When it comes to academic writing, proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most widely used citation styles in the humanities, and MLA 9 is the latest edition. In this article, we will guide you through the correct way to MLA 9 citation.
MLA 9 Citation Style Overview
The MLA 9 citation style is designed to be flexible and adaptable to different sources and formats. The core elements of MLA 9 citation include the author’s name, title of source, title of container, version, number, publisher, publication date, and location. These elements are arranged in a specific order and punctuation to create a citation.
Core Elements of MLA 9 Citation
The core elements of MLA 9 citation are:
- Author’s name
- Title of source
- Title of container
- Version
- Number
- Publisher
- Publication date
- Location
These elements are arranged in the following order: Author. Title of Source. Title of Container, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication Date, Location.
In-Text Citations
In-text citations in MLA 9 style are used to acknowledge the source of a quote, idea, or piece of information within the text. The in-text citation typically includes the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses. For example: (Smith 24). If the source has no author, the title of the source is used in the in-text citation: (“The Great Gatsby” 24).
Types of In-Text Citations
There are several types of in-text citations in MLA 9 style:
- Author-page citation: (Smith 24)
- Title-page citation: (“The Great Gatsby” 24)
- Multiple authors: (Smith and Johnson 24)
- Multiple sources: (Smith 24; Johnson 12)
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a list of all the sources cited in the paper, arranged alphabetically by author’s last name. Each source is listed in a specific format, depending on the type of source. For example:
Book: Smith, John. The History of Literature. Oxford University Press, 2020.
Article: Johnson, Jane. “The Impact of Climate Change.” The New York Times, 10 Feb. 2020, pp. 12-15.
Formatting the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page should be formatted with the following guidelines:
- Double-spacing
- Indentation of 0.5 inches for each line after the first
- Alphabetical order by author’s last name
- Hanging indentation for each source
Examples of MLA 9 Citations
Here are some examples of MLA 9 citations for different types of sources:
| Source Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Book | Smith, John. The History of Literature. Oxford University Press, 2020. |
| Article | Johnson, Jane. “The Impact of Climate Change.” The New York Times, 10 Feb. 2020, pp. 12-15. |
| Website | Williams, Michael. “The Benefits of Meditation.” Mindful.org, 20 Jan. 2020, www.mindful.org/the-benefits-of-meditation/. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using MLA 9 citation, there are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Forgetting to include the page number(s) in the in-text citation
- Using the wrong punctuation or formatting in the Works Cited page
- Failing to include all the necessary core elements in the citation
- Not using the correct title case for titles
Best Practices for MLA 9 Citation
Here are some best practices for MLA 9 citation:
- Use the most recent edition of the MLA Handbook
- Consult online resources, such as the MLA Style Center, for guidance
- Use citation management tools to help format citations correctly
- Proofread your citations carefully to avoid errors
What is the purpose of MLA 9 citation?
+The purpose of MLA 9 citation is to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism in academic writing.
How do I format an in-text citation in MLA 9 style?
+In-text citations in MLA 9 style typically include the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses, such as (Smith 24).
What is the difference between a Works Cited page and a bibliography?
+A Works Cited page is a list of all the sources cited in the paper, while a bibliography is a list of all the sources consulted during research.
