1. An introduction to MLA style
Paraphrase
Citations
Modern Language Association
Works Cited
Formatting
Writing
Humanities
Arts
Direct Quote
Literature
Style
MLA & You
An introduction to MLA style

2. What is MLA? Style guidelines for written work in the humanities
According to MLA.org: “Generally simpler and more concise than other styles, MLA style features brief parenthetical citations in the text keyed to an alphabetical list of works cited that appears at the end of the work.”
Basics include:
Paper formatting
In-text citations
Work Cited page

3. When to use Literature Arts Humanities Shakespeare Analysis Paper
Short Story
Humanities
Music history

4. Formatting: General Guidelines
Paper must be typed, double-spaced on 8.5 x 11- inch paper in Times New Roman font
1-inch margins on all sides
Leave only 1 space after periods
Header: number pages in upper right-hand corner & flush right with last name
EX: Doe 1
Italics used throughout essay for the titles of longer works.

5. Paper formatting: First Page
No title page necessary
In upper left-hand corner, double spaced:
Name
Instructor’s name
Course
Date
Center title & write in Title Case
No underline or italics or quotation marks, unless the title of a larger work is used as part of the title
EX: The Diary of Pigs
The Diary of Pigs as Seen in The Three Little Pigs
The Diary of Pigs: Analyzing Dr. Porker’s article “Piglets”

6. Photo courtesy of The Purdue Owl

7. In-text Citations: basics
Referring to the works of others: use parenthetical citation.
(Author last name, page number)
EX: “Once upon a time, there lived three little pigs” (Porker 2).
In-text citations will correspond to an entry in your Works Cited page
Tell your reader what sources you used in writing the paper

8. Using Sources Sources give your paper credibility. Use them wisely!
Direct Quote
EX: “Once upon a time there lived three little pigs” (Porker 2).
Paraphrase
EX: Three small pigs formerly resided in the hills of Fairyland (Porker 2).

9. Works Cited: basics
An alphabetical list of sources cited in your paper
Should be on a separate page from your paper
Label the page Work Cited
No underline, italicize, bold or quotation marks around Work Cited
Font and size must be the same as citations
Double-space all citations, but do not skip spaces between entries

10. Work Cited: capitalization/punctuation
Capitalize each word in the titles of articles, books, etc.
Do not capitalize articles, short prepositions or conjunctions unless one is the first word of the title or subtitle.
Use italics for larger works (books, magazines, journals) and quotation marks for titles of shorter works (poems, articles).

11. Work Cited: listing author names
Entries are listed in alphabetical order by author name.
Last name first
First name next, followed by middle name/initial and suffix
Don’t list titles or degrees
Do include suffixes likes “Jr.” or “II”
Example:
Burke, Kevin
King, Martin Luther, Jr.
Levy, David M.
Wallace, David Foster

12. Works Cited: book basics
Name (s) of authors or editors
Title of book (including subtitle) italicized
City of publication, name of publisher, and year of publication
Medium of publication (print, web)
EX:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Medium.

13. Photo courtesy of The Purdue Owl

14. Works Cited: periodical basics
Names of authors
Title of article in “quotation marks”
Title of journal or magazine italicized
Volume number (for a journal)
Issue number (for a journal, if available)
Date of publication (for journal article, note year only)
Page numbers of the article.
Medium of publication (print, web)
EX:
Author(s). “Title of Article.” Title of Periodical. Day Month Year: pages. Print.

15. Photo courtesy of The Purdue Owl

16. Additional Resources The Writing Center Handouts The Purdue Owl
MLA website
MLA handbook

17. Important Note ALWAYS follow your professor’s instructions.
Although most will adhere to the most recent MLA guidelines, some will add their own style requirements for their assignments.
At the end of the day, the professor is grading you; therefore, it is imperative that you follow the instructions on the assignment sheet.