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Learn the basics of writing a research paper in MLA format, including formatting requirements, in-text citations, and creating a Works Cited page.
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Introduction to MLA: Writing a Research Paper in MLA Format
Font: 12 point Times New Roman or Arial • Entire Paper is double-spaced • Heading in top left includes your name, teacher’s name, class name, and date (spelled out) General Formatting Requirements:
Page Numbers: top right corner, your last name and the page number • Title: centered below heading, no bold, underline, or italics • Margins: One Inch on all sides General Formatting Requirements:
A paraphrase/summary citation is when you write your researched information in your own words. You still give credit to the original author. Writing in MLA Format
Original Text from the book: The outbreak of the civil wars of nearby villages was the most prominent reason that the Chinese Dynasty dissolved between 1320 and 1378. My paraphrased citation: The Chinese Dynasty collapsed mostly because of the civil wars during the 1300s (Lawrence 46).
Original Text from the book: During the 1300s, The Black Plague was a crisis that killed a lot of people. Your Turn! - Write a paraphrase/summary citation - Author is Miller Page Number is 34
Original Text from the book: During the 1300s, The Black Plague was a crisis that killed a lot of people. My citation: The Black Plague was an epidemic that resulted in the death of millions of people in the 14th century (Miller 34).
A direct quote citation is when you copy the original words from the source. This is not used as often as paraphrased citations. However, sometimes there is a line that you just need to use. Writing in MLA Format
Original Text from the book: The activist believed that a lack of strong gun control in America creates a clear and present danger to society. My paraphrased citation: According to a recent article, one activist said that our gun control policy “creates a clear and present danger to society” (Baxter 132).
Original Text from the book: After studying many patients, the doctor decided that dreams are an incredible warning system of our minds. Your Turn! - Write a direct quote citation - Author is Clemens Page Number is 16
Original Text from the book: After studying many patients, the doctor decided that dreams are an incredible warning system of our minds. My citation: Using several case studies, the doctor concluded that “dreams are an incredible warning system of our minds” (Clemens 16).
The Works Cited page of an MLA formatted research paper is a separate page that lists detailed information about your sources. Works Cited Page
Page: Last page of your paper • Sources are listed alphabetically by author’s last name • If there is no author, list it by the article/video name • Spacing: Double spaced with a hanging indent General Formatting Requirements:
Your in-text citations must match an entry on your Works Cited page General Formatting Requirements:
Citing a Webpage Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article.” Website Title. Publisher of website, date of last update. Web. Date of Access. Example: Hinskey, David. “How to Treat a Sprained Ankle.” Medical Aid Online. Vaxwell Media, 2012. Web. 2 Sep 2014.