MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a set of guidelines for writing and formatting research papers and essays. It is often used in the humanities, particularly in the field of language and literature.
One of the key features of MLA style is the use of in-text citations, which refer to the sources used in the text of the essay. These citations are typically placed within parentheses and include the author’s last name, the page number(s) of the source, and sometimes a short title or other identifying information. For example: (Smith 12). If the author’s name is mentioned in the text, the page number(s) can be included in the parentheses, like this: According to Smith (12), the use of in-text citations is an important aspect of MLA style.
The full citation for each source used in the essay should also be included in a Works Cited page at the end of the essay. The Works Cited page is a list of all the sources used in the essay, organized alphabetically by the author’s last name. Each entry should include the author’s name, the title of the source, the publication information (such as the publisher, publication date, and place of publication), and the medium of publication (such as print or online). For example:
Smith, John. The Importance of In-Text Citations. New York: Example Press, 2020. Print.
In addition to in-text citations and the Works Cited page, there are several other formatting guidelines that you should follow when writing an MLA style essay. These include:
There are also specific guidelines for formatting the title of the essay, as well as the headings of sections and subsections within the essay. The title should be centered, with the main words capitalized and the rest in lowercase. Headings should be numbered, with the main sections numbered 1, 2, 3, etc., and the sub-sections numbered 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, etc.
When it comes to citing sources in MLA style, there are a few key things to remember. First, be sure to include as much information as possible about the source in the in-text citation and the Works Cited entry. This includes the author’s name, the title of the source, the publication information, and the medium of publication. Second, be consistent in your use of in-text citations and the formatting of the Works Cited page. Finally, be sure to proofread your essay carefully, as mistakes in citations and formatting can detract from the overall quality of your work.
In conclusion, MLA style is a set of guidelines for writing and formatting research papers and essays in the humanities. It is characterized by the use of in-text citations and a Works Cited page, as well as specific formatting guidelines for the essay, headings, and title. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your essay is well-organized, clearly written, and properly documented.
At WritersArch.Com, we have a team of experienced writers who are well-versed in MLA style and are able to produce high-quality essays that meet all of the requirements of this style guide. Here is an overview of our process for writing MLA style essays:
By following this process, we are able to consistently produce high-quality essays that meet the standards of MLA style and earn our clients good grades. Our writers are experienced in research and writing, and are able to handle a wide range of topics and subjects. We are confident that we can produce an essay that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. If you are in need of an MLA style essay, we encourage you to place an order with WritersArch.Com and let us show you how we can help you succeed.