MLA Format

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Created by: Team English - Examples.com, Last Updated: May 22, 2024

MLA Format


MLA format is a widely accepted style for writing and documenting scholarly papers, particularly in the humanities. It provides guidelines for formatting manuscripts, citing sources, and structuring works cited pages, ensuring consistency and clarity. Adhering to MLA format helps writers present their research in a professional and organized manner, facilitating readability and academic integrity.

What is MLA Format?

MLA format, established by the Modern Language Association, is a widely-used style for writing and documenting scholarly papers in the humanities. It features in-text citation, a “Works Cited” page, double-spacing, one-inch margins, and specific guidelines for formatting headings, titles, and quotations to ensure clarity and consistency in academic writing.

MLA Format Examples

  1. Book Citation:
    • Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
    • Example: Smith, John. The Art of Writing. Penguin, 2020.
  2. Journal Article:
    • Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.
    • Example: Doe, Jane. “Exploring Literature.” Literary Journal, vol. 5, no. 3, 2019, pp. 45-67.
  3. Website:
    • Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Web Page.” Title of Website, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL.
    • Example: Brown, Lisa. “Understanding MLA Format.” Writing Resources, Purdue OWL, 15 Mar. 2021, www.owl.purdue.edu/mlaformat.
  4. Book Chapter:
    • Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Chapter.” Title of Book, edited by Editor’s First Name Last Name, Publisher, Year, pages.
    • Example: Taylor, Robert. “Modern Poetry.” Anthology of Modern Literature, edited by Sarah Green, Norton, 2018, pp. 120-135.
  5. Edited Book:
    • Editor’s Last Name, First Name, editor. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
    • Example: Anderson, Mary, editor. Cultural Studies. Routledge, 2017.
  6. Magazine Article:
    • Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Magazine, Date of Publication, pages.
    • Example: Clark, Emily. “The Future of Education.” Education Today, 12 June 2021, pp. 22-25.
  7. Newspaper Article:
    • Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Newspaper, Date of Publication, pages.
    • Example: Adams, Michael. “Tech Innovations in 2022.” The New York Times, 5 Jan. 2022, p. B1.
  8. Film:
    • Title of Film. Directed by Director’s First Name Last Name, performance by Lead Actor’s First Name Last Name, Production Company, Year.
    • Example: Inception. Directed by Christopher Nolan, performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, Warner Bros., 2010.
  9. Online Video:
    • Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Video.” Website, uploaded by Uploader’s Name, Date of Upload, URL.
    • Example: Johnson, Mark. “How to Write in MLA Format.” YouTube, uploaded by Academic Tips, 10 Feb. 2021, www.youtube.com/academic-tips-mla.
  10. Conference Paper:
    • Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Paper.” Title of Conference, Date, Location.
    • Example: Lee, Anna. “The Impact of Social Media on Education.” International Conference on Education, 23 Apr. 2021, Boston, MA.

When to use MLA Format

MLA format is commonly used in the humanities, especially for writing papers and citing sources in subjects like:

  1. English Literature:
    • Essay, research papers, and articles analyzing novels, poems, plays, and other literary works.
  2. Cultural Studies:
    • Papers exploring cultural phenomena, media studies, and societal impacts on culture.
  3. Foreign Languages:
    • Research involving comparative literature, translations, and linguistic studies.
  4. Philosophy:
    • Essays and papers discussing philosophical theories, arguments, and historical texts.
  5. Art History:
    • Research papers analyzing art movements, specific artworks, and artist biographies.
  6. Theater Studies:
    • Analyses of plays, playwrights, theatrical performances, and historical context of theater.
  7. History:
    • Humanities-focused historical research papers, particularly those involving textual analysis.
  8. Media Studies:
    • Research involving film, television, digital media, and their cultural implications.

MLA format is preferred in these fields for its emphasis on detailed citation and textual analysis, ensuring clarity, consistency, and academic integrity in scholarly writing.

How to set up your paper in MLA Format

Setting up your paper in MLA format is crucial for academic writing, ensuring that your work meets the standards for scholarly communication. Follow these steps to format your paper correctly:

1. General Guidelines

  • Font: Use a readable font like Times New Roman, size 12.
  • Margins: Set all margins to 1 inch on all sides.
  • Line Spacing: Double-space the entire paper, including any notes and the works cited page.
  • Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph one-half inch from the left margin. Use the Tab key instead of the space bar.

2. Header and Title

  • Header: Create a header in the upper right-hand corner that includes your last name, followed by a space and the page number. Number all pages consecutively with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.).
  • First Page:
    • In the upper left-hand corner, list your name, your instructor’s name, the course, and the date. Double-space this information.
    • Center the title. Do not underline, italicize, or place your title in quotation marks. Write the title in Title Case (standard capitalization), not in all capital letters.

3. In-Text Citations

  • When quoting or paraphrasing, include an in-text citation with the author’s last name and the page number from which the quote or paraphrase is taken, like this: (Smith 123).

4. Works Cited Page

  • Title: Center the title “Works Cited” at the top of the page. Do not italicize or underline it.
  • Entries: Begin each entry at the left margin; if an entry runs more than one line, indent the subsequent lines one-half inch from the left margin (hanging indent).
  • Alphabetical Order: List the entries alphabetically by the author’s last name. If no author is given, alphabetize by the title.

Example of the First Page

Jane Doe
Professor Smith
English 101
20 May 2023

Centered Title in Title Case

The first paragraph of your paper begins here, with the first line indented one-half inch. Subsequent paragraphs should also be indented one-half inch from the left margin.

Example of a Works Cited Entry

Works Cited

Smith, John. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.

Formatting Header and Title in MLA

Formatting the header and title correctly is an important step in ensuring your paper adheres to MLA standards. Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up the header and title for your MLA paper:

1. Header

The header in MLA format is placed in the upper right-hand corner of each page, including the first page. Here are the steps to set it up:

  • Open your document in a word processing program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
  • Insert the header:
    • In Microsoft Word: Go to the “Insert” tab and select “Header.” Choose the “Blank” option.
    • In Google Docs: Click on “Insert” and then “Headers & footers,” followed by “Header.”
  • Type your last name followed by a space.
  • Insert the page number:
    • In Microsoft Word: While the cursor is still in the header, go to the “Design” tab, click on “Page Number,” and choose “Top of Page” then “Plain Number 3.”
    • In Google Docs: While the cursor is in the header, click on “Insert,” then “Page numbers,” and select the option to have the page numbers in the upper right corner.
  • Set the font and size: Ensure the font is Times New Roman, size 12, matching the rest of your document.

2. Title Page Setup

MLA format does not require a separate title page unless specifically requested by your instructor. Instead, the title is placed on the first page of your paper. Here’s how to format it:

Information Block

  • Position the cursor at the top of the first page.
  • Type the following information on separate lines, double-spaced, aligned to the left margin:
    • Your full name
    • Your instructor’s name
    • The course name or number
    • The date in the format: Day Month Year (e.g., 20 May 2023)

Title

  • Double-space after the date.
  • Center the title of your paper. The title should be in Title Case, which means you capitalize the major words.
  • Do not use bold, italics, underline, or quotation marks for the title. Write it in plain text.

Example of the First Page Setup

Jane Doe
Professor Smith
English 101
20 May

The Impact of Climate Change on Migration

The first paragraph of your paper begins here, with the first line indented one-half inch. Subsequent paragraphs should also be indented one-half inch from the left margin.

Headings and Subheadings in MLA Format

MLA (Modern Language Association) format provides a flexible guideline for structuring your academic paper. While the MLA Handbook (9th edition) does not provide specific rules for headings and subheadings, it encourages consistency and clarity. Here’s a guide on how to create and format headings and subheadings in your MLA-style paper.

General Guidelines

  • Font and Size: Use a readable font like Times New Roman, size 12.
  • Consistency: Ensure that the format and style of headings and subheadings are consistent throughout the paper.
  • No Bold or Italics: Headings should not be bolded or italicized. They should be in plain text, maintaining the same font and size as the rest of the paper.
  • Title Case: Capitalize the first and last words and all principal words in headings and subheadings.

Levels of Headings

MLA does not have specific rules for the number of heading levels. However, using up to five levels of headings is common. Below is a suggested format for organizing your paper with headings and subheadings.

First-Level Heading (H2)

Centered, Title Case

Example:

Causes of Climate Change

Second-Level Heading (H3)

Left-aligned, Title Case

Example:

Human Activities

Third-Level Heading (H4)

Indented, Title Case, Ends with a Period.

Example:

Burning of Fossil Fuels.

Fourth-Level Heading (H5)

Indented, Sentence case, Ends with a period.

Example:

Deforestation and land use changes.

Fifth-Level Heading (H6)

Indented, italicized, Sentence case, Ends with a period.

Example:

Use of agricultural practices.

Examples of Headings in a Paper

Here’s an example of how to structure a paper using these headings:

Causes of Climate Change
Human activities significantly contribute to climate change through various means.
Human Activities
Human activities that impact climate change include the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and certain agricultural practices.
Burning of Fossil Fuels.
The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Deforestation and land use changes.
The removal of trees decreases the planet’s capacity to absorb CO2.
Use of agricultural practices.
Certain farming practices, like livestock production, increase methane emissions.
Natural Factors
Natural factors also play a role in climate change, albeit to a lesser extent than human activities.
Volcanic Eruptions.
Eruptions release particles that can cool the Earth by blocking sunlight.
Solar Variations
Changes in solar energy affect the Earth’s climate cycles.

Quotations in MLA Format

Quotations are an essential part of academic writing, providing evidence and supporting arguments. MLA (Modern Language Association) format has specific guidelines for incorporating quotations into your text. Here’s a detailed guide on how to format both short and long quotations in MLA style.

1. Short Quotations

Short quotations are defined as fewer than four lines of prose or three lines of verse. These quotations should be incorporated into the text and enclosed in double quotation marks.

Format:

  • Introduce the quotation with a signal phrase that includes the author’s last name followed by the page number in parentheses.
  • Place the period after the parenthetical citation.

Example:

According to Smith, “climate change is the greatest challenge facing humanity today” (123).

2. Long Quotations

Long quotations, also known as block quotations, are used for prose that is more than four lines or verse that is more than three lines. These should be formatted as a freestanding block of text and indented one inch from the left margin. Quotation marks are not used.

Format:

  • Introduce the block quotation with a signal phrase that ends with a colon.
  • Start the quotation on a new line and indent the entire block one inch from the left margin.
  • Double-space the quotation.
  • Place the parenthetical citation after the period at the end of the quotation.

Example:

Smith discusses the impacts of climate change in detail:

Climate change affects all regions around the world. Polar ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, and weather patterns are becoming more extreme. These changes threaten the habitats of countless species, and the economic and social systems of human communities are also at risk. Immediate action is required to mitigate these effects and adapt to the changes that are already underway. (123)

3. Adding or Omitting Words

Adding Words: When adding words for clarity, enclose the added text in square brackets.

Example:

Smith notes that “immediate action [by global leaders] is required to mitigate these effects” (123).

Omitting Words: To omit words from a quotation, use an ellipsis (…). Ensure that the omission does not change the meaning of the original text.

Example:

Smith argues that “climate change affects all regions…and weather patterns are becoming more extreme” (123).

4. Quoting Poetry

For quoting poetry, maintain the original formatting as much as possible. Use a slash (/) to indicate line breaks within the text.

Short Poetry Quotations:

Format:

  • Enclose the quotation in double quotation marks.
  • Use a slash (/) to indicate line breaks.

Example:

In Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” the speaker reflects, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, / And sorry I could not travel both” (1-2).

Long Poetry Quotations:

Format:

  • Introduce the quotation with a signal phrase ending with a colon.
  • Start the quotation on a new line and indent the entire block one inch from the left margin.
  • Maintain the original line breaks.

Example:

In his poem “The Road Not Taken,” Frost writes:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; (1-5)

5. Quoting Dialogue

When quoting dialogue from a play or script, each character’s speech begins on a new line, and the character’s name is written in all capital letters followed by a period.

Format:

  • Introduce the quotation with a signal phrase.
  • Start the quotation on a new line and indent each line of the characters’ speech one inch from the left margin.
  • Double-space the dialogue.

Example:

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the witches proclaim:

FIRST WITCH. When shall we three meet again In thunder, lightning, or in rain? SECOND WITCH. When the hurlyburly’s done, When the battle’s lost and won. (1.1.1-4)

Paraphrases in MLA Format

Paraphrasing involves restating someone else’s ideas in your own words. In MLA (Modern Language Association) format, it’s essential to credit the original source even when you paraphrase. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly format paraphrases in MLA style.

1. General Guidelines for Paraphrasing

  • Restate the original text: Ensure that the paraphrase is in your own words and that it accurately reflects the meaning of the original text.
  • Provide an in-text citation: Include the author’s last name and the page number where the original idea can be found.
  • No quotation marks: Do not use quotation marks around a paraphrase since you are not using the exact words from the source.

2. In-Text Citations for Paraphrases

The in-text citation for a paraphrase is similar to that for a direct quotation. It includes the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses.

Basic Format: (Author’s Last Name Page Number)

Example: According to Smith, climate change poses a significant challenge to humanity, requiring immediate and concerted action from global leaders (123).

3. Incorporating Paraphrases into Your Text

You can introduce a paraphrase in several ways to smoothly integrate it into your writing. Here are some examples:

Using a Signal Phrase

Signal phrases introduce the source of the paraphrase and are typically followed by the paraphrased material and a parenthetical citation.

Example: Smith argues that immediate action is necessary to address the widespread impacts of climate change, which threaten both natural ecosystems and human societies (123).

Integrating the Paraphrase

Integrate the paraphrase directly into your sentence, ensuring it flows naturally with your own writing.

Example: The widespread impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and more extreme weather patterns, require urgent action to mitigate damage to both ecosystems and human communities (Smith 123).

4. Multiple Authors

When paraphrasing a source with multiple authors, include all authors’ last names or use “et al.” for three or more authors.

Two Authors:

Example: According to Johnson and Smith, sustainable practices are essential for mitigating the effects of climate change (45).

Three or More Authors:

Example: Research indicates that sustainable practices are crucial for mitigating climate change impacts (Johnson et al. 45).

5. No Author

If the source has no author, use a shortened title of the work instead. Place the title in quotation marks if it’s an article or in italics if it’s a book or other standalone work.

Example: Measures to address climate change must be implemented urgently to prevent further environmental degradation (“Climate Action” 12).

6. Multiple Works by the Same Author

If you cite multiple works by the same author, include a shortened version of the title in the citation to differentiate between them.

Example: Smith argues that sustainable practices are necessary for environmental conservation (“Environmental Policies” 56) and that global cooperation is key to effective climate action (“Global Strategies” 78).

7. Citing Indirect Sources

If you need to paraphrase information from a source cited within another source, use “qtd. in” to indicate the original source.

Example: According to Brown, environmental education plays a crucial role in raising awareness about climate change (qtd. in Smith 89).

Example of a Paragraph with Paraphrases

Original Text: “Climate change affects all regions around the world. Polar ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, and weather patterns are becoming more extreme. These changes threaten the habitats of countless species, and the economic and social systems of human communities are also at risk. Immediate action is required to mitigate these effects and adapt to the changes that are already underway” (Smith 123).
Paraphrased Paragraph: Smith notes that climate change has a global impact, causing the melting of polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather events. These environmental changes endanger numerous species’ habitats and pose risks to human economic and social structures. Therefore, Smith emphasizes the need for swift measures to mitigate and adapt to these evolving challenges (123).

Using Abbreviations in MLA Format

Abbreviations can help make your writing more concise and clear. However, it is important to use them correctly and consistently. Here is a guide on how to use abbreviations in MLA (Modern Language Association) format.

General Guidelines

  • Introduce Abbreviations: When you first introduce an abbreviation, spell out the full term followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. After this initial introduction, you can use the abbreviation alone.
  • Consistency: Use the abbreviation consistently throughout your paper after introducing it.
  • Periods: Use periods with certain abbreviations (e.g., a.m., p.m., U.S.), but do not use them for acronyms (e.g., NASA, MLA).

Types of Abbreviations

Acronyms and Initialisms

Acronyms are formed from the initial letters of words and pronounced as words (e.g., NASA). Initialisms are formed from the initial letters but pronounced as individual letters (e.g., FBI).

Example: The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for formatting academic papers. According to MLA guidelines, authors should use consistent formatting throughout their work.

Months

When citing sources, abbreviate the names of months (except May, June, and July) in the Works Cited page.

Example: Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.

Works Cited Entry Example: Smith, John. “The Effects of Climate Change.” Environmental Studies Journal, vol. 12, no. 4, Aug. 2020, pp. 123-45.

Common Latin Abbreviations

Certain Latin abbreviations are commonly used in academic writing. Here are a few examples:

  • e.g. (exempli gratia): means “for example”
  • i.e. (id est): means “that is”
  • etc. (et cetera): means “and so on”
  • et al. (et alii): means “and others”

Example: There are many theories on climate change (e.g., greenhouse effect, solar variability).

Abbreviating Titles and Terms

Use standard abbreviations for titles and terms when they appear in citations.

Books:

  • ed. (edition)
  • rev. ed. (revised edition)
  • vol. (volume)
  • no. (number)

Examples: Doe, Jane, ed. Anthology of Modern Poetry. 3rd ed., Penguin Books, 2019. Brown, Sarah. History of Medieval Europe. Rev. ed., vol. 2, Academic Press, 2018.

Abbreviating Locations in Works Cited

Abbreviate the names of U.S. states and countries in publisher locations.

Examples:

  • Cambridge, MA
  • Oxford, UK

Works Cited Entry Example: Smith, John. The Great Migration. Cambridge UP, 2015.

In-Text Citations with Abbreviations

Use abbreviations in in-text citations as necessary to keep them concise. For example, abbreviate the titles of works that are long or frequently cited within the text.

Example: (Tolkien, LOTR 23)

Abbreviating Corporate Authors

When a corporate author is commonly known by an abbreviation, you can use the abbreviation after introducing it.

Example: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has made significant advancements in space exploration. According to NASA, the Mars rover has sent back valuable data (NASA).

Common MLA Abbreviations

  • ch. (chapter)
  • pt. (part)
  • sec. (section)
  • trans. (translator)
  • UP (University Press)

Example of Proper Abbreviation Usage in a Paragraph

When citing sources, the Modern Language Association (MLA) recommends abbreviating the names of months except for May, June, and July. For instance, an article published in March would be cited as “Mar.” (MLA Handbook 123). Additionally, when referring to organizations like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the abbreviation can be used after the first mention. NASA has reported new findings from the Mars rover mission (NASA).

Formatting Numbers in MLA Format

When writing papers in MLA (Modern Language Association) format, it’s important to know the guidelines for formatting numbers. Here’s a concise guide to help you understand when to use numerals and when to spell out numbers.

General Rules

  1. Numbers That Can Be Written in One or Two Words:
    • Spell out numbers that can be written in one or two words.
    • Examples: one, thirty-six, ninety-nine, one hundred, fifteen hundred
  2. Numbers That Require More Than Two Words:
    • Use numerals for numbers that require more than two words.
    • Examples: 101, 1,250, 7,891

Specific Cases

  1. Beginning a Sentence:
    • Spell out numbers when they begin a sentence.
    • Example: One hundred students attended the lecture.
    • Note: If rewriting the sentence to avoid starting with a number, it is acceptable. Example: There were 100 students who attended the lecture.
  2. Dates:
    • Use numerals for dates.
    • Example: June 5, 2024
  3. Time of Day:
    • Use numerals with a.m. and p.m.
    • Examples: 10:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m.
    • For round numbers, you may spell out the time if clarity is preserved.
    • Example: He arrived at six o’clock in the evening.
  4. Percentages:
    • Use numerals and the percent symbol (%).
    • Example: The survey showed that 75% of participants agreed.
  5. Page Numbers:
    • Always use numerals.
    • Example: Please refer to page 45 for more information.
  6. Large Numbers:
    • Use a combination of numerals and words for very large round numbers.
    • Example: 2.5 million, 3 billion
  7. Fractions:
    • Spell out simple fractions and use numerals for more complex fractions.
    • Examples: Two-thirds of the class, 3/8 of an inch
  8. Decades and Centuries:
    • Use numerals for decades and spell out centuries.
    • Examples: the 1990s, the twenty-first century

Examples in Context

Correct:

  • There are fifty-two weeks in a year.
  • The population of the city is approximately 1.2 million.
  • She bought three dozen eggs.
  • On April 15, 2022, the event will take place.
  • The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m.
  • About 40% of the respondents disagreed with the statement.
  • The results are discussed on page 23.
  • He has lived here since the 1980s.
  • The twentieth century saw many technological advances.

Incorrect:

  • There are 52 weeks in a year. (Should be spelled out)
  • The population of the city is approximately one million two hundred thousand. (Use numerals)
  • She bought 3 dozen eggs. (Spell out)

Using Lists in MLA Format

Lists can be a useful way to present information clearly and concisely. In MLA (Modern Language Association) format, there are specific guidelines for incorporating lists into your writing. Here’s a guide on how to format both bulleted and numbered lists according to MLA style.

General Guidelines

  1. Introduce the List:
    • Introduce the list with a complete sentence followed by a colon.
    • Example: There are several reasons to visit the museum:
  2. Parallel Structure:
    • Ensure that each item in the list follows the same grammatical structure.
    • Example: The museum offers:
      • Free admission
      • Guided tours
      • Educational workshops

Bulleted Lists

Bulleted lists are used to present items that do not need to be in a specific order.

Format:

  • Introduce the list with a complete sentence.
  • Use a colon at the end of the introductory sentence.
  • Begin each item with a capital letter.
  • Use a period after each item if the items are complete sentences; otherwise, do not use periods.

Example: The museum offers the following activities:

  • Guided tours
  • Art exhibitions
  • Interactive workshops

Numbered Lists

Numbered lists are used to present items that need to be in a specific order, such as steps in a process.

Format:

  • Introduce the list with a complete sentence.
  • Use a colon at the end of the introductory sentence.
  • Begin each item with a capital letter.
  • Use periods after each item if the items are complete sentences.

Example: Follow these steps to register for the workshop:

  1. Visit the museum’s website.
  2. Click on the “Events” tab.
  3. Select the desired workshop.
  4. Complete the registration form.

In-Text Lists

In-text lists are used within a sentence and are typically introduced with a colon or parentheses.

Comma-Separated Lists:

  • Use commas to separate items in a simple list within a sentence.
  • Example: The museum offers guided tours, art exhibitions, and interactive workshops.

Semicolon-Separated Lists:

  • Use semicolons to separate items in a complex list within a sentence.
  • Example: The museum offers several activities: guided tours for all ages; art exhibitions featuring local artists; and interactive workshops on weekends.

Lists with Complete Sentences

When each item in the list is a complete sentence, use periods at the end of each item.

Example: There are several reasons to visit the museum:

  • The museum offers free admission every first Sunday of the month.
  • It has a wide range of art exhibitions from contemporary to classical art.
  • Interactive workshops are available for children and adults alike.

Example in Context

Here is an example of how to integrate a list into an MLA-formatted paper:

Text Example:

Visiting the museum can be a rewarding experience for several reasons:

  1. Free Admission: The museum offers free admission every first Sunday of the month.
  2. Diverse Exhibitions: It features a wide range of art exhibitions, from contemporary to classical art.
  3. Interactive Workshops: There are interactive workshops available for both children and adults.

In addition to these activities, the museum also provides guided tours and educational programs, making it an excellent destination for visitors of all ages.

MLA Format vs. APA Format

FeatureMLA FormatAPA Format
DisciplineHumanitiesSocial Sciences
Title PageNot typically usedSeparate title page
HeaderAuthor’s last name and page numberShortened title and page number
TitleCentered, standard capitalizationCentered, bold, title case
In-Text Citations(Smith 123)(Smith, 2023, p. 123)
Works Cited / References“Works Cited”“References”
Book CitationAuthor’s Last Name, First Name. Title. Publisher, Year.Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title. Publisher.
Journal CitationAuthor’s Last Name, First Name. “Title.” Journal, vol. no., Year, pages.Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title. Journal, Volume(Issue), pages.
Online SourcesInclude URL or DOIInclude DOI if available, URL if not
Date FormatDay Month Year (22 May 2023)Month Day, Year (May 22, 2023)
Block QuotationsIndent entire quote 1 inch, no quotation marksIndent half an inch, no quotation marks, citation after period
AbstractNot requiredRequired, 150-250 words
Running HeadNot requiredRequired, “Running head:” on title page

What is MLA format?

MLA format is a style guide for writing and documenting research in the humanities, particularly in English studies, provided by the Modern Language Association.

How do you cite a book in MLA format?

Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. Example: Smith, John. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.

How do you format the first page of an MLA paper?

Include your name, instructor’s name, course, and date in the upper left corner. Center the title, and start the text on a new line, double-spaced.

What should be included in an MLA Works Cited page?

List all sources cited in the text, alphabetized by the author’s last name. Include full publication details for each source.

How do you format in-text citations in MLA?

nclude the author’s last name and page number in parentheses after the quote or paraphrase. Example: (Smith 123).

Do I need a title page in MLA format?

No, MLA format typically does not require a separate title page unless specified by the instructor.

How do you cite a website in MLA format?

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Web Page.” Title of Website, Publisher, Publication Date, URL.

How do you handle multiple authors in an MLA citation?

For two authors, use both last names (Smith and Jones). For three or more, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” (Smith et al.).

How are block quotes formatted in MLA?

Indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin, double-space, and omit quotation marks. Place the parenthetical citation after the period.

What font and size should be used in MLA format?

Use a readable font like Times New Roman, size 12, and double-space the entire document.

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