Mastering MLA Citations: OWL Purdue's Guide

Mastering MLA Citations: OWL Purdue's Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. MLA Works Cited Page
3. In-Text Citations
4. Formatting Quotations
5. Basics of the Works Cited Page
6. Citing Sources from Textbooks
7. MLA Formatting Guidelines
8. MLA Sample Paper
9. Work Cited Page Format
10. Research Material Policy

Article

Introduction

When it comes to understanding how to properly cite sources in academic writing, the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University is a highly recommended resource. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the MLA works cited page and in-text citations and how the guide provided by the OWL Purdue can be of great assistance.

MLA Works Cited Page

One of the key benefits of utilizing the OWL Purdue resource is its comprehensive guide on creating a works cited page. This guide covers the basics of organizing the page, including where to list the author, publisher, and page numbers for different types of sources. Additionally, the guide provides clear examples to help users understand how to format their works cited page correctly.

In-Text Citations

The OWL Purdue guide also offers valuable information on the basics of in-text citations. It explains how to properly format quotations and provides examples for different scenarios. For instance, if a quotation is longer than four lines of prose, quotation marks are not used, and the citation is placed at the end of the quotation. On the other hand, in-sentence citations require a period at the end.

Formatting Quotations

Understanding how to format quotations correctly is crucial in academic writing. The OWL Purdue guide provides clear instructions on how to format quotations in different contexts. By referring to this guide, writers can ensure that their quotations are properly formatted, contributing to the overall clarity and integrity of their work.

Basics of the Works Cited Page

Creating a works cited page can be a daunting task, especially for those new to MLA formatting. Fortunately, the OWL Purdue guide simplifies this process by providing basic rules in plain language. It covers important aspects such as capitalization, punctuation, and the organization of entries for books and works by the same author. Whether it's a single work or an anthology, the guide offers clear instructions on how to cite sources correctly.

Citing Sources from Textbooks

In academic courses like English 101 and literature courses like English 102, students are often required to cite sources from their textbooks. However, it can be challenging to determine the correct way to cite these sources. The OWL Purdue guide addresses this issue by explaining that textbooks are often anthologies. This distinction is crucial, as students tend to mistakenly cite editors instead of authors. The guide provides a clear pattern for correctly citing works from textbooks, ensuring accuracy in citation practices.

MLA Formatting Guidelines

Apart from its citation-related resources, the OWL Purdue guide also offers guidelines for MLA formatting. These guidelines provide detailed explanations of the formatting requirements for different elements in an academic paper. For students who prefer visual references, the guide includes sample papers that showcase correct formatting techniques. This helpful feature allows writers to gain a better understanding of how to structure their own papers according to MLA guidelines.

MLA Sample Paper

Visualizing the correct formatting of an MLA paper can be immensely helpful. Fortunately, the OWL Purdue guide provides an MLA sample paper that exemplifies proper formatting techniques. This sample paper not only demonstrates the correct use of headings, page numbering, and in-text citations but also highlights effective writing strategies such as transition sentences, strong evidence usage, and a clear thesis statement. By studying the sample paper, writers can gain valuable insights on how to improve the structure and content of their own work.

Work Cited Page Format

The OWL Purdue guide dedicates a section to clarify the specific requirements for the works cited page in MLA format. It emphasizes that the page title should be "Works Cited," and it should be centered without any special formatting like underlining or bolding. The guide further explains the proper organization of citations in alphabetical order, with the first line left justified and subsequent lines indented. For those who struggle with automatic formatting features in word processors, manually spacing the works cited page is suggested as a way to avoid formatting issues and maintain precise adherence to MLA guidelines.

Research Material Policy

Regardless of the academic course, it is crucial for students to understand and adhere to the approved research material policy. The OWL Purdue guide stresses the importance of following the guidelines outlined in the syllabus. It specifically highlights the need for pre-approval from instructors before utilizing sources that are not from trusted domains such as "dot edu" or "dot gov" websites or databases available through school libraries. This policy ensures the reliability and credibility of sources used in academic papers, enhancing the overall quality of students' work.

Highlights

• The OWL Purdue guide provides a comprehensive resource for understanding MLA citation and formatting.
• It offers clear instructions and examples for creating a well-structured works cited page.
• The guide covers the basics of in-text citations and how to format quotations correctly.
• It provides specific guidance for citing sources from textbooks and anthologies.
• The guide includes MLA formatting guidelines and a sample paper for visual reference.
• It emphasizes the importance of adhering to research material policies for the sake of academic integrity.

FAQ

Q: Is the OWL Purdue guide exclusively for MLA citation? A: No, the OWL Purdue guide covers various citation styles, but this article focuses specifically on MLA citation.

Q: Can I use the sample paper in the OWL Purdue guide as a template for my own MLA paper? A: The sample paper in the OWL Purdue guide serves as a reference for formatting and organizing your paper. However, it is essential to customize the content according to your specific research and topic.

Q: Are there any alternatives to the OWL Purdue guide for MLA citation? A: While the OWL Purdue guide is highly recommended, there are other resources and tools available for MLA citation. However, it's important to ensure that the chosen resource is reputable and trusted among academic communities.