Overview
This lecture covers the basics of MLA format, focusing on correct citation of sources in research papers, specifically in-text citations and Works Cited pages.
MLA Format Basics
- MLA format guidelines are available on the Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab website.
- You are not required to memorize MLA rules, but you must know how to find and apply them.
- Proper MLA formatting will be assessed through your research paper, not through a separate test.
Citing Sources
- Every source used in your paper must be cited in two places: in-text and on the Works Cited page.
- In-text citations briefly indicate the source in the body of the paper.
- The Works Cited page provides full bibliographic entries for each source.
- There are specific formats for different source types (books, websites, interviews, etc.) on OWL.
Works Cited Page and Requirements
- The Works Cited page does not count toward your required word count.
- Compare your Works Cited page to example pages on OWL to check formatting, indentation, and appearance.
- All material not your original writing (facts, statistics, paraphrases, and quotes) requires citation.
- Paraphrased information must also be cited, not just direct quotes.
Citation Tools and Accuracy
- Citation generators like Citation Machine and EasyBib can be used, but their accuracy is your responsibility.
- Incorrect entries generated by these tools will affect your grade.
- Double-check all generated citations against the MLA guidelines on OWL.
Getting Help and Resources
- Instructor is available for questions on citation correctness.
- Always refer to Purdue OWL for citation examples and formatting tips.
- Lecture videos include links directly to OWL resources for convenience.
Key Terms & Definitions
- MLA Format — Modern Language Association style guide for academic writing and citations.
- In-text Citation — Brief source reference within the body of your paper.
- Works Cited Page — List of full bibliographic entries for all sources cited in the paper.
- Paraphrase — Restating information from a source in your own words; still requires citation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Visit the Purdue OWL website to review MLA formatting and citation rules.
- Compare your Works Cited page to the OWL example page for correctness.
- Use citation generators cautiously and verify their accuracy using OWL.
- Direct any citation questions to your instructor for clarification.