{ Diana Cason MLA Format

 When you write a research paper, you must “cite” your source. In other words, you must tell what source (book, article, website, etc.) you used to get the information.  MLA Format is one style of citing sources.  MLA stands for Modern Language Association.  It is most commonly used in liberal arts and humanities courses, like English or history. What is MLA Format?

 Citing your sources is essential to avoid plagiarism.  Plagiarism is using someone else’s work (their actual words or their ideas) without giving him/her credit.  At Bakersfield College, plagiarism is taken very seriously and can result in zero points on an assignment and a referral to the Dean of Students.  Plagiarism doesn’t have to be an intentional effort to cheat. Even if a student just forgets to cite his/her sources, it is still considered plagiarism. Why is it important to cite my sources?

1) Open a new Microsoft Word document and select 12 point, Times New Roman font. What are the guidelines for MLA format?

2) In the upper, left-hand corner, type your first and last name, the instructor’s name, the class, and the date with the day, month, and year (3 November 2015). What are the guidelines for MLA format?

3) Center the title of the assignment. Be sure to capitalize it appropriately. What are the guidelines for MLA format?

4) Indent each paragraph by hitting the “Tab” key. What are the guidelines for MLA format?

5) When you are finished typing your assignment, double-space it.  Use the drop-down spacing tool.  Select “2” and “Remove space after paragraph.” What are the guidelines for MLA format?

6) Create a header with your last name and page number.  Double-click in the space at the top of the page.  Click on “Page Number.”  Select “Top of Page.”  Select “Plain Number 3.”  Type your last name before the page number.  Change the font to 12 point, Times New Roman.

 Download a template.  After opening Microsoft Word, click on “File.”  Select “New.”  Do a template search for “MLA” and download the research paper template. What is an easier way to do MLA Format?

{ owl.english.purdue.edu Example

 A works cited page is a list of sources that you used to complete your assignment.  It is a separate page at the end of your assignment. What is a works cited page?

What are the guidelines for a works cited page?  A “citation” is given for each source and is formatted differently depending on the type of source (book, article, website, etc.).  The sources are listed in alphabetical order.  A “hanging indent” is used. The first line is not indented. Every line after the first line is indented. Use the ruler to create a hanging indent.

How do I do a citation for an article found on the internet? author’s name article title website title publisher date of publication date website was visited indicates online source

 View the YouTube videos created by Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab by clicking here. here  You can also meet with a tutor in the Tutoring Center or a writing consultant in the Writing Center. Need more help?