Writing Papers Using the MLA Format

How to Cite Sources in the Text and Prepare a "Works Cited" List

There are two parts to writing a paper following the MLA format. You must first learn how to cite sources in the text of your paper since that is not done with footnotes or reference numbers. Next you need to prepare a list of "Works Cited" in alphabetical order which goes at the end of your paper. The following references are useful for both purposes:

1. Hacker, Diana. Rules for Writers: A Brief Handbook. 4th Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000.
2. MLA Citation Style, Cornell University Library. 9 Sept. 2001. <http://campusgw.library.cornell.edu/newhelp/res_strategy/citing/mla.html>.
3. Modern Language Association Formatting , Purdue University Online Writing Lab, 8 Sept. 2001. <http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_mla.html>.

How to Write Well

Rules for Writers (see above) is useful here. There are also a number of excellent sites on the web:

1. Strunck, William Jr. 1918. The Elements of Style. Sept. 9, 2001. <http://www.bartleby.com/141/>.
2. Lynch, Jack. Guide to Grammar and Style, Rutgers University. Sept. 9, 2001. <http://www.andromeda.rutgers.edu/~jlynch/Writing/>.
3. Grammar Handbook, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Sept. 9, 2001. <http://www.english.uiuc.edu/cws/wworkshop/grammar_handbook.htm>.
4. Lynch, Jack. Resources for Writers and Writing Instructors, Rutgers University. Sept. 9, 2001. <http://www.andromeda.rutgers.edu/%7Ejlynch/Writing/links.html>.

Send me your ideas for additional sites to include!