The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is commonly used in the humanities, especially in writing on language and literature. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to cite various sources in MLA style, including in-text citations and the Works Cited page.

In-Text Citations

In MLA style, in-text citations include the author’s last name and the page number from which the information was taken. There is no comma between the author’s name and the page number.

Basic Format:

– Paraphrasing: (Author Page Number)

– Example: (Smith 15)

– Direct Quote: (Author Page Number)

– Example: (Smith 15)

 

Examples:

– One author: (Smith 15)

– Two authors: (Smith and Jones 23)

– Three or more authors: (Smith et al. 45)

Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page lists all the sources cited in your text. Entries are listed alphabetically by the author’s last name.

Basic Format:

– Books: Author’s Last Name, First Name. *Title of the Book*. Publisher, Year of Publication.

– Example: Smith, John. *Understanding Psychology*. Psychology Press, 2020.

– Journal Articles: Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Article.” *Title of the Journal*, vol. Volume Number, no. Issue Number, Year, pp. Page Range.

– Example: Smith, John. “Cognitive Development in Children.” *Journal of Psychology*, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 123-135.

– Websites: Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Webpage.” *Title of Website*, Publisher (if different from website name), Date of Publication, URL.

– Example: Smith, John. “Understanding Cognitive Development.” *Psychology Today*, 10 June 2020, www.psychologytoday.com/articles/understanding-cognitive-development.

Common Source Types

Books

– Print Book: Author’s Last Name, First Name. *Title of the Book*. Publisher, Year of Publication.

– Example: Smith, John. *Understanding Psychology*. Psychology Press, 2020.

– E-Book: Author’s Last Name, First Name. *Title of the Book*. Publisher, Year of Publication. Name of Database or Website, URL.

– Example: Smith, John. *Understanding Psychology*. Psychology Press, 2020. ProQuest eBook Central, www.ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ebook.

Journal Articles

– Print Journal Article: Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Article.” *Title of the Journal*, vol. Volume Number, no. Issue Number, Year, pp. Page Range.

– Example: Smith, John. “Cognitive Development in Children.” *Journal of Psychology*, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 123-135.

– Online Journal Article: Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Article.” *Title of the Journal*, vol. Volume Number, no. Issue Number, Year, pp. Page Range. Name of Database, DOI or URL.

– Example: Smith, John. “Cognitive Development in Children.” *Journal of Psychology*, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 123-135. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.1000/xyz123.

Websites

– Webpage with Author: Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Webpage.” *Title of Website*, Publisher (if different from website name), Date of Publication, URL.

– Example: Smith, John. “Understanding Cognitive Development.” *Psychology Today*, 10 June 2020, www.psychologytoday.com/articles/understanding-cognitive-development.

– Webpage with Group Author: Group Name. “Title of Webpage.” *Title of Website*, Publisher (if different from website name), Date of Publication, URL.

– Example: American Psychological Association. “Understanding Cognitive Development.” *APA*, 10 June 2020, www.apa.org/articles/understanding-cognitive-development.

Formatting Guidelines

– General: Double-space all text, use a 1-inch margin on all sides, and apply a readable font (e.g., Times New Roman 12 pt).

– Title Page: MLA does not require a title page. Instead, include your name, your instructor’s name, the course, and the date in the upper left corner of the first page, and center the title.

– Headers: Include a header with your last name and page number in the top right corner of every page.

– Headings: Use clear and concise headings for different sections of your paper.

– Works Cited Page: Start the Works Cited page on a new page at the end of your document. Center the title “Works Cited” at the top.

By following this MLA citation guide, you can ensure your academic writing is properly cited and adheres to the standards of the Modern Language Association. This will help maintain the credibility and integrity of your work.