MLA Style: Citing Sources and Formatting
Not only does a good research paper include thorough research and thoughtful analysis, it follows specific rules for citing sources and formatting. This brief guide will illustrate how to correctly reference your sources and set up your paper.
Connections Education® students should use Modern Language Association (MLA) style for citing sources and formatting. MLA style is commonly used in many middle and high schools as well as in colleges and universities across the country.
The MLA publishes the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. This is a very useful book, as it goes into great depth explaining the steps for writing a paper. The book is available at most bookstores, and your local library likely has copies. If you run into an issue, such as citing a source that is not covered in this guide, it is best to find the proper way of citing your source by consulting the MLA Handbook or by asking your teacher.
This guide covers the basics for formatting and citing sources. However, always follow the specific guidelines presented by your teacher. For instance, if you want to incorporate pictures or other images into your paper, ask your teacher about the best way to do this. Depending on your teacher’s preference, images could be included within the body of the paper or in an appendix.
Formatting Your Paper1
When formatting your paper in MLA style, there are certain guidelines to follow. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
1. Use a standard font such as Times New Roman, size 12.
2. Double-space your entire paper, including the Works Cited page.
3. Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the paper.
4. Include a header with your last name and page number on each page.
5. Create a title page with your name, instructor's name, course title, and date.
6. Use in-text citations for all sources used in your paper.
7. Create a Works Cited page at the end of your paper listing all sources cited.
Citing Sources
In-text citations in MLA style typically include the author's last name and the page number where the information can be found. For example: (Smith 25). If the author's name is not available, use the title of the work instead. If you are citing a source with multiple authors, include all last names separated by commas, followed by the page number (Smith, Johnson 50).
When citing a source in your Works Cited page, list the author's name (last name, first name), the title of the work, the publication date, the publisher, and the page numbers. Make sure to use proper punctuation and formatting for each element.
Remember, it is important to give credit to the original sources you used in your research paper to avoid plagiarism. By following these guidelines for formatting and citing sources in MLA style, you can ensure that your paper is accurate, professional, and properly documented.