MLA Format Citation Examples

Understanding MLA Format Citations

When it comes to writing research papers, properly formatting your citations is essential. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style provides a standardized way to credit sources, making your work credible and helping readers locate the original materials. Below are three practical examples of MLA format citations that cover different types of sources.

1. Book Citation

Context

Citing a book is common in research papers, especially when discussing theories or concepts found in that text. Proper citation allows readers to find the book for further reading.

Example:

Smith, John. Understanding Psychology. 2nd ed., Academic Press, 2020.

Notes:

• Always italicize the title of the book.
• Include the edition if it is not the first.
• Make sure to use a hanging indent for the second and subsequent lines of the citation.

2. Journal Article Citation

Context

When using research articles to support your arguments, it’s important to cite them correctly. This helps establish the credibility of your claims and allows peers to consult the original research.

Example:

Doe, Jane. “The Impact of Social Media on Adolescents.” Journal of Psychology, vol. 15, no. 3, 2022, pp. 45-60. doi:10.1234/jpsych.2022.003.

Notes:

• Include the volume number and issue number after the journal title.
• Page numbers should be included to help readers locate specific information.
• If available, provide the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for easy online access.

3. Website Citation

Context

With the abundance of information on the internet, citing websites properly is crucial, especially when the information is relevant to your research topic. It allows readers to verify facts and consult the source directly.

Example:

Johnson, Emily. “Climate Change and Its Effects.” Environmental Studies Online, 15 May 2023, www.environmentalstudiesonline.org/climate-change-effects. Accessed 10 Oct. 2023.

Notes:

• Always include the date you accessed the website since online content can change over time.
• The publication date is important when available, as it indicates how current the information is.
• Make sure to format the URL correctly, without hyperlinks, in your final bibliography.

By following these examples of MLA format citation examples, you can enhance the professionalism and credibility of your research papers. Happy writing!