NFM - Nonfiction and MLA Lesson

Most papers in English courses are written in the MLA (Modern Language Association) format. We will be using MLA format for our research in this course, as well as for all writings. The purpose of MLA format is for all essays to appear the same aesthetically, so the reader can focus on the content. All writings in this course that are one paragraph or longer must adhere to MLA guidelines.

MLA format requires that all essays have the following in terms of format:

This is a sample of what these requirements look like in a paper. 

MLA Formatting Video

The video below will introduce you to MLA format and how to format an MLA paper. Take notes as this format will be required in assignments in each module of 9th Literature and Composition. Here are some things to make note of in the video:

View the video below on MLA Formatting. Be sure that your volume is turned up and remain patient while the video loads. (Please note, depending on your Internet service, the video may take some time to load).

Any time a writer borrows ideas, whether paraphrased, summarized, or directly quoted, he or she must acknowledge the sources of the information. It is acceptable to borrow ideas and information from other sources, as long as it is acknowledged correctly. In MLA format, this acknowledgement starts with an in-text citation. This citation consists of the author and page number. There are two ways to create the citation: (1) using the author's name in the text and (2) providing all source information at the end of the citation. Take a look at the different methods below. 

1. Gardner suggests that "all dogs should be fed twice daily and given routine exercise opportunities" (23).    
2. One study suggests that "all dogs should be fed twice daily and given routine exercise opportunities" (Gardner 23).  
In both cases above, note that the citation (Gardner 23) & (23) come after the end of the quote, and that the sentence punctuation appears AFTER the citation.

Please see how the in-text citation relates to the Works Cited page:

Some sources may not have an author and/or page number listed. This usually occurs with websites, or other online sources. Refer to the sidebar resources for help formatting those.

Remember that a citation should come after each source's information. This applies to material that is copied, summarized in a writer's own words, or paraphrased in a writer's own words. When in doubt, cite the source.

Please see a sample of some formulas to use in the in-text citation:

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