MLA Format

When writing papers, there are different style standards that provide guidelines for consistent formatting. At GUHSD schools, most teachers require that traditional papers follow MLA 8th edition (released April 2016) style guidelines, which apply in multiple ways: (1) How you set up and format your paper, (2) How you format your Works Cited (Bibliography, References) page, and (3) How add in-text citations for information sources referenced within the body of your paper. Learn more below.
Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL) has comprehensive information about MLA format and writing, in general. When in doubt, check OWL!

Setting Up Your Paper

MLA style defines guidelines for formatting your paper/essay document with specifications regarding margins, font, spacing, heading information, and source citations.

Information from the MLA Style Center:

​Creating a Works Cited Page and Source Citations

When you create work that references the previous works of others, it is important to provide attribution, giving credit and establishing credibility for your claims. When attributing sources using MLA style, there are two components:
  • Works Cited Page - A list at the end of your paper with all of the of information sources you have referenced. 
  • In-Text Citations - Notations within the body of your paper that map specific quotes and details with source references from your Works Cited page.
Examples:
​NOTE: It can be useful to create citations from scratch (your teacher may have you do this) so that you learn about the different components of sources. ​

What's a hanging indent?

​Each Works Cited source should be formatted with a hanging indent so that the second and subsequent lines are indented. This makes it easier to visually see where the next source starts in your list.

Automated Citation Generators

Automated generators such as the MyBib web tool and Chrome Extension or EasyBib Add-On may help you generate citations.
Just keep in mind that they work through algorithms and thus are not perfect. You will still need to proofread what they generate.

Also, citation generators will not work for online database resources. To cite these, use citation generators built into the online databases. 

MLA Source Handouts - Use to record source information and take notes

Adding In-Text Citations

In-text citations are also sometimes called parenthetical citations since they provide corresponding source information in parentheses following quotes or paraphrases integrated within the body of a paper. Parenthetical information varies depending on the source medium (e.g., Print, Web) and how the source entry starts in the Works Cited list.

​Learn more:

​Resources on MLA Style

Transitioning to MLA's 8th Edition