MLA Style

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Terre Haute/Greencastle MLA 9th Edition Style Guide
Based on the 9th edition of the handbook by the Modern Language Association [MLA], this guide represents a small portion of the various examples possible using MLA documentation format. Not all source types are represented, but many documentation examples of sources used by college students are included. As the Internet is constantly changing, research writers should frequently check with MLA to determine possible updates for any given source type.
MLA 9th Formatting in MS Word with Screen Shots
In addition to providing step by step basic formatting instructions for MLA style documents, this guide provides steps on how to get around some of MS Word's issues with inconsistent font styles and the tendency to add an extra space between paragraphs.

Modern Language Association
This is the official MLA site where editions of the handbook can be purchased, but the site also offers a helpful MLA style and grammar guide.
Purdue Online Writing Guide: MLA Formatting and Style Guide
This is the a frequently used writer's guide for practical application of MLA formatting, including formatting for citations and references.
Understanding MLA Optional Citation Elements
MLA 9th edition tries to provide flexibility regarding the elements that should--or could--be included in a citation, particularly electronic or internet resources. These tips can help with decisions about those options.

MLA Citation Basics Videos

Understanding Cross-Referencing

RESEARCH PROJECTS CONSIST OF 2 BASIC ELEMENTS FOR SOURCE VERIFICATION:

1. An in-text citation, which is an abbreviated form of the source citation included in the essay portion of the project

2. A full citation, which is included at the end of the project on a Works Cited page, References list, or whatever type of research format is required for the assignment.

One of your roles as a researcher and writer is assuring this cross-referencing technique is in place and has been used correctly so your readers have a very clear picture of where your research was derived, who provided the research, and how readers can follow your research trail to explore the source material themselves.

Here is an example of cross-referencing in MLA 9th edition style:

MLA IN -TEXT CITATION IN THE ESSAY:

According to Jones, "Student researchers prefer APA to MLA at a rate of 4 to 1" (24).

MLA FULL WORKS CITED CITATION AT THE END OF THE ESSAY:

Jones, Susan. "Student Research Methods."

Journal of Research Studies, vol. 12, no.3, 2023,

pp.19-24. doi:12.3210000.

Because this source was fully cross-referenced, readers know that the quote from Jones came from this article on page 24 of the publication. And the article can be located using the information provided in the References list citation.

MLA Formatting

MLA Style First Page

MLA Style Works Cited Page

MLA Formatting in Google Docs

Be sure that your instructor accepts Google documents before submitting your assignment.

If you instructor does NOT accept Google docs, you can still use Google docs and then convert the essay into an MS Word document before submitting.

If you are struggling to format a Google doc appropriately in MLA style, here are some tips on how to do so:

A Glossary of Research Related Terms

Annotated Bibliography: an alphabetized working list of potential sources containing 1) a full Works Cited style citation for the source 2) an analysis and summary of the source material regarding its credibility, important points made by the authors or sponsors of the source, and its relevance to a particular student research project.

Citations: information regarding source material used in a research essay; in-text citations are located in the essay itself, while Works Cited citations (also known as ‘entries’) are located at the end of the research paper.

Cross-referencing: the method in which a researcher connects in-text citations with source information located on the Works Cited page (s).

Databases: online aggregates of research and information, often located within a college library virtual platform.

DOI or Director Object Identifier: a unique identification number assigned to source material, such as journal articles, which can be substituted for an URL or permalink in a Works CIted entry.

Entry or Entries: a term used to describe each full citation listed on a Works Cited page.

Full-Text: indicates a source is provided in its entirety, typically exactly as it was originally published.

In-text citations: an abbreviated form of citation included in the body of an essay; the in-text citation matches the first word of the full Works Cited entry and allows readers to cross-reference, or match, the in-text citation with the entry on the Works Cited page.

Journalist’s Questions: a method of using “Who, What, Where, When, Why, or How” to establish elements of a citation or to determine validity of a source.

Leading phrases: Also known as introductory tags or signal phrases; used in the body of a research paper to introduce source material, such as an author or a sponsor of the information or data being cited. Typically used when direct quotes are being integrated into the essay.

Example: According to Smith, “MLA is easy to learn” (23).

Parenthetical citation: An in-text citation format that employs parentheses at the end of a sentence to provide cross-referencing information about a source. Typically used for summaries or paraphrases.

Example: Experts indicate MLA is quickly understood (Smith 23).

Peer-reviewed or Scholarly Articles: Journal or magazine articles that are published by a vetted publisher or professional organization; articles that have been written and/or reviewed by professionals within any given field of study.

Permalink: a dedicated hyperlink that will not change over time assigned to a specific resource.

Plagiarism: Intentionally or unintentionally neglecting to give credit for ideas, opinions, research, or data that is not your own.

Works Cited: page(s) located at the end of an MLA style research essay; includes all pertinent information regarding sources used in the body of the research paper in the form of alphabetized entries.