Exploring MLA Documentation Style

Understanding MLA Documentation Style

MLA documentation style is a widely used method to acknowledge and credit sources in academic writing, particularly in English and other humanities disciplines. It provides guidelines on how to format citations and references within an essay or research paper.

One of the key components of MLA style is the use of parenthetical citations in the body of the text. When you quote or paraphrase information from a source, you need to include the author's last name and the page number in parentheses. For example, (Smith 25). This allows readers to easily locate the full citation in the 'Works Cited' page.

Creating a 'Works Cited' and 'Bibliography' Page

When using MLA style, it is essential to include a 'Works Cited' page at the end of your paper. This page lists all the sources you directly cited in your work. Each entry should include the author's name, the title of the source, publication information, and page numbers.

In addition to the 'Works Cited' page, you may also need to create a 'Bibliography' page. This page lists all the sources you consulted during your research, even if you did not directly cite them in your paper. Including a bibliography demonstrates the extent of your research and provides credibility to your work.

Overall, using MLA documentation style correctly involves citing sources within the text, creating a 'Works Cited' page for cited sources, and potentially including a 'Bibliography' page for consulted sources. By following these guidelines, you can properly document your research and give credit to the original authors.