What is MLA Style?
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a system for documenting sources in scholarly writing. It is commonly used in the humanities, including fields like literature, philosophy, and the arts. However, it can also be applied to disciplines like
Nursing where clear and concise documentation is essential.
Consistency: It ensures that all sources are cited uniformly, making it easier for readers to follow and verify the sources.
Credibility: Proper citation of sources lends credibility to your work, showing that it is well-researched and based on reliable information.
Avoiding Plagiarism: Accurate citations help avoid plagiarism, which is a serious ethical and academic offense.
How to Format a Paper in MLA Style
When formatting a paper in MLA style, follow these general guidelines: Font and Spacing: Use a legible font like Times New Roman, size 12, and double-space the entire document.
Margins: Set one-inch margins on all sides.
Header: Include a header with your last name and page number in the upper right corner.
Title and Heading: Center the paper title and use standard capitalization. On the top left corner, list your name, instructor’s name, course, and date.
Works Cited: Include a “Works Cited” page at the end, listing all sources referenced in your paper.
In-Text Citations
MLA style uses parenthetical in-text citations to give credit to sources within the body of your paper. Here’s how to do it: Author-Page Format: Include the author’s last name and the page number from which the information was taken. For example: (Smith 123).
Multiple Authors: If a source has two authors, include both last names. For example: (Smith and Jones 45). For three or more authors, use the first author's last name followed by "et al." For example: (Smith et al. 78).
No Author: If the source has no author, use a shortened title of the work. For example: ("Nursing Guidelines" 22).
Works Cited Page
The “Works Cited” page lists all the sources you referenced in your paper. Here’s how to format it: Alphabetical Order: List entries alphabetically by the author's last name. If there is no author, use the title of the work.
Hanging Indent: Use a hanging indent for each entry, where the first line is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented.
Basic Format: The basic format for a book is: Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year. For an article: Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use MLA style for online sources?
A: Yes, MLA style provides guidelines for citing online sources. Include the author, title, website name, publisher, publication date, and URL. For example: Smith, John. "Advances in Nursing." Health Journal, Health Publications, 2023, www.healthjournal.com/advances-in-nursing.Q: How do I cite a source with no page numbers?
A: If the source has no page numbers (e.g., an online article), you can omit the page number. Instead, use the author’s last name. For example: (Smith).
Q: Do I need to cite my own work?
A: Yes, if you are referring to a previous work you have done, you should cite it to avoid self-plagiarism.
