how to do mla format citation

To do an MLA format citation, follow these key steps based on the 9th edition of the MLA Handbook (2021):

1. In-Text Citation:

• Include the author's last name and the page number where the information is found in parentheses.
• Example: (Smith 23)
• If the author's name is mentioned in the sentence, just add the page number in parentheses.
• For multiple authors, list both names connected by "and" or use "et al." for three or more authors.
• If no author is given, use a shortened title of the work.

2. Works Cited List:

• Title the page "Works Cited," centered with no special formatting.
• List entries alphabetically by the author’s last name.
• Use a hanging indent for each entry after the first line.
• Double-space all entries and use 1-inch margins.
• Each entry should include core elements: Author, Title, Container Title (if part of a larger work), Other contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication date, Location (such as URL or page numbers).

3. Formatting:

• Use 12-point Times New Roman font.
• Double-space the entire paper, including the Works Cited.
• Indent the first line of paragraphs half an inch.
• Use 1-inch margins on all sides.

For example, a book citation in the Works Cited list looks like this:
Johnson, David. Title of Book. Publisher, Year. An article citation on a website might look like:
Smith, John. "Title of Article." Website Name , Publisher, Date, URL. This process helps properly credit sources in MLA style for academic humanities papers.