citing secondary sources accurately. The pages included here walk you through the details of incorporating citations into the text of your paper as well as how to compose a Works Cited page of references at the end of your paper. Read these guidelines carefully. It is important that you refer to your sources according to MLA Style so your readers can quickly follow the citations to the reference page and then, from there, locate any sources that might be of interest to them. They will expect this information to be presented in a particular style, and any deviations from that style could result in confusing your readers.
Please Note: If you know exactly what you're looking for concerning MLA, you can use the OWL Navigation to the left by looking under "Research and Citation" and clicking on "MLA Formatting and Style Guide." You may also use the search option in the navigation bar to find resources.
A Note about Plagiarism
It is important to cite your sources properly. If you want to learn more about avoiding plagiarism, read the Plagiarism Guide .
When you are writing your paper, you can use several ways to present information you have found in the body of your paper, and consciously avoid plagiarizing.
Direct quote
If you want to use a sentence or a passage exactly as it was written, you can include a direct quote, surrounded by quotation marks, and either using an inline citation, or a sentence before the quote referencing the author and work of origin.
You can also write a summary (in your own words of course) of the ideas or text you want to use. It helps to write the summary from your memory rather than looking directly at the passage.
Paraphrasing is similar to a summary. It just means taking what you have read and rewriting it in your own words.
Library Links - FindIt@Txstate Bibliography Manager - EndNote ( refers to Desktop EndNote )
NOT CITING OR GIVING ATTRIBUTION TO AN IMAGE SOURCE IS A FORM OF VISUAL PLAGIARISM
The basic elements needed for citing images are as follows:
How to Cite Images from Mississsippi State University
Copies of The Chicago manual of Style are also avaliable at the Alkek Library and the Music Library.
Citing Images Chicago Style from Colgate Visual Resources Library
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Or if you would like to use another style you can look at other Writing & Citation Style Guides such as APA, MLA. ASA, IEEE.
ASA Image Citation
MLA Style Guide from Purdue
Other MLA resources
Print copies of the MLA Handbook are available for checkout
To see examples of how to cite images in MLA , see the An Image (Including a Painting, Sculpture, or Photograph) entry or the A Painting, Sculpture, or Photograph entry from Purdue's Online Writing Lab.
Citing images in APA from the APA Style Blog
IEEE Editorial Style Manual (Online)
From The Chicago Manual of Style 16th edition
3.22 Formal titles in captions
You'll see something like this:
It's important to know the parts of a citation so you can interpret it correctly. You must have at least the Journal name, volume, issue, and page number to be able to locate the article.
Have a lot of citations you want to enter in your works cited/references list? Try a citation manager.
Do you need the Web or Desktop version?
Azaarine Haque is an incoming undergraduate student at Georgetown University. Her current passions include the fields of chemistry and psychology, topics she will pursue in her college career. From 2023 to 2024 she served as a high school intern on the APA Style team. Azaarine assisted with projects to help integrate APA Style into high school curriculums. Her educational and professional interests surround medicine. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, spending time with family and friends, and participating in outdoor activities.
Transitioning from the familiarity of high school settings to the complexities of upper level education can be intimidating. But if teachers begin introducing aspects of upper level education into the high school curriculum, then students will have additional knowledge and skills that make the transition much simpler. At the high school level, students primarily use MLA style citations for research projects and papers, leaving many unaware of the importance of APA Style in collegiate education. Learning APA Style does not singularly apply to psychology majors—education, nursing, business, criminology, and other majors are all well-suited to learning APA Style. This familiarity should ideally begin in high school.
There are many APA Style resources available for students, ranging from the manuals—the Concise Guide to APA Style and the Mastering APA Style Student Workbook —to free handouts , quizzes, recorded training webinars, sample papers, and even a free tutorial ! The APA Academic Writer platform is also an informative tool for students interested in learning more. Some AP Psychology classes have already begun integrating APA Style into the high school classroom. But why learn APA Style when familiarity with MLA format has already developed?
In an era of advancing artificial intelligence, I worry that integrity is slowly diminishing in educational settings. Students should become accustomed to citation formatting in high school classrooms to prevent any need for disciplinary action in the future. Plagiarism, whether inadvertent or purposeful, can hurt students’ grades and prevent them from learning necessary content and skills. Comprehending and implementing APA Style citations will not only increase students’ grades but also highlight their potential as future researchers and writers, allowing them to stand out in large college classrooms. Understanding the basics of APA Style prior to graduating high school will encourage students to build a fundamental understanding of creating references and will help them avoid risking their future with plagiarized sources.
Every academic discipline requires research in some way or another. Thus, becoming proficient in conducting and reviewing research has become imperative for high school students. Requiring APA Style citations within assignments motivates students to parse their sources rather than remaining content with a surface-level understanding. As a recent high school graduate, I was introduced to APA Style in the AP Psychology classroom. However, my understanding of the formatting was short-lived because APA Style disappeared from the classroom after we finished our research paper unit. My lack of preparation for college-level research classes concerns me as it places my grades in potential jeopardy, demonstrating the necessity of mastering APA Style during secondary education.
At some institutions, APA Style has become the standard for writing academic papers, making it imperative for teenagers who plan to go to college to learn it. Publishing works at the collegiate level has become more normalized in the past few years, allowing students to become more familiar with academic journals, peer-reviewed sources, theses and dissertations, and much more. For these publications to succeed, it is essential for students to become well-versed in creating citations and reviewing articles. Having worked at a research laboratory this past summer, I have seen the considerable time and effort poured into perfecting lab write-ups and publications. Building these necessary skills in high school provides an advantage to aspiring writers, researchers, lawyers, teachers, and other social and health science professionals.
Although APA Style is beginning to enter high school classrooms, not every student has instructors or teachers to clarify the guidelines for them. The APA Style website has many resources for students to learn independently, allowing them to develop their skills before they become necessary in college. Students’ knowledge of research citations has usually been limited to MLA format—the learning should not stop there! In future years, APA Style should become a staple in the high school curriculum, preparing high school students not only for upper level education but for their future careers as well.
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How do i format a paper in mla style.
The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:
A research project is an academic, scientific, or professional undertaking to answer a research question . Research projects can take many forms, such as qualitative or quantitative , descriptive , longitudinal , experimental , or correlational . What kind of research approach you choose will depend on your topic.
The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.
Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .
However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:
Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them.
In general, they should be:
All research questions should be:
A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.
Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.
Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .
Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.
I will compare …
Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:
Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.
They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.
Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .
The main guidelines for formatting a paper in Chicago style are to:
To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .
To format a paper in APA Style , follow these guidelines:
No, it’s not appropriate to present new arguments or evidence in the conclusion . While you might be tempted to save a striking argument for last, research papers follow a more formal structure than this.
All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the results and discussion sections if you are following a scientific structure). The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.
The conclusion of a research paper has several key elements you should make sure to include:
Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.
This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .
The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .
A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.
The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:
and your problem statement
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Our team helps students graduate by offering:
Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents . We proofread:
Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker is powered by elements of Turnitin’s Similarity Checker , namely the plagiarism detection software and the Internet Archive and Premium Scholarly Publications content databases .
The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software.
The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.
You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .
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The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is used for academic papers written primarily in the humanities. Please note that citation styles encompass not only how sources are cited but also how the paper is formatted.
Want more help with updated MLA citation style? Stop by the Reference Desk!
The NEW 8th edition of the MLA Handbook is available for 2 hour loan at the Circulation Desk!
Mla citation style guides.
Please note that while citation creators can be helpful and time-saving, they are nevertheless unreliable: Check your citations for correct formatting with one of the MLA citation guides listed above
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MLA General Format MLA Style specifies guidelines for formatting manuscripts and citing research in writing. MLA Style also provides writers with a system for referencing their sources through parenthetical citation in their essays and Works Cited pages.
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. This resource, updated to reflect the MLA Handbook (9th ed.), offers examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page.
A research paper does not normally need a title page, but if the paper is a group project, create a title page and list all the authors on it instead of in the header on page 1 of your essay. If your teacher requires a title page in lieu of or in addition to the header, format it according to the instructions you are given.
The MLA Handbook provides guidelines for creating MLA citations and formatting academic papers. This includes advice on structuring parenthetical citations, the Works Cited page, and tables and figures. This quick guide will help you set up your MLA format paper in no time.
This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. This resource contains a sample MLA paper that adheres to the 2016 updates. To download the MLA sample paper, click this link.
Learn how to format your paper according to the MLA 8th edition style guide, with examples and tips for citations, margins, headings, and more.
Learn how to format your student paper using MLA 9th edition. Step-by-step explainer with examples and a free MLA template.
This guide follows the 9th edition (the most recent) of the MLA Handbook, published by the Modern Language Association in 2021. To cite sources in MLA style, you need. In-text citations that give the author's last name and a page number. A list of Works Cited that gives full details of every source. Make sure your paper also adheres to MLA ...
Using MLA Format Get started with MLA style. Learn how to document sources, set up your paper, and improve your teaching and writing.
MLA format is a set of formatting and citation guidelines for how an academic paper should look, similar to other styles such as Chicago or APA format. We use MLA format for topics in the humanities, including languages, philosophy, and the arts, but not history (which uses Chicago) or the social sciences, like psychology or education (which use APA format).
Learn how to format your MLA paper according to the 9th edition of the MLA Handbook, with examples and tips from Taft College librarians.
Formatting Your Research Project To learn how to set up your research project in MLA format, visit our free sample chapter on MLA Handbook Plus , the only authorized subscription-based digital resource featuring the MLA Handbook, available for unlimited simultaneous users at subscribing institutions.
The formatting of a research paper is different depending on which style guide you're following. In addition to citations, APA, MLA, and Chicago provide format guidelines for things like font choices, page layout, format of headings and the format of the reference page.
This document will show you how to format an essay in MLA style. 0.2) If, instead of questions about putting the final formatting touches on your essay, you have questions about what to write, see instead my handouts on writing a short research paper, coming up with a good thesis statement, and using quotations in the body of your paper.
The ninth edition retains the MLA's unique system of documentation established in the eighth edition. New to the ninth edition are hundreds of additional example citations and visuals; expanded guidance on formatting papers, citing sources, quoting and paraphrasing, and avoiding plagiarism; and entirely new sections on inclusive language, annotated bibliographies, and notes.
Learn how to write a research paper in MLA format with our comprehensive guide. Find examples, tips, and step-by-step instructions for crafting your MLA format research paper.
Rules for Formatting the Paper. Unless you are told otherwise by your instructor, format your paper according to the following MLA Style rules: Double-spaced text. No extra space between paragraphs. 12 point Times New Roman font. 1" margins top, bottom, left, right. Indent first line of each paragraph by 1/2".
MLA Style Sheet General Guidelines. Please also visit the Academic Integrity LibGuide, which provides a Citation guide for your information.. Everything in the paper is double-spaced: works cited, indented quotes, etc.; Pagination: student's last name and the page number are placed on each page's upper right-hand corner. Quotes that are more than four lines long are indented one inch from the ...
Style Guide Resources. Check out the U-M Library's comprehensive Citation Help Research Guide for examples and formatting tips for APA Style, MLA Style, IEEE Style, and well as other Science Styles. You'll also find guidance on citing government documents, data and statistics, and using bibliography tools.
Sample MLA Paper MLA Research Paper Template Properly formatted MLA Style research paper. Download and save to your computer so that you will always have the correct format for writing.
The most common citation styles used in academic research, according to Geary, are: American Psychological Association, known as APA. This style is standard in the social sciences such as psychology, education and communication. "In these fields, research happens rapidly, which makes it exceptionally important to use current research ...
MLA Works Cited: Other Common Sources MLA Additional Resources MLA Abbreviations MLA Sample Works Cited Page MLA Sample Paper MLA Tables, Figures, and Examples MLA PowerPoint Presentation MLA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) MLA Classroom Poster MLA 9th Edition Changes MLA Eighth Edition: What's New and Different
A citation generator for MLA, APA, Turabian and Chicago styles. KnightCite A citation generator created by the Hekman Library of Calvin College. It assists with creating citations in MLA, APA and Chicago for all types of resources. You have the option to register for additional features such as saving and exporting citations. NoodleTools
An MLA in-text citation provides the author's last name and a page number in parentheses.
This page introduces you to the Modern Language Association (MLA) Style for writing and formatting research papers. To get the most out of this page, you should begin with the introductory material below, which covers what is MLA Style, why it is used, and who should apply this style to their work. Then you are invited to browse through the OWL ...
A citation generator for MLA, APA, Turabian and Chicago styles. KnightCite A citation generator created by the Hekman Library of Calvin College. It assists with creating citations in MLA, APA and Chicago for all types of resources. You have the option to register for additional features such as saving and exporting citations. NoodleTools
MLA Style Guide from Purdue. Other MLA resources. Print copies of the MLA Handbook are available for checkout. To see examples of how to cite images in MLA, see the An Image (Including a Painting, Sculpture, or Photograph) entry or the A Painting, Sculpture, or Photograph entry from Purdue's Online Writing Lab. Citing images in APA from the APA ...
At the high school level, students primarily use MLA style citations for research projects and papers, leaving many unaware of the importance of APA Style in collegiate education. Learning APA Style does not singularly apply to psychology majors—education, nursing, business, criminology, and other majors are all well-suited to learning APA Style.
The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows: Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman. Set 1 inch page margins. Apply double line spacing. Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page. Center the paper's title.
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers . The NEW 8th edition of the MLA Handbook is available for 2 hour loan at the Circulation Desk ... PurdueOWL: MLA Formatting and Style Guide. Use the navigation on the left to find citation by types of sources, sample papers, and more. MLA Overview & Workshop. An overview of MLA Style with links ...