This document provides guidelines for writing research papers using MLA format. It discusses setting up the paper with a double spaced format, 12 point font size, and page numbers. MLA format requires in-text citations anytime a source is referred to, as well as a Works Cited page listing full references for all sources used. Proper citations are important as they give credit to authors, build credibility, and prevent plagiarism. The document provides examples of how to cite sources in-text using author-page or title-page styles, as well as how to distinguish between quotes, paraphrases, and summaries.

1. The Specifics ofThe Specifics of
Research PapersResearch Papers
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

2. Why use MLA FormatWhy use MLA Format
 Builds your credibilityBuilds your credibility
 Gives credit to outside sourcesGives credit to outside sources
 Keeps you from plagiarizingKeeps you from plagiarizing

3. What it includesWhat it includes
 Double spaced throughoutDouble spaced throughout
 Standard 12 point fontStandard 12 point font
 Opening headerOpening header
 Page numbers on each pagePage numbers on each page
 TitleTitle
 Internal citationsInternal citations
 Works cited pageWorks cited page

4. Sample Opening pageSample Opening page

5. MLA In-Text CitationsMLA In-Text Citations
 In MLA style, referring to the works of others in yourIn MLA style, referring to the works of others in your
text is done by using what is known as parentheticaltext is done by using what is known as parenthetical
citation. This method involvescitation. This method involves placing relevantplacing relevant
source information in parenthesessource information in parentheses after a quoteafter a quote
or a paraphrase.or a paraphrase.
 ““Give me liberty, or give me death” (Henry 5).Give me liberty, or give me death” (Henry 5).
 Any source information that you provide in-Any source information that you provide in-
text must correspond to the sourcetext must correspond to the source
information on the Works Cited pageinformation on the Works Cited page ..

6. SamplesSamples

7. MLA Author-Page StyleMLA Author-Page Style
 The author's name may appear either in the sentenceThe author's name may appear either in the sentence
itself or in parenthesesitself or in parentheses following the quotation orfollowing the quotation or
paraphrase, but theparaphrase, but the page number(s) should alwayspage number(s) should always
appear in the parenthesesappear in the parentheses , not in the text of your sentence., not in the text of your sentence.
For example:For example:
Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneousWordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous
overflow of powerful feelings" (263). Romantic poetry is characterized by theoverflow of powerful feelings" (263). Romantic poetry is characterized by the
"spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263)."spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).
 All citations tell readers that the information in the sentence canAll citations tell readers that the information in the sentence can
be located on page 263 of a work by an author namedbe located on page 263 of a work by an author named
Wordsworth. If readers want more information, they can turn toWordsworth. If readers want more information, they can turn to
the Works Cited page, where they would find the following:the Works Cited page, where they would find the following:
Wordsworth, William.Wordsworth, William. Lyrical BalladsLyrical Ballads. London: Oxford U.P., 1967. Print.. London: Oxford U.P., 1967. Print.

8. MLA DocumentationMLA Documentation
In-text Citations: Print Sources with Known AuthorIn-text Citations: Print Sources with Known Author
 For Print sources like books, magazines, scholarlyFor Print sources like books, magazines, scholarly
journal articles, and newspapers, provide the author’sjournal articles, and newspapers, provide the author’s
last name and a page number. If you provide thelast name and a page number. If you provide the
name in the sentence, you do not need to include it inname in the sentence, you do not need to include it in
the parenthetical citation.the parenthetical citation.
In-text Citations: Print Sources with No Known AuthorIn-text Citations: Print Sources with No Known Author
 When a source has no known author, use a shortenedWhen a source has no known author, use a shortened
title of the work instead of an author name. Place thetitle of the work instead of an author name. Place the
title in quotation marks if it's a short work ( articles) ortitle in quotation marks if it's a short work ( articles) or
italicize it if it's a longer work (plays, books, televisionitalicize it if it's a longer work (plays, books, television
shows, websites) and provide a page number.shows, websites) and provide a page number.

9. Quoting, Paraphrasing, & SummarizingQuoting, Paraphrasing, & Summarizing
 QuotationsQuotations must be identical to the original, using a narrowmust be identical to the original, using a narrow
segment of the source. They must match the source documentsegment of the source. They must match the source document
word for word and must be attributed to the original author.word for word and must be attributed to the original author.
 ParaphrasingParaphrasing involves putting a passage from sourceinvolves putting a passage from source
material into your own words. A paraphrase must be attributedmaterial into your own words. A paraphrase must be attributed
to the original source. Paraphrased material is usually shorterto the original source. Paraphrased material is usually shorter
than the original passage, taking a somewhat broader segmentthan the original passage, taking a somewhat broader segment
of the source and condensing it slightly.of the source and condensing it slightly.
 SummarizingSummarizing involves putting the main idea(s) into your owninvolves putting the main idea(s) into your own
words. It is necessary to attribute summarized ideas to thewords. It is necessary to attribute summarized ideas to the
original source. Summaries are significantly shorter than theoriginal source. Summaries are significantly shorter than the
original and take a broad overview of the source material.original and take a broad overview of the source material.

10. When a Citation is not NeededWhen a Citation is not Needed
 Common sense and ethics should determineCommon sense and ethics should determine
your need for documenting sources.your need for documenting sources. You doYou do
not need to give sources for familiarnot need to give sources for familiar
proverbs, well-known quotations orproverbs, well-known quotations or
common knowledge.common knowledge.