How to Use Proper MLA Form

If you study the humanities or take courses in that area, you likely have used Modern Language Association (MLA) style. Hundreds of scholarly and literary journals as well as university and commercial presses require use of the MLA format. A key aspect of MLA style involves the documentation of sources used in your paper. You must include an in-text citation near the referenced information. It should pair up with a full-length citation in a Works Cited list at the end of your paper.

Instructions

    • 1

      Use the author-page method to cite sources within the text of your MLA style paper. Follow the examples shown below.

      Jones found that 87 percent of the novels passed the test (43). Of those that

      passed, half scored in the 90th percentile (Jones 43). Jones stated that he was

      "disappointed with the lackluster results" (45).

    • 2

      Structure full-length citations in alphabetical order by the lead author's last name. Refer to these examples.

      "Jones, Marc" would be listed before "Jones, Marc D." The latter Jones would be listed before "Jones, Marc David."

    • 3

      List works with no author by title. Use an abbreviated portion of the title--about two to three words--in lieu of the author's last name for your in-text citations.

    • 4

      Cite books in your Works Cited list using the proceeding format. Italicize the title of the book. "Print" refers to the medium used to access your source. Indent the second and all subsequent lines of each Works Cited list entry.

      Jones, Marc, and David Johnson. Eating Right on a Budget. New York: Random

      House, 2007. Print.

    • 5

      Organize newspaper article citations as follows. Italicize the name of the newspaper.

      Buckner, Bill. "Red Sox Lose Series." Boston Globe 20 October 2017: A1. Print.

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