MLA Documentation

MLA Documentation

In MLA format, if a writer includes a direct quotation or a paraphrase from another writer’s work, it must be documented. Documentation in MLA format contains two elements: In-text Citation and Work(s) Cited page.

In-text Citation – Examples:

Stephen King begins his essay with the controversial claim that “we’re all mentally ill”.

“Why We Crave Horror Movies” begins with the controversial claim that “we’re all mentally ill” (King).

Staples begins his essay by recounting that his “first victim was a woman”.

“Black Men and Public Space” begins with the attention-grabbing announcement that “my first victim was a woman” (Staples).

The writer’s name must be included either in the sentence or in the parentheses.

If the quotation comes from a print source (book, magazine, etc.) then a page number must be included in the parentheses.

Work(s) Cited Page

Examples:

King, Stephen. “Why We Crave Horror Movies”.

Staples, Brent. “Black Men and Public Space”.

Note: The “MLA” tab in A Writer’s Reference is a great resource for preparing both in-text citation and a work(s) cited reference.