This explains the latest guidelines for and according to MLA.
Including images and tables in your MLA format essay can significantly enhance the understanding and visual appeal of your academic work. When integrating tables, always place them as close as possible to the related text to maintain a logical flow in your essay. Begin by labeling the table above it with 'Table' followed by its number (e.g., Table 1) on a new line, without any punctuation following the number. Directly below, provide a descriptive title for the table to inform the reader about its content. This title should be in title case and positioned flush-left. Remember, the word 'table' should not be capitalized when referenced within your text.
Formatting lists in MLA style essays requires attention to detail and an understanding of the text's flow. Use lists to present material clearly and concisely, ensuring they are necessary to your argument. If the list completes the sentence introduced before the colon, use lowercase and punctuate it as a regular sentence. For more formal lists, or those that require emphasis, use a numbered or bulleted format. Each item should begin with a capital letter and end with a semicolon; the final item should end with a period. This format enhances the readability and organization of complex information.
This section provides five examples demonstrating incorrect punctuation and format for in-text citations in MLA style. As you read, notice the errors and how they should be corrected.
Take a look at our sample paper in MLA.
In MLA essays, the formatting of numbers must follow specific guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency. Use words for numbers that can be written in one or two words, such as "one" to "ninety-nine," and use numerals for numbers above one hundred or when accompanied by units, such as "3 cm" or "50 years." Always spell out numbers that begin a sentence. However, for statistical or technical data, numerals provide better clarity and should be used regardless of their position in the sentence. This rule helps maintain a formal and professional tone throughout your essay.
You will encounter various situations over the course of your academic career in which you will be required to provide work with properly cited references. For example, imagine that your literature instructor assigns an essay requiring . This will require you to research and compile a list of citations for your sources. As you are writing, you will incorporate in-text citations into your essay. Another scenario in which you will need to provide in-text citations and a works cited page is when you are asked to write an essay to support your findings in a science lab. While this essay should be based upon your own experiential evidence in the lab, you will need to do research to provide additional support for your findings.
Even though the writer modifies the information from another source, it is still necessary to credit the source using proper format (Handbook 98). Paraphrased information uses the same MLA reference format as stated in the section directly above this one.
When writing an MLA essay, using abbreviations must be handled with care to maintain formality and clarity. The MLA Handbook suggests spelling out terms in the main text and reserving abbreviations for parenthetical references, tables, and figures. For instance, abbreviate "page" as "p." and "pages" as "pp." when used with numbered citations in parentheses. Always introduce an abbreviation with its full term at its first occurrence. This approach keeps the essay clear and accessible, especially for readers unfamiliar with the abbreviations.
Look online to see samples of a properly formatted MLA essay.
Integrating quotations accurately in your MLA essay not only strengthens your argument but also shows respect for the original source material. When using direct quotations, it's crucial to introduce them smoothly into your text to maintain the flow of your writing. You can introduce a quotation with a complete sentence followed by a colon, use a comma after a signal phrase, or integrate it into the sentence with no additional punctuation if it forms a part of the sentence. This careful integration helps clarify the connection between your argument and the evidence provided by the quotation.
Exercise 1: MLA In-text Citations
Writing an MLA format essay involves adhering to specific guidelines set by the Modern Language Association. Key elements include using a legible font like Times New Roman in 12 pt., ensuring all text is double-spaced, and maintaining 1-inch margins on all sides. Each paragraph should begin with a half-inch indentation. The essay should include a header with your last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner of each page. Additionally, integrate quotations properly and ensure your 'Works Cited' page is formatted correctly, with entries double-spaced and using a hanging indent.
Exercise 1: MLA In-text Citations
For online sources, additional information is required to guide the reader to the exact location of the content. A website citation in MLA format would generally be formatted as follows: Last Name, First Name. "Title of Page." Name of Website, Publisher, date of publication, URL. Remember to use the date of the last update if available, and include the URL at the end of the entry. This format ensures that even if the physical characteristics of the source are different (like a digital versus a print source), the citation provides enough information for readers to find the source material.
Here is an example of a block quote used in an MLA essay.
For more on block quotes and a further, detailed explanation on the use of quotes, including MLA footnotes, refer to our and Parenthetical Citations Guide. In this guide you’ll find further information including directions for the use of quotes without an author, page numbers, and how to properly credit work from electronic sources.