MLA (Modern Language Association) format is the standard citation style for literature, arts, and humanities papers. It emphasizes author and page number for easy reference.
When to Use MLA
- Literature and literary analysis
- Foreign languages and linguistics
- Philosophy and cultural studies
- Art history and criticism
Paper Format
- 12-point Times New Roman font
- Double-spaced throughout
- 1-inch margins on all sides
- Last name + page number in header
In-Text Citations
Format: (Author Page)
- One author: (Smith 45)
- Two authors: (Smith and Jones 23)
- Three+ authors: (Smith et al. 67)
- No author: ("Article Title" 12)
Works Cited Examples
Book: Smith, John. The Digital Generation. Academic Press, 2023.
Journal Article: Johnson, Sarah. "Teen Mental Health." Journal of Psychology, vol. 15, no. 3, 2023, pp. 45-67.
Website: Brown, Maria. "Social Media and Sleep." Health Today, 15 Jan. 2023, www.healthtoday.com/article.
Always alphabetize your Works Cited by author's last name.
Quick Tips
- Use hanging indent on Works Cited entries
- Italicize longer works, use quotes for shorter ones
- Include page numbers for print sources
- Double-check against official MLA guidelines