MLA
Definition
Modern Language Association: MLA style is the style recommended by the Modern Language Association for preparing scholarly manuscripts and student research papers. It concerns itself with the mechanics of writing, such as punctuation, quotation, and documentation of sources.
In Simple Terms: In simple terms, you put a reference to your source material in parentheses in the text and you list all the sources to which you have referred in alphabetical order at the end of the paper.
1. Brief parenthetical citations in the text
2. An alphabetical list of works cited that corresponds to the in-text citations and appears at the end of the research paper.
What’s New in the Eighth Edition
The eighth edition of the MLA Handbook, published in 2016, rethinks documentation for an era of digital publication. The MLA now recommends a universal set of guidelines that writers can apply to any source and gives writers in all fields—from the sciences to the humanities—the tools to intuitively document sources. Learn more about the changes to MLA guidelines, and visit Purdue OWL.
Interactive Online Resources
MLA Tutorial: Text Your Knowledge
APA and MLA Citation Game Home Page
Citation Practice Drills (MLA)
Works Cited: A Quick Guide (MLA)
Sample Papers
MLA Style Formatting (8th ed.) Guide