1. Modern Language Association
MLA

2. The Why
You need to use MLA anytime you are citing, quoting, or referencing information from a source not of your own creation.
This format (and others like it) keeps you from committing plagiarism.
Finally it forces all papers written into a standard format that allows for easy, quick and impartial reading

3. The How MLA uses a three part system: 1. The page layout
2. The works cited page
3. The in-text citation

4. Part 1: The page layout When using MLA format your pages should:
Be typed
In 12 pt font
Using Times New Roman
Use 1 in margins
Double spaced
Have a header with your last name, and page number

5. Example
1 in margins
Header: Last name and pg #

6. Part 2 : The works cited page
This page is a collection of all of the reference works in your essay.
Here the reader should be able to look at each source listed and look it up on their own.
Refer to the reference sheet I gave you for all the details
REMEMBER: the citations change by the source and the devil is in the details, so pay close attention!

7. Example: NOTE: Listed alphabetically Not enumerated Double spaced
Done according to MLA rules
Indented after first line

8. Part 3: In-text citation
As your essay is read, the reader should be able to reference back and forth between your work cited page and your essay, using the in-text citations as a guide to where you got the information you are writing about.
Standard format: (Author’s last name pg #).
See the reference sheet I gave you for detailed examples (the green sheet)

9. Example (Author’s last name pg #). Pay attention to the periods!!!
Author’s name not in citation b/c it is in the sentence earlier

10. Homework Apply the page formatting to your editorial
1 inch margins
12 pt font
Double spaced
Times New Roman
Internal citations (blah 293).
Create a works cited page using the sources you have gathered
Four sources
1 book source
The rest is up to you