Includes information on both MLA 8 and 9.


To make a reference to an original source of information included in a paper, students need to create in-text citations, as described in the previous section of our article. However, providing a brief reference to original sources in your text is not enough. To provide readers with sufficient details on the origin of the information used in the text, you need to list all sources on a separate page. Below you can find a detailed guide on how to create an MLA works cited page.Â


To help you get started, here are a few pointers that reflect the writing style expectations. When it comes to formatting your essay in MLA style, there are a few general guidelines that you should follow.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations in MLA format are accurate and complete and provide readers with all the necessary information to locate and verify your sources. Try to fill it out the best you can, even if there are a few missing aspects.

MLA Formatting and Citations Guidelines (9th Ed.)

MLA format requires using full month names in the body of a paper. Thus, if you need to mention a specific month in your own research paper or other paper, you have to type them fully. However, if you are making references, you are allowed to use abbreviations for months that are longer than four letters. For example, June will stay the same, while longer names like January can be abbreviated to Jan.

It is also important to stay updated with the latest guidelines, as MLA format may evolve over time to accommodate new types of sources and technological advancements. Currently, MLA style is on its ninth edition, with room to grow.

Furthermore, setting 1 inch from the left margins on all sides of the page is essential in MLA formatting. This standard margin size ensures that your essay looks neat by preventing it from being cluttered. It also provides sufficient space for your instructor or any other reader to write comments and feedback.

Each entry listed should include the author's name, the title of the work, the publication date, and other pertinent information critical to the identification of the piece. Depending on the source, the specific format may vary, so always check with the MLA handbook or online resources for detailed instructions.


The basics for an MLA 9th ed. formatted research paper are:

In-text citations are one of the most common important aspects of the MLA essay format. Every paper that relies on outsourced texts includes a works cited page. Yet, in MLA, these citations are highlighted in various parts of the paper as well. This is intended to adequately acknowledge the sources of information within the body of your essay. These citations serve two important purposes: to credit the original authors/researchers and to allow readers to locate the sources for further reference.

MLA Style Guide, 9th Edition: Formatting Your MLA Paper

The 9th edition of the MLA Handbook is the most updated version of the guide created by the Modern Language Association. It is most likely the format you will be asked to follow in school. Published in 2021, it provides updated guidelines for formatting academic papers, citing sources, and conducting research in the humanities.

Format & Cite: MLA 9th Edition

In short, the standardized framework is convenient for , in addition to ensuring consistency and professionalism in your papers. By following MLA guidelines, you demonstrate your commitment to academic integrity and facilitate the dissemination of knowledge within the scholarly community.

MLA 9th Edition Style Guide: Formatting your Paper

Strine, Mary M., et al. “Research in Interpretation and Performance Studies: Trends, Issues, Priorities.” Speech Communication: Essays to Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Speech Communication Association, edited by Gerald M. Phillips and Julia T. Wood, Southern Illinois UP, 1990, pp. 181–204.

MLA Format 9th Edition: Formatting the Paper

There are several important purposes that MLA serves. First, the uniform structure can make your essay visually appealing and aesthetic. Every foundational requirement is built to make a cohesive document easy to read and understand.

Writing Center MLA Style Guide – 9th Edition

Keep in mind there are certain guidelines provided within the MLA format essay for the works cited page to be acceptable. Typically, the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the information was taken are included in parentheses. For example, (Smith 45).