How to Cite a Research Report in MLA Format

Writing a research report can be a daunting task, but when you are finished, you feel a definite sense of accomplishment. That is, until you remember you still have to write a Works Cited page in proper Modern Language Association format. Luckily, MLA format is far easier than some other citation formats and can be mastered with a minimal amount of guidance.

Things You'll Need

  • Word processing program or paper and pen
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Instructions

  1. Citing a Report from a Scholarly Journal

    • 1

      Write the last name of the author, followed by a comma and then the first name of the author. Punctuate with a period.

    • 2

      Write the title of the report in quotation marks. Punctuate with a period, which should be placed inside of the quotation marks.

    • 3

      Write the title of the journal in which the research report was published. The title of the journal should be underlined. Do not punctuate with a period.

    • 4

      Write the volume number. This should be followed by the year in parentheses. After the parentheses, punctuate with a colon.

    • 5

      Write the page number or numbers and then punctuate with a period.

    Cite a Report from an Online Periodical

    • 6

      Write the last name of the author, followed by a comma and then the first name of the author. Punctuate with a period.

    • 7

      Write the title of the report in quotation marks. Punctuate with a period, which should be placed inside of the quotation marks.

    • 8

      Write the title of the online periodical in which the research report was published. The title of the periodical should be underlined. Do not punctuate with a period.

    • 9

      Write the date that the periodical was published. The format should be day of the month, followed by an abbreviated version of the month, and then the year (e.g., 4 Oct. 2009). Do not punctuate yet.

    • 10

      Look for a section number or page number. If one is discernible, write the information followed by a period. If no page or section number can be found, put a period immediately following the date of publication. Write the date that the periodical was viewed, followed by a "less than" symbol. Input the URL and then write a "greater than" symbol. Punctuate with a period.

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