UC 201: MLA Citation Style

MLA Citation Style

What is MLA?

• MLA is a citation style used to document the sources in your research paper or project.
• You will cite your sources in text, meaning they appear in parentheses after you have paraphrased or quoted your source.
• You will also cite your sources in your works cited page at the end of your paper.

Why do I have to cite? 

• You MUST cite all original work that is not your own. All authors deserve credit for their hard work.
• Not citing original work is called plagiarism, which can result in failing papers and further academic consequences.

Where can I get help?

• Talk to your professor about their citation requirements.
• Set up an appointment with URSA's Writing Center.

When constructing a citation in MLA, you will use the following elements below for any source. Learn more and see examples in the MLA Handbook Plus chapter on the core elements. 

1. Author.
2. Title of source.
3. Title of container.
4. Other contributors.
5. Version.
6. Number.
7. Publisher.
8. Publication date.
9. Location (in work).

Citation Tools