What Is MLA?
- MLA stands for the Modern Language Association.
- MLA style, then, is how this group thinks a paper should be prepared.
- Many disciplines in the humanities use this style to present written information.
Why Should You Use MLA?
- MLA allows you to use other people’s ideas to support your own.
- You have to make sure you document the source you are paraphrasing or quoting, so that readers can distinguish between your ideas and someone else’s ideas.
- In other words, MLA protects you against plagiarism!
Where Should I Start?
- As far as an formatting your paper goes, starting with works cited page is best.
- Now that you have your works cited page created, inserting in-text citations will be quick and easy.
- Getting stuck on some of the big words or abbreviations? Viewing this guide might help.
Need further help?
- Check out Purdue Owl’s webpages about citation, works cited, and other formatting issues.
- Create an appointment using our online scheduler to get your questions answered by a consultant.
- Click the video below for a virtual workshop all about MLA: