MLA format papers differ from other referencing styles in that they do not require a title page. Instead, the first page of the paper includes the heading and the title, followed by the body of the paper. The construction of the first page is as follows:
Header:
Begin by leaving one inch of space from the top of the page and type the following information flush with the left margin:
Your Full Name
Name of your Instructor
Course Name and Number
Due Date of the Assignment
Title:
The title should be centered on the next line. If you need to reference another work or title within your title, you can use quotation marks or italics. For example: ” The Influence of Climate Change on Marine Ecosystems.”
After the title, indent the subsequent line and start typing your text. To create a page header, write your last name and insert the page numbers in the top margin, flush-right, on each page. The page numbers should be placed one-half inch from the top and aligned with the right margin.
MLA Referencing Format
There are two types of MLA format citation styles: Parenthetical or In-text Citations and Works Cited.
Parenthetical or In-text Citations:
In MLA format, parenthetical citations are used to acknowledge the sources directly within the text of the paper. These citations typically include the author’s last name and the page number(s) from which the information is taken. The purpose of these citations is to direct readers to the full citation on the Works Cited page.
For example:
When directly quoting a source: “This is a direct quote” (Smith 45).
When paraphrasing or summarizing a source: (Smith 45).
When the author’s name is mentioned in the text: According to Smith, “…” (45).
Works Cited:
The Works Cited page is a separate page at the end of the paper that lists all the sources cited in the text. It serves as an organized compilation of the sources you have paraphrased or quoted in your paper. It is arranged in alphabetical order and corresponds to the parenthetical citations used within the text. Each entry on the Works Cited page provides detailed information about the source, allowing readers to locate and access the original work.
The Works Cited page should adhere to the following guidelines:
Placement and numbering:
It should be positioned at the end of your paper and follow the consecutive numbering of the rest of your document.
Heading:
The page should feature the centered heading “Works Cited” at the top.
Inclusion of sources:
All the sources that you have paraphrased or quoted in your paper should be listed on this page.
Alphabetical order:
The sources should be alphabetized based on the author’s last name. If no author is present, the entries can be organized by title.
Hanging indents:
The formatting of the entries should include hanging indents, meaning that the lines following the first line of each entry are indented.
The general format for an entry on the Works Cited page includes the following elements:
Author’s name(s).
Title of the source (book, article, website, etc.).
Title of the container (if applicable, such as a book within an anthology),
Other contributors (editors, translators, etc.),
Version (if applicable),
Number (if applicable),
Publisher,
Publication date,
Location (such as page numbers or URL).
MLA format citation provides specific guidelines for formatting each type of source, such as books, journal articles, websites, and more. It is important to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure accuracy and consistency.
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