These guidelines are to help you with using the MLA (Modern Language Association) style
of writing by giving you a basic overview. Keep in mind that you should always follow
your teacher’s directions for documentation style. Your teacher may ask for certain
exceptions to typical rules or have special requirements. If you have questions that are not
answered in this packet, ask your teacher.
MLA Format
What font do I use?
12-point Times New Roman font is recommended by MLA.
What if I want to use Arial or Vivaldi or Sylfaen or some other font?
12-point Times New Roman is the font you must use for class.
Is it okay if I use large paper margins?
No, MLA requires 1 inch margins so re-set it on the page or in the margin settings. Google Docs
and Microsoft Word should now default to 1 inch margins. Margins are in file>>page setup.
Is it okay if I use several spaces between my lines?
No, MLA requires double-spacing for the entire paper including the Works Cited page. Highlight
the entire paper and make it double-spaced. In Google Docs, click format>>line
spacing>>double.
Do I just click on the header and insert some page numbers?
No. In Google Docs, you will click on insert then click on page number and select the option
that shows the page numbers in the top right-hand corner. You will need to click in front of the
page number and hit enter once to put the page number in the correct spot for MLA. Type your
last name in front of the page number. Leave a space between your last name and the number.
Highlight the text. Change the font to Times New Roman 12. Make sure that the last name and
page numbers stay in the top right hand corner and that they do show on the first page. The
processor will automatically number all of your pages. The numbers will be consecutive, and the
Works Cited page needs to be included. If using Microsoft Word, you will click on insert then
click page number>>top of page>>plain number 3, and you will not have to hit enter. Word
already puts the page number in the correct place. Repeat the other directions.
I’m going to make my title fancy!
No! You need to use 12-point Times New Roman font. Do not do anything to alter format of
the title—including boldface, italics, different point sizes, different fonts, Word Art, etc.
What words should I capitalize in my title?
For titles, the first word, the last word, and all principal words are capitalized. Unless they begin
a title or follow a colon, do not capitalize the following words:
• Articles: a, an, the
• Prepositions: against, between, in, of, to, etc.
• Conjunctions: and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet
• Infinitive: to
How do I format dates when using MLA Format?
MLA uses the international format which is date month year, for example, 1 Sept. 2015.
Abbreviations you should use for the months are Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov.,
Dec. The months May, June, and July are spelled out.
What is the correct format for numbers in MLA Format?
In Formal Writing, you should write out any number under 100. Numerical form is appropriate
for any number over 100. Dates and percentages are the only exceptions to this rule.
Is it okay if I just start typing my paper right at the top?
MLA style dictates that you list your information in the top left-hand corner of your paper. This
information should be in the paper itself and not in the header (margin area). You should include
your name, your teacher’s name, the course title, and the date (written in international date
format as explained earlier). The date should state the day the paper is due. Some teachers
might want you to start your writing right away at the top. Some teachers might even want a title
page with your information. These options are preferences of some teachers, but they are not a
part of MLA style.
The next page is an example for how you will set up your paper.
Lastname 1
Firstname Lastname
Mrs./Miss/Ms./Mr. Lastname
Course
Date Month Year
Centered Title
Immediately under the title, hit tab to indent. Start writing your first paragraph. Taking a
look at this paper, you will see that everything stays the same throughout the document. The
margins are one inch. Times New Roman font is featured, and the point size is twelve. The title
is not larger or smaller. Furthermore, the title is not created in Word Art, is not underlined, is not
italicized, and is not surrounded by quotation marks. The only reason italics or quotation marks
will appear in your title is if you feature the title of a source that already requires italics or
quotation marks. Your first paragraph should be your introduction paragraph. When you are
ready to start writing your first body paragraph, hit enter and then tab.
As a result, you will have your next paragraph! Please note that this sample document is
written informally to help you see how to set up your paper in MLA Format. If this sample
document were a formal research paper, there would be no use of first or second pronouns in it.
If you want to use a long quotation, you use the following format:
You hit enter and tab in twice to begin your long quotation. Each time you go
onto the next line, you must tab it over to create a consistent block formation.
Only use this block formation if you are typing your quotation and it exceeds four
full lines of your paper. Quotation marks are unnecessary for long quotations
because you are using this block formation. However, you still need to cite it.
The period stays before the parentheses. (Lastname 28)
Works Cited Page
What do I do with my sources that I used?
You will put your source’s information into MLA citation format, and you will put them on your
Works Cited page. The Works Cited page is the last page of your paper, and it lists in
alphabetical order all of the sources that you used in your paper. Without a Works Cited page,
you are plagiarizing.
Should I put everything I looked at on my Works Cited page?
No, you should only include the sources that you actually cited in your research paper or project.
If you did not use it in your paper or project, it does not go on that page.
My teacher keeps talking about a bibliography. What is it?
Sometimes, the terms bibliography and Works Cited page are used interchangeably. However, a
bibliography is actually a complete list of every source you looked at or took notes on or
explored for your research paper. A Works Cited page lists solely the sources that were cited in
your research paper. In the research stage, you may have to create a bibliography or source page.
It gives you the opportunity to note down in correct MLA format all of your sources. You can
use these entries to create your Works Cited page.
What should I title my Works Cited page?
You will title it Works Cited in 12-point Times New Roman font. Capitalize and center both
words. Do not use boldface, use quotation marks, or underline it. If you are writing a paper that
only requires one source, you will put Work Cited.
Is there a format I have to follow for the Works Cited page?
The format is the same as the rest of the paper. The Works Cited page should be the last page in
your document—not a separate document. Do NOT repeat your heading (your name, teacher’s
name, etc.) on the Works Cited. As it is the last page in your document, it should have your last
name and the correct page number in the header. The Works Cited page should be doublespaced without extra space between paragraphs (entries in this case) and use one-inch margins.
For each entry, you will need to use a hanging indent.
In Google Docs, you will have to manually create the hanging indent. Make sure the ruler is
showing (view>>show ruler) and highlight the text that you want to have the hanging indent. On
the ruler, a little blue triangle with a rectangle on top will appear. Move the triangle to the right
until it is at the .5 inch mark. The little rectangle should have moved with the triangle. Move the
rectangle back to the zero mark (right where it changes into the gray margin area). Another way
to create the hanging indent is to create your entries, click on the last part of the first line of the
entry, and hit tab. Whichever method you choose, you must make sure each entry is consistently
formatted with the first line started right at the zero mark and with each line after the first started
at the half inch mark. In Microsoft Word, the processor will do the hanging indent for you.
Highlight the entries and click paragraphs>>line spacing options>>special>>hanging indent.
Does my Works Cited have to be on its own page?
Yes! It does not matter if you use one or twenty sources. Your Works Cited page should be on
its own sheet of paper. You may have to hit enter or add a new page to create it. You may have
to readjust it as you write your paper. In the end, your Works Cited should start at the very top
of the page after the last page of your writing. Your sources may even take up two pages. If your
sources take up two pages, you do not need to repeat the title of Works Cited.
I want my Works Cited to be in a different document!
You may have it that way to start, but in the end, you must copy paste it as the last page of your
paper. Otherwise, the numbering will not match. Also, if you have to submit a digital copy, you
must have the Works Cited in the same document itself.
Does it matter how I order my entries?
Each entry should already be in proper MLA citation format. You will find citation format later
in this packet. Using the first word in each entry, you will alphabetize the entries. Typically,
you will be alphabetizing by the last name of each author as it comes first in the citation format.
However, you will have articles and webpage titles without authors. You will alphabetize using
the first word (excluding “a,” “an,” and “the”) in these titles. Do not separate your author and no
author entries. They get alphabetized together. Do not use bullet points. Do not number your
entries. Do not classify your entries.
Can I leave the hyperlink on my URLs?
No, you should remove the hyperlink. If you are using Google Docs, you should click on the
link and click Remove. If you are in Microsoft Word, you should just right click on the link and
click Remove Hyperlink. On a Mac, you would type Command-Z. Hyperlinks are typically
shown by blue font. It should go to black and no longer be underlined when the hyperlink is
removed. For the URL, do not include the https:// portion.
For my entries, what does medium of publication mean?
Due to digital access, written sources are no longer limited to just the printed word. Just as page
numbers differ in different editions of printed novels, there are differences between digital and
paper editions of sources. A Works Cited page helps the readers to find your sources if they are
interested in what you used. The medium of publication allows them to look for it in the same
format as you used. The medium of publication may be Print, Web, CD, DVD, E-mail, Personal
Interview, Lecture, Address, Film, Television, MP3, Microsoft Word File, PDF file, Digital File,
and more.
The latest edition of MLA does not require medium of publication to be given for everything, but
the medium of publication may be necessary to state as part of the Location element especially if
there are a variety of means to access the resource. Personal Interview, Lecture, and Address
should all for sure be used in location when needed.
The next page is an example of a Works Cited page.
Lastname 6
Works Cited
“Dystopias: Definition and Characteristics.” Read Write Think, NCTE / IRA,
www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson926/DefinitionCharacteristi
cs.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan. 2015. PDF.
Fantz, Ashley, et al. “A closer look: How many Newtown-like school shootings since Sandy
Hook?” CNN, Cable News Network / Turner Broadcasting System, 19 June 2014,
www.cnn.com/2014/06/11/us/school-shootings-cnn-number/. Accessed 13 Jan. 2015.
“The Greensboro Chronology.” International Civil Rights Center & Museum,
www.sitinmovement.org/history/greensboro-chronology.asp. Accessed 16 Jan. 2015.
McAndrews, Cecily. “Open Sesame!” EveryDay with Rachael Ray, Sept. 2015, pp. 55-57.
Miller, Ronald F. “A Midsummer Night's Dream: The Fairies, Bottom, and the Mystery of
Things.” Shakespeare Quarterly, vol. 26, no. 3, 1975, pp. 254-268.
Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. Berkley Books, 2011.
Swift, Jonathan. Gulliver’s Travels. Consulting editorial director, George Stade, introduction and
notes by Michael Seidel, Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003.
MLA Citation Format
The following format is the overarching format to use for all sources. For more
examples/explanations, go to the OWL Purdue website (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/) or
use any extra materials provided by your teacher.
The core elements of the format:
Author. Title of Source. Title of Container, Other Contributors, Version, Number, Publisher,
Publication Date, Location.
Or, if there are multiple containers:
Author. Title of Source. Title of Container 1, Other Contributors, Version, Number, Publisher,
Publication Date, Location. Title of Container 2, Other Contributors for Container 2,
Version for Container 2, Number for Container 2, Publisher for Container 2, Publication
Date for Container 2, Location of Container 2.
Core elements broken down:
Vital Information: If core elements are missing, you just skip to the next element. There is
no space or abbreviation or anything to take or hold the element’s place.
Author:
The author of the source goes first in the entry. A period goes after the author portion.
The author should be formatted as LastName, FirstName. Two authors are formatted as
LastName, FirstName, and FirstName LastName. Three or more authors are formatted as
LastName, FirstName, et al.
The author could refer to a group. If a group is credited as the author, just write the group name
normally. If a group is credited as the author, but the group is also the publisher, do not include
them as the author. They only need to be mentioned in the publisher portion.
The author could refer to a pseudonym. If a pseudonym (for example, a username) has been
used, you can credit it with the username written normally. Be careful of sources that are
published under pseudonyms since they might not be credible. Always check your sources.
The author could refer to an editor or a translator. For example, if you are referring to a source
overall instead of just one essay or story or article in it, you would use the editor’s name as the
author. In that case, it would be formatted as LastName, FirstName, editor. If there is more than
one editor, it would follow the same format as stated earlier except it would says editors at the
end of it. If the overall source was translated, you would follow the same format as the editor
except change editor(s) to translator or translators. If you are referring to one essay or story or
article from a collection, you would use the writer of that particular essay/story/article for the
author. The editor or translator would be credited in the other core element which is labeled as
other contributors.
Title of Source:
The title of the actual source you are using goes second in the entry and has a period after it. If
there is no author, the title of source will come first.
Titles of novels and plays are in italics.
The only time the title of the source should be in italics is when the source is a novel, play, film,
or an art piece. The exception is when you are using an overall website and not an individual
webpage, an entire anthology, an entire collection of journals, an entire magazine, an entire
album, an entire television series, etc.
You will use quotation marks around your title of source when you are using an individual
webpage, an article, a story, a song, an episode, etc. Remember to place the period inside the last
quotation mark.
Title of Container:
The container is typically italicized and has a comma after it.
Novels and plays do not have a container since they are not contained in any other source. If you
are using an overall website, overall anthology, etc., there will not be a container since they are
already included in the title of the source.
The exception to overall works not having a container is when using a digital version of novels,
plays, overall anthologies, overall periodicals, or anything similar. Anything beyond just a
physically printed copy creates the need for a second container. For example, the second
container might be Google Books or a different digital media source. The second container
would be whatever media source you are using for the ability to view your source. In those
particular cases, there would be no first container. For placement of the second container, see
the other format example provided earlier.
The title of container refers to what holds your source. For example, if you are using a webpage,
the overall website’s title would the container. If you are using an article from a magazine or a
newspaper, the periodical’s title would be the container. If you are using a story that is part of an
anthology, the anthology’s title would be the container.
A container can be a part of another container, which is where the format option for multiple
containers is needed. As mentioned earlier in the digital copies explanation, sometimes, there is
a need for a second container location in the format.
For example, you want to use a specific episode that is part of a specific television series that is
available to you on Netflix as a source. The title of the specific episode would be used for the
title of your source. Your first container would be the title of the television series. Your second
container would be Netflix.
If you are using a scholarly journal from a digital database, the periodical containing the journal
would be the first container. The second container would be the name of the digital database.
If there are more than two containers, you would just repeat the Title of Container, Other
Contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication Date, Location portion as many times as
necessary. Typically, you will not have to put very much, if any, information between the title of
the second (third, fourth, etc.) container and the location.
Other Contributors:
If someone other than the author contributed to the source, you would give a description of what
the person did or the person’s title, put the name(s) of the other contributor(s), and end with a
comma.
The following words are possible descriptions for what the contributor did: adapted by, directed
by, produced by, edited by, created by, illustrated by, introduction by, narrated by, performance
by, uploaded by, and translated by.
Titles can include general editor, editor, guest editor, and other similar variations.
The name of the other contributor is written normally (Firstname Lastname). For example,
narrated by Morgan Freeman.
In the case of movies and television shows, there may be multiple contributors. Stick to the
essential contributors especially any who you are mentioning in your paper. The mentioning of
the director and a few key performers is typical.
Version:
The version is followed by a comma. When there are multiple editions or revised variations of a
source, you will want to include the version. Novels and movies are the sources that are most
likely to have multiple versions. For example, versions could consist of second edition,
director’s cut, extended version, updated edition, expanded edition, unabridged version, abridged
version, etc.
Number:
The number is followed by a comma. Number refers to when a source is part of a set or a
numbered sequence. Volume, issue, season, and episode numbers would all be included in this
part. In the past, words such as volume or episode were not present in Works Cited entries.
Now, words are used to make it easier to know what the numbers are for. Volume and issue are
abbreviated, but the other versions are not.
Volume would be abbreviated as vol. Issue would be represented as no. for number. A journal
in a periodical would use, for example, vol. 5, no. 3, in the entry. An episode from a television
series would use, for example, season 10, episode 2, in the entry.
Publisher:
The publisher comes next in the entry and is followed by a comma. The organization that
produced the source is the publisher. The publisher’s name should be written in full, but
business abbreviations (Co., Ltd., Corp., Inc., etc.) and business words (Company, Limited,
Corporation, Incorporated, etc.) should be omitted. University Press should be abbreviated to
UP. For example, U of Chicago P.
Publishers are not limited to just books and periodicals. Television series and films have
organizations in charge of creating them. Websites also can have publishers. Website publishers
are typically listed next to the copyright marks at the bottom of the page or are found elsewhere
in “about us” sections of the website.
If multiple publisher information is present, you would list all with a / mark dividing the
publisher names. The forward slash has space in front of and behind it. The forward slash does
not touch the publisher names.
Some sources, especially websites, do not have publishers. You may also omit the publisher if
the publisher name is the same exact name of the overall source or container. If the same exact
name is used for a source or container, it is unnecessary to list it all twice.
Publication Date:
Next, the publication date is included in international date format and is followed by a comma.
When there are multiple dates or years for something, use the most recent date.
Location:
The location is last and is followed by a period. If you are using an entire book or periodical,
there would be no need for a location unless you were using a non-printed version as was
explained earlier in the container section.
Otherwise, if you are using part of a book or an article from a magazine or a story from an
anthology or something similar, the location refers to page numbers. When referencing a single
page, the abbreviation p. would go before the page number. When referencing multiple pages,
the abbreviation pp. would go before the page numbers.
In the case of websites, the location would be the web address (the URL). When including the
URL, do not include the http:// or https:// portion. Do not include a hyperlink or underline it or
include anything else. MLA has made the optional element of including the date of access after
the location. The use of this optional element depends on your teacher’s preferences. The date
of access shows when the material was viewed in case the website is updated after the source
was accessed. If required to give the date of access, after location and its period, you would give
the date accessed. For example, Accessed 22 Aug. 2016.
If a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is available for the source, include it instead of the URL. The
DOI never changes. If including a DOI in an entry, put doi: and then the number.
If you attended a live performance, address, lecture, or something similar, and are using it as a
source, the location would be the venue title and its city. In these particular cases, after the
period, you would also include a descriptive term (Address, Personal Interview, Performance,
Keynote Speech, Guest Lecture, Conference Presentation, or something similar) and another
period. If you read a transcript of the event, you would include Transcript at the end.
Overall Examples:
Websites:
“The Greensboro Chronology.” International Civil Rights Center & Museum,
www.sitinmovement.org/history/greensboro-chronology.asp. Accessed 16 Jan. 2015.
Fantz, Ashley, et al. “A closer look: How many Newtown-like school shootings since Sandy
Hook?” CNN, Cable News Network / Turner Broadcasting System, 19 June 2014,
www.cnn.com/2014/06/11/us/school-shootings-cnn-number/. Accessed 13 Jan. 2015.
Magazine:
McAndrews, Cecily. “Open Sesame!” EveryDay with Rachael Ray, Sept. 2015, pp. 55-57.
Book:
Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. Berkley Books, 2011.
In-Text Citations
What is in-text citation/in-text parenthetical citation?
In-text citation (or in-text parenthetical citation) is a system for giving credit to authors for their
words or ideas. In your paper, you give credit by putting the source and the page number in
parentheses behind the written material containing those words or ideas. Anything receiving an
in-text citation in your paper must have the corresponding citation on the Works Cited. Having
an in-text citation without having a corresponding citation on the Works Cited page is a form of
plagiarism.
When do I not use an in-text citation?
You do not need an in-text citation if the information is general common knowledge.
When I use a quotation, do I need an in-text citation?
Absolutely! Without an in-text citation, you are not giving credit back!
When I paraphrase the information from a source, do I need an in-text citation?
Yes, without an in-text citation, you are not giving credit back!
When I summarize the information from a source, do I need an in-text citation?
Yes, without an in-text citation, you are not giving credit back!
I used my own words though!
It does not matter. You must still document the source of the idea, not just the words. A research
paper is supposed to prove you did research. Having in-text citations is a good thing.
My paper will be nothing but in-text citations!
The paper should have your own writing to go with the information that you found from your
sources. However, essays or projects containing research will have many in-text citations. Intext citations are a good thing. Their purpose is to give credit to the sources that support your
writing. You must document your research that you use in your paper. If you aren’t
documenting the sources that you use, you are plagiarizing since the ideas are not your own. In
some cases, it is possible to have too many citations if you have solid quotations and/or
paraphrases and nothing of your own writing, analysis, or connections. The purpose of a
research paper should never be to create a list of facts or to just repeat entire articles. In the end,
you should have a nice mix of cited material and non-cited material. In order to help you know
the appropriate amount of citations, your teacher will give you more specific guidelines
depending on the type of research you are completing.
Where does the in-text citation go?
In-text citations go at the very end of the quotation or paraphrase.
Example: As a result, Irie becomes the voice of “the anxieties of youth and immigrant
communities” (Squires 27).
What information does the in-text citation contain?
In-text citations direct the reader to the exact source from which your information came by
giving them a reference to an entry on your Works Cited page. Usually, the last name of the
author and the page number are put in parentheses after the quotation/paraphrase/summary. The
page number can be alone if you mention the author’s name in the sentence itself.
Tip: Use what comes first in the entry on your Works Cited page. If there’s an author, it will be
the last name. If it is a website without an author/editor, you would use the webpage title. If
there is a page number, it will go after the author’s last name. Please note: There is NO comma
between the author and page number. Also, websites do not need a page number.
Examples with authors:
With author not mentioned in the text:
Martin Luther King Jr. gave everything to his cause since he “was jailed repeatedly, kicked, spat
on, stabbed nearly to death, and finally murdered” (Osborne 5).
Website source with an author not mentioned in text:
Fairy tales give children hope that one day they will be independent and prosperous (Kohler).
With author mentioned in the text:
In her book, Julie Andrews spoke of how Walt Disney “always exhibited the delight of a child”
(310).
Two authors:
John Wilkes Booth, a secret southern sympathizer, hatched many plans to attack President
Lincoln (O’Reilly and Dugard 4).
Three or more authors:
Supercell is the “poster child for the burgeoning ‘freemium’ game distribution strategy” (Rossi et
al.).
Note: in Latin, et al. means “and others.” “Al.” is an abbreviation and needs a period. “Et” does
not.
If the Works Cited entry does not have an author, what do I do?
If an entry does not have an author, you may use up to the first three or four words (depending
on length) of the title for your in-text citation. If it is the title of a book or an overall website,
italicize it. If it is an article title or webpage title, use quotation marks around it. Make sure the
quotation marks stay inside the parentheses.
Example:
During the Great Depression, people went to the movies as an escape (“Hollywood as
History”).
What if I have multiple websites without authors that use the same webpage titles?
If the webpage titles are partially the same, you would have to include the part that is different in
the citations. If the webpage titles are entirely the same, you would have to use the website
titles. No matter what the choice, you must be consistent in what citation you use for which
entry. Also, you must make sure whatever you choose cannot apply to another entry.
Example 1: Websites with partially the same webpage titles.
“Pearl Harbor, Oahu—The Attack: Facts and Information”
“Pearl Harbor, Oahu—After the Attack”
You could use (“The Attack: Facts”) and (“After the Attack”).
Example 2: Websites with the exact same webpage title.
“Adolf Hitler” History
“Adolf Hitler” Bio
You could use (History) and (Bio) or (“Adolf Hitler” History) and (“Adolf Hitler” Bio)
since the webpage title is short. Note: your teacher may prefer one over the other. Ask.
What if the same author wrote more than one entry on my Works Cited page?
You would still use the author’s last name, but you would need to distinguish the sources by
including a shortened title. The title needs to correspond with the title in the entry on your
Works Cited.
Example:
Many humorous moments were left out of the movies, including an encounter at the
Dursley house when Fred and George drop some enchanted toffee that makes Dudley’s
tongue grow to a gigantic size when he eats it (Rowling, Goblet of Fire 49).
Where does the punctuation go?
In-text citations go before the punctuation mark (usually a period) that ends the sentence. If a
quotation ends directly before the citation, the last quotation mark must go in front of the start of
the parentheses. The parentheses are not included in the quotation. If the quotation contains a
period at the end of it, the period inside the quotation is eliminated.
Example:
Professor Moody turns Draco into a ferret and sends him flying into the air (Rowling
205).
Harry’s wand is “made of holly, eleven inches long, and contained a single feather from
the tail of a phoenix” (Rowling 310).
Quotations, Paraphrases, and Summaries
What are the differences between quotations, paraphrases, and summaries?
Quotations use word for word information from your sources. Every time you use a quote, you
have to acknowledge it by using quotation marks around the writer’s words and by following it
with the proper citation.
Paraphrases are the writer’s ideas rephrased by you. You put the information entirely into your
own words and use them in your paper. The paraphrase still needs to capture the meaning of the
words without losing the source’s idea. A correct paraphrase does not use the same language as
the source. Furthermore, the paraphrase’s sentence structure should not mirror the source’s
sentence structure. You do NOT paraphrase by just changing a word or two in the sentence.
Even though a paraphrase is in your own words, you still need to include an in-text citation to
show which source you are paraphrasing. Paraphrases cover a small amount of material—
usually a few sentences.
If you want to condense a large amount of information because you can say it easily or only need
to use a general concept from the source, you would write a summary. When you summarize,
you rephrase and condense entire paragraphs or passages or an entire article in just a few
sentences. As with quotations and paraphrases, summaries are followed by citations.
Direct Quotations:
Direct quotations are verbatim—word for word. They contain the author’s words EXACTLY as
the author wrote them. These words do NOT have to be said out loud or by a character. A direct
quotation may be referred to as a quotation, direct quote, or quote.
Partial Quotations:
Instead of using a complete sentence from a source, you might choose to use a word or phrase.
These words or phrases are partial quotations that must be enclosed in quotation mark and
include the correct documentation. Sometimes a full sentence is too long, confusing, or
unnecessary. However, you might deem part of the sentence to be worthy for inclusion. Partial
quotations need to be integrated into your own writing to create a complete sentence for your
paper.
Example: Shakespeare was one of the original writers to give an escape to people
because he recognized “that the world to which we must return is not so pretty”
(McDonald xxix).
If you only want to use parts of a sentence to create one quotation, use an ellipsis ( . . . ) to
signify something is being left out. If you take something out, make sure that you do not alter
the author’s original meaning.
Example: At the conclusion of the novel, Ralph realizes the horror of his actions when
he begins to cry and his body shakes with “great, shuddering spasms of grief . . . and
infected by that emotion, the other little boys began to shake and sob too” (Golding 186).
Quotation within a Quotation:
Sometimes, your source will contain a quotation of its own. As a result, when you quote it, you
end up with a quotation within a quotation. The double quotation marks are still used around the
overall larger quotation itself. To signify the inside quotation, you will use a single quotation
mark. In other words, you will use the apostrophe to create a single quotation mark.
Example: As Zanger points out, “To speak of the ‘new’ vampire, however, demands that
we first distinguish this creature from the ‘old’ one, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, who still
retains much of his popularity and against whom all changes may be measured” (17).
How do I know whether I should summarize, paraphrase, or use a quote?
You should only use a quotation when there is no other way of saying the idea, when the idea is
stated especially well, when the passage is particularly memorable, or when you need to preserve
the words due to literary or historical merit.
You should paraphrase whenever possible as long as you do not lose the integrity of what the
author wrote. Paraphrasing shows you understand the concept and can express it without just
repeating exactly what you read. Paraphrases contain the information of a few sentences.
Summaries contain condensed information from a paragraph, a passage, or an entire article. You
would summarize when you just need to present the gist of the author’s point. Remember, the
object of the game is to not just repeat everything the sources say. No matter which one you
choose, do not forget to use your in-text citation.
How do I format quotations correctly?
Short quotations – Stay in the body of the paper and do not exceed four lines
• Use quotation marks
• Double space as usual
• Use in-text citation
Note that the period goes after the in-text citation!
Example: with author’s name in the text
In her book, Julie Andrews spoke of how Walt Disney “always exhibited the delight of a child”
(310).
Example: without author’s name in the text
Walt Disney was described to have “always exhibited the delight of a child” (Andrews 310).
Long quotations – Are put into block format when they would take up more than four full lines
in the body of the paper.
• Indent 2 times from the left margin,
using the tab key
• Use no quotation marks
• Double space as usual
• Use in-text citation
Note that the period goes before the in-text citation!
Example: with author’s name in the text
Peter J. Opie, author of The Classic Fairy Tales, explains the important role the Grimm Brothers
had in the realm of fairy tales when he notes:
The Grimms were visionaries: the first substantial collectors to like folk tales for
their own sake; the first to write the tales down in the way ordinary people told
them. . . ; and the first to include the identity of the people who told the tale. The
Grimms revived popular interest in the oral tradition at the same time that they
instituted critical interest, beginning an interest in a previously unexamined
literary past. (39)
Example: without author’s name in the text
The author of The Classic Fairy Tales explains the important role the Grimm Brothers had in the
realm of fairy tales. He notes:
The Grimms were visionaries: the first substantial collectors to like folk tales for
their own sake; the first to write the tales down in the way ordinary people told
them . . . ; and the first to include the identity of the people who told the tale. The
Grimms revived popular interest in the oral tradition at the same time that they
instituted critical interest, beginning an interest in a previously unexamined
literary past. (Opie 39)
What if I am quoting a play or a poem or a song?
For short verse quotations (up to three lines), show where each new line of verse begins by using
a backslash. Leave space before and after each backslash.
Example: short verse
After she learns that Romeo is a Montague, Juliet cries out, “My only love, sprung from my only
hate! / Too early seen unknown, and known too late!” (Shakespeare 1.5.138-139).
For long verse quotations (four lines or more), you will indent 2 times from the left margin just
as you would for a normal long quotation. Instead of using backslashes or running the lines
together, each line will be its own line in the paper.
Example: long verse
Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Fish” contains many levels of specific details:
He was speckled with barnacles,
fine rosettes of lime,
and infested
with tiny white sea lice,
and underneath two or three
rags of green weed hung down. (16-21)
Common Writing Paragraph Structures
The following information is a basic overview of the most commonly used paragraph structures.
Your teacher may require you to stick to the format provided. However, in order for you to grow
as a writer, your teacher may ask you to ignore something or may limit your options when it
comes to style and structure.
Introduction: The first paragraph of the paper
Attention Getter or Hook or Lead-in: Grabs the reader. Quotes, stories, facts,
statistics, jokes, questions, etc., can all be used. Do not forget the citation if one is
needed.
Supporting sentences: Take the reader from the opening and link it to the main topic.
Thesis Statement: Tells the main topic and previews concisely and precisely what will
be discussed in the paper. It does not use the words “I” or “my” or “this paper” or “this
essay” or anything similar. The thesis is the last sentence of the first paragraph of your
paper and does not contain any material that needs to be cited.
Body: The paragraphs between the introduction and the conclusion
Topic Sentence: Transitions from the previous paragraph’s topic to the new one. It
states the topic of the new paragraph. It should not contain any material that needs to be
cited.
Integrated Support and Original Writing: Direct quotations, paraphrases, and
summaries with their correct citations fill the middle of the body paragraphs. Original
writing should help integrate, transition, and support the evidence you present.
Summary Statement/Transition: Concludes the current paragraph’s topic and helps
transition the reader to the next paragraph’s topic. It should not contain any material that
needs to be cited.
Conclusion: The last paragraph of the paper
Topic Sentence: Transitions from the last point to the overall topic.
Supporting Summary: Is used to sum up the main points in your paper and to bring it
all back to the big picture. It reconnects back to your thesis statement by mentioning the
topics already discussed. It also analyzes what was discussed. If you must state your
own opinion, here is where you would do so; however, you cannot use the words “I” or
“my” in your statement.
Clincher/Zinger Statement/Concluding Thought: Leaves the reader with a lasting
impression. It gives the reader something to think about and is used to end the paper.
Common Research Paper Questions and Answers
What do I do with my rough drafts, notes, sources, or anything else I used to write my
paper?
You should keep them. Writing is a process, so you need to be able to prove it. Your teacher
will give you further instructions as to what you should do with the materials. You may even be
required to turn them in with your paper. Also, your teacher may ask for them at a later time, so
keep them for the semester.
Do I need a title page?
No. Unless your teacher specifically requests one, you do not need one.
May I use first or second person pronouns?
No, avoid using the pronouns “I, we, you, your, yours, me, my, mine, us, our, ours” in formal
research papers. Avoid writing anything similar to the following examples:
“You would think that . . .”
“In my opinion . . .”
“I didn’t realize that . . .”
“I feel that . . . “
“You might be surprised to know that . . .”
Typically, you can just delete those phrases.
What does my teacher mean by I shouldn’t refer to my research paper in my paper?
Avoid using phrases similar to the following:
“This paper will…”
“In my research paper, I will…”
“In this paragraph,”
“My essay will tell you…”
They are completely unnecessary and simplistic. We want you to expand your skills and hide
how you structure your paper.
I don’t know whether to use present or past tense. Which do I use?
When writing about the events in a literary work itself, you would use present tense. If you are
talking about an author or the publication of a literary work or about historical events, you would
use past tense.
Example:
Julie Andrews wrote Home: A Memoir of My Early Years as a personal glimpse into her
childhood and early career.
Throughout the series, Harry, Ron, and Hermione use the invisibility cloak to sneak
around Hogwarts.
When do I use italics? When do I underline?
Italics are used when typing. Underlining is used when handwriting.
Why do teachers tell me that I can’t use Wikipedia?
Wikipedia can be written and edited by anyone. The information can be inaccurate because
anybody can make changes to it. Wikipedia may try to keep its information accurate, but it still
cannot be considered a reliable source. You could use it when looking for topic ideas or for
finding basic information to help your research. Also, sometimes, they link the information to
other websites which may be credible. You could use those other websites if they are credible.
You will not receive credit for using Wikipedia in a paper.
What is plagiarism?
Many people think of plagiarism as copying another's work or borrowing someone else's original
ideas. However, terms like "copying" and "borrowing" can disguise the seriousness of the
offense. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to “plagiarize” means:
In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and
lying about it afterward.
CAN WORDS AND IDEAS REALLY BE STOLEN?
According to U.S. law, the answer is yes. The expression of original ideas is considered
intellectual property and is protected by copyright laws, just like original inventions. Almost all
forms of expression fall under copyright protection as long as they are recorded in some way
(such as a book or a computer file).
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ARE CONSIDERED PLAGIARISM:
nging words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit
whether you give credit or not
Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources. Simply acknowledging that
certain material has been borrowed and providing your audience with the information necessary
to find that source is usually enough to prevent plagiarism.
(plagiarism.org)
Plagiarism will be dealt with according to the school’s policy.
Is it okay if I don’t have a Works Cited page? Is it okay if I didn’t put any in-text citations
in my paper?
Lack of a Works Cited page and/or in-text citations shows a lack of research. Either you
plagiarized or you did not actually do the research. Neither one is acceptable.
I know my paper does not have MLA Citation Format and style errors, so I don’t have to
check it, right?
Double check everything. We are human, so errors happen. However, when you turn in a paper,
it should be error free. Writing is a process which means you have to go through multiple
revisions until you have an error free product. Have a friend recheck everything for you. Read
your paper out loud to catch errors. Also, double check your in-text citations and Works Cited
citations.
Your in-text citations must be in the correct format, used wherever they are supposed to be, and
must match an entry on your Works Cited page. Before even thinking about turning in a copy of
your paper, compare every single citation to your Works Cited page entries to make sure that you
used the same correct one for each time that you used that source.
Also, remember that your Works Cited page should only contain what sources are mentioned in
your paper. If a source is not at all present in your paper, it should be taken off the Works Cited.
You should double check that your Works Cited entries are formatted correctly and are
alphabetized.
The computer automatically puts the paper in MLA Format, right?
Unfortunately, the computer does not automatically set everything up for you. Some aspects will
be, but you have to check it yourself.
 Check you have page numbers with your last name in the header and in TNR 12.
 Check you have the proper heading with your name, your teacher’s name, the class, and
the due date.
 Check you used 12-point Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins.
 Check that you used the proper formats for titles, in-text citations, and quotes.
 Check your Works Cited page for format, for hanging indent, and that all used entries are
present on it and are alphabetized.
 Make sure everything is double-spaced and does not include extra space between
paragraphs or citation entries. To get rid of the extra space between paragraphs in
Microsoft Word, go to Paragraphs>>Line Spacing Options and check the box that states
“Don’t add space between paragraphs of the same style.” In Google Docs, there should
not be an automatic space between paragraphs unless you changed the settings in
Format>>Line Spacing. The default setting is 1.5 though which will need to be switched
to say double to create double-spacing.
Is it okay if I just stack a bunch of quotations in a row for my entire paper?
NO. Stacking quotes is not appropriate and can be found as a form of plagiarism depending on
how it is done. You are the writer. You are supposed to include your own writing. You need to
blend the information with your own writing, with your own insight, and with your own analysis.
Furthermore, failing to introduce and attribute quotations shows weakness in writing. You
should not just be documenting quotations. Whenever possible, you should show the credibility
of your sources by introducing the author of those words. Also, quotations should be integrated
with your own writing—not just dropped in.
What is meant by Formal Writing/Academic English/Formality?
Research papers are written to formally express what you have learned about the subject. Your
use of language should show that you are expressing yourself in an educated manner. You
should not write it how you talk to your friends. When writing, you should double check for the
inappropriate use of first or second person pronouns (i.e., “I,” “Me,” “Mine,” “We,” “Us,”
“Ours,” “You” “Your” and “Yours”), references to the paper itself, the use of contractions, and
the use of slang language (e.g., “kids” when the word “children” is meant).
What if my teacher/professor requests I use APA, Chicago, Turabian, AMA, or something
other than MLA?
MLA is only one style version of citation and format. If you can properly use one style, you can
easily learn to use another. The skills are easily transferrable. The styles vary mostly in how the
citations are presented within the document. Some styles even have a different preference for the
organization of writing. When asked to use a different one, refer to the Online Writing Lab
(OWL) at Purdue University. Their website will help show you the differences and help you to
properly use the new style. Go to https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/ for more information. If
you cannot find what you are looking for, ask a teacher for assistance!
Wait! It’s the end of the packet, and you didn’t answer my question!
Ask your teacher. We will be very happy to help!
Acknowledgements: These MLA Writing Style Guidelines were adapted from The MLA
Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7th edition), Writer’s INC, the Purdue Owl
(https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/), the MLA website (https://www.mla.org/), and the Fayette
County Schools Research Paper Survival Guide (Revised November 2011) which was based on
the work of Linda Brem, Kathy Franks, Cathy Nix, Ann Richardson, and Cynde Snider.
Plagiarism explanation was written and compiled by Thomas Sage. Original compilation of
MLA guidelines was by Mallory Tennill. MLA Guidelines were revised by Rebecca Olson in
August of 2015. MLA Guidelines were updated by Rebecca Olson using the 8th Edition version
of The MLA Handbook in August of 2016.