MLA Format Basics
What does MLA stand for?
Modern Language Association
What goes inside the parentheses of an MLA in-text citation?
author’s last name and page number
What is the title of the page where all sources are listed?
Works Cited
What is the line spacing used in MLA format?
double spacing
True or False: MLA requires a title page.
False
What size and style of font is recommended for MLA format?
12-point Times New Roman
How do you cite a source with no known author in-text?
use the title of the work (shortened) and page number
How are entries on the Works Cited page arranged?
alphabetically by author's last name
Should paragraphs be indented in MLA format?
yes, use a half-inch indent
What is a common mistake with in-text citations and punctuation?
putting the period before the citation instead of after
What are the standard MLA page margins?
1 inch on all sides
What punctuation comes after an in-text citation?
a period
What information comes first in a standard citation?
author’s name
Where should the title of your paper be placed?
centered, below the heading and above the first paragraph
If you summarize someone else's idea, do you still need a citation?
yes
Where is the header located in an MLA paper?
in the top right corner with your last name and page number
How do you cite two authors in one in-text citation?
(Author1 and Author2 page number)
What line formatting is used for citations on the Works Cited page?
hanging indent
Should the title be bolded, underlined, or italicized?
none of the above—it should be plain text
What is wrong with this citation: (Smith, 23)?
the comma should be removed—(Smith 23)
What four items go in the top left corner of the first page (in order)?
your name, instructor’s name, course name, and date
What do you include in an in-text citation if the source has multiple authors?
use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” and the page number
How do you cite a source with no author?
start with the article title
What specific information should be included in the running header of an MLA-style paper?
Your last name followed by a space and the page number, aligned to the right in the header section
What’s a common mistake students make when copying a citation from a website or generator?
not checking for errors in formatting, capitalization, or missing information