Master MLA Citations with Purdue Owl

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to MLA citation guide
2. Basics of Works Cited citations
3. Basics of in-text citations
4. Accessing Purdue Owls' MLA citation guide
5. Specifics of MLA formatting and style guide
6. Creating a works cited page
7. Formatting in-text citations
8. Handling multiple authors
9. Citing different types of sources
10. Additional resources for MLA citation style

Introduction to MLA citation guide

Welcome to the MLA citation guide! In this article, you will learn the basics of creating Works Cited citations as well as in-text citations using MLA style. We will guide you through the process step-by-step, so let's get started!

Basics of Works Cited citations

To begin, you will need to access Purdue Owl's online website, specifically the MLA formatting and style guide. This guide provides detailed instructions on creating citations for various sources such as books, periodicals, and electronic sources. It covers important elements like the author, title, container, edition, publication date, and location. Following the provided format and punctuation guidelines is crucial for accurate citations.

Basics of in-text citations

In addition to Works Cited citations, you will also need to know how to create in-text citations. In-text citations are used to acknowledge sources within your text and guide readers to the corresponding entry in your Works Cited page. The basic format for in-text citations includes the author's last name and the page number. Remember to place the in-text citation inside parentheses and separate it from the rest of the sentence with proper punctuation.

Accessing Purdue Owls' MLA citation guide

To access Purdue Owl's MLA citation guide, visit their online website or go through your Canvas course. On the left-hand menu, you will find the MLA formatting options. Click on "Research and Citation" and then select "MLA Formatting and Style Guide". This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about MLA style, including general formatting guidelines, Works Cited citations, and in-text citations.

Specifics of MLA formatting and style guide

Purdue Owl's MLA formatting and style guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating online Works Cited pages and in-text citations. It is recommended to follow their guidelines for accurate and consistent formatting. Make sure to include all the necessary information such as the author, title of the source, title of the container, edition, publication date, and location. Pay attention to punctuation and formatting rules to ensure the accuracy of your citations.

Creating a works cited page

When creating a Works Cited page, start with the author's last name, followed by a comma and their first name. If there are multiple authors, follow the correct citation format provided by Purdue Owl. Include the title of the source in quotation marks and capitalize the major words. The title of the container, such as a textbook or website, should be italicized. Include additional information such as the edition, publisher, publication date, and location as required. Don't forget to use proper punctuation throughout the citation.

Formatting in-text citations

In-text citations play a crucial role in acknowledging sources within your text. The basic format for in-text citations includes the author's last name and the page number where the information was found. Place the in-text citation within parentheses and separate it from the rest of the sentence with proper punctuation. Remember that in-text citations should always be placed inside the sentence and not at the bottom of the page.

Handling multiple authors

When citing a work with multiple authors, follow the guidelines provided by Purdue Owl. For two authors, list both authors' last names, separated by "and", followed by the page number. For three or more authors, use the first author's last name followed by "et al.", which stands for "and others", and the page number. Make sure to punctuate the citation correctly to ensure accuracy.

Citing different types of sources

Purdue Owl's MLA formatting and style guide covers the citation formats for various sources, including books, periodicals, and electronic sources. Depending on the source type, you may need to include additional information such as the URL or DOI. Follow the guidelines provided by Purdue Owl to accurately cite each type of source. Take note of the differences in formatting, punctuation, and capitalization.

Additional resources for MLA citation style

If you need more specific information or examples for citing different sources, refer to the Works Cited page for books and electronic sources on Purdue Owl's website. These resources provide additional guidance and examples that can help you accurately cite your sources. If you have any further questions or need clarification, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance.

Pros of using the MLA citation guide:

• Provides step-by-step instructions for creating accurate citations
• Covers a wide range of source types, including books, periodicals, and electronic sources
• Helps ensure consistency and accuracy in your citations
• Offers additional resources and examples for more specific citation needs

Cons of using the MLA citation guide:

• Can be overwhelming for beginners due to the detailed instructions and rules
• Requires careful attention to punctuation and formatting guidelines
• May not cover every unique citation situation, requiring additional research or assistance