mla thesis template

MLA 9th Edition Formatting

A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide + Free Template

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | July 2023

Formatting your paper in MLA style can feel like a pretty daunting task . In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to set up your paper for MLA (9th edition), as quickly and easily as possible. We’ll also share our popular free MLA template , to help you fast-track your writing.

Overview: MLA 9th Edition Formatting

• Structure and layout
• General page setup
• The opening section
• The main body
• Works cited (reference list)
• Free MLA 9 template

MLA Structure and Layout

Let’s start by looking at the overall structure of a typical student paper formatted for MLA 9th edition, before diving into the details of each section. For the most part, MLA papers follow a standardised structure, consisting of the following parts:

The opening section : While MLA doesn’t require a dedicated title page (unlike APA ), it does require an opening section that details some important information about yourself, your university and the paper itself.

The main body : The main body begins directly after the opening section on the first page. This is the “heart” of your paper and there are a very specific requirements regarding how you present and format this content.

The appendix (or appendices):  While using an appendix in a student paper is relatively uncommon, you’ll place this section directly after the main body section, if required by your university.

The “Works Cited” list : This section is equivalent to what we’d usually call a references page and it’s where you’ll detail all the reference information corresponding to the in-text citations in the main body of your paper.

These four sections form the standard structure and order of a student paper using MLA 9th edition. As we mentioned, not all sections are always required , so be sure to double check what your university expects from you before submitting. Also, it’s always a good idea to ask your university if they have any  style requirements in addition to the standard MLA specification.

Now that we’ve got a big-picture view of the typical paper structure, let’s look at the specific formatting requirements for each of these sections.

Generic Page Setup

Before you jump into writing up your paper, you’ll first need to set up your document to align with MLA’s generic page requirements. Alternatively, you can download our MLA paper template (which comes fully preformatted).

MLA 9th edition requires a 1-inch margin on all sides , for all pages. That said, if you’re writing a dissertation, thesis or any document that will ultimately be printed and bound, your university will likely require a larger left margin to accommodate for physical binding.

Fonts & sizing

MLA does not require that you use any specific font, but we do recommend sticking to the tried and tested , well-accepted fonts. For example, you might consider using one of the following:

• Sans serif fonts : Calibri (11), Arial (11), or Lucida Sans Unicode (10)
• Serif fonts : Times New Roman (12), Georgia (11), or Computer Modern (10)

Whichever font you opt for, be sure to use it consistently throughout your paper . Don’t chop and change, or use different fonts for different parts of the document (e.g., different fonts for the body text and the headings). Also, keep in mind that while MLA does not have a specific font requirement, your university may have its own preference or requirement. So, be sure to check with them beforehand regarding any additional specifications they may have.

In general, all text throughout your document needs to be left-aligned and should not be justified (i.e., leave an uneven right edge). You might consider using a different alignment for section headings, but in general, it’s best to keep things simple .

Line spacing

MLA 9th edition requires double line spacing throughout the document . There should also be no extra space before and after paragraphs . This applies to all sections of the paper, including the “Works Cited” page (more on this later).

Page header

Last but not least, you’ll need to set up a running header for your document. This should contain your last name, followed by the page number. Both of these should be positioned in the top right corner of all pages (even the first page). On a related note, there’s no need for you to include any footer content unless your university specifically requests it.

Now that we’ve looked at the generic formatting considerations, let’s dive into the specific requirements for each section of your paper.

The Opening Section

While MLA-formatted papers typically don’t require a title page, there are very specific requirements regarding the opening section of the first page .

Here’s how you can set your first page up for MLA 9th edition.

• On the first line, write your full name (flush left)
• On a new line, write your professor or instructor’s full name
• On a new line, write the course code and course name
• On a new line, write the full date spelt out (e.g., 15 June 2023)
• On a new line, write the full title of your paper , centre-aligned and using title case (consider using a title case converter if you’re not familiar with this)
• On a new line, begin your body content

All of the above should be in plain, unformatted font – in other words, you don’t need to apply any boldfacing, underlining , etc. That said, you should use italics whenever you’re writing out the titles of other works (for example, titles of books or articles).

To make it all a little more tangible, below is an example of a first page formatted according to the MLA specifications that we just covered.

The Main Body

While the formatting requirements for the body section are relatively light for MLA (at least when compared to APA ), there are still quite a few important things to pay attention to. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Each of your paragraphs needs to start on a new line , and the first sentence of each paragraph requires a half-inch indent (while the rest of the paragraph is flush left aligned). Note that each paragraph simply starts on a new line and doesn’t require an additional blank line.

MLA 9th edition is fairly flexible in terms of heading formatting. There is no specified formatting, so you can decide what works best for you. However, there are still a few basic rules you need to follow:

• All your headings should be written in title case – never use all caps
• There should be no period following a heading
• Each heading level needs to be uniquely formatted and easily distinguishable from other levels (for example, a distinct difference in terms of boldfacing, underlining or italicisation)
• You can have as many heading levels as you need, but each level must have at least two instances

Abbreviations

When using abbreviations, you’ll need to make sure that you’re using the MLA version of the abbreviation . Below we’ve listed a few common ones you should be aware of:

• Appendix: app.
• Circa: c. or ca.
• Chapter: ch.
• Column: col.
• Definition: def.
• Department: dept.
• Example: e.g.
• Edition: ed.
• Figure: fig.
• Foreword: fwd.
• That is: i.e.
• Journal: jour.
• Library: lib.
• Manuscript(s): MS
• Number: no.
• Quoted in: qtd. in
• Revised: rev.
• Section: sec. or sect.
• Series: ser.
• Translation: trans.
• Version: vers.
• Variant: var.
• Volume: vol.

If you’re interested, you can find a more comprehensive list here . Alternatively, if you have access to the MLA 9th edition handbook, you can find the full list in the first appendix.

In-text citations

MLA 9 has a very specific set of requirements regarding how to cite your sources within the body of your paper. Here are some of the most important things to help you get started with MLA citations.

Author-page number system: in-text citations consist of (at a minimum) the lead author’s last name, followed by the page number of the paragraph you are citing. There is no comma between the two components (only a space).

Types of citations: MLA allows two types of in-text citations: parenthetical and narrative . Parenthetical citations feature the author and page number in parentheses (brackets) at the end of the respective sentence. Here’s an example:

MLA 9th edition is easy to grasp if you visit the Grad Coach blog (Jansen 13).

Narrative citations, on the other hand, weave the author’s name into the flow of the sentence and then present the publication date in parentheses at the end of the sentence. Here’s an example:

Jansen states that MLA 9th edition is easy for students to grasp if they visit the Grad Coach blog (13).

In general, it’s a good idea to utilise a mix of both in your writing. Narrative citations are particularly useful when you want to highlight or contrast authors or their viewpoints, while parenthetical citations are useful when you want to strengthen your own academic voice. In other words, both formats have their respective strengths and weaknesses, so try to use citation format strategically in your writing.

Quotations: when quoting text verbatim from a source, there is no need to do anything differently in terms of the citation itself, but do remember to wrap the verbatim text in quotation marks. Here’s an example:

Jansen proposes that MLA 9th edition is “easy to grasp if you visit the Grad Coach blog” (13).

Multiple authors: when citing resources that were authored by three or more people, you only need to list the lead author, followed by “et al.”. Here’s an example:

MLA 9th edition is easy to grasp if you visit the Grad Coach blog (Jansen et al. 13).

 Below are a few more examples from our free MLA template .

Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of all the MLA 9th edition citation-related requirements – just a shortlist of the most commonly relevant ones. If you’d like to learn more, consult the MLA handbook .

The Works Cited (Reference List)

The final section that you’ll need to pay close attention to is the “Works Cited” page, which should contain a list of reference information for all the sources cited in the body of the paper. Again, MLA has a quite a meaty set of specifications regarding the content and formatting of this list, but we’ll cover the basics here to get your started on the right foot. 

Basic setup

Your reference list needs to start on a new page and should be titled “Works Cited”. The title should be unformatted and centred . The reference list should then start on the next line. As with the rest of your document, you should use double line spacing throughout.

When it comes to the reference list itself, you’ll need to keep the following in mind:

• All the sources that you cited in the body of your document should feature in the reference list. Make sure that every citation is accounted for .
• The references should be ordered alphabetically , according to the lead author’s last name .
• The exact information required within each entry depends on the type of content being referenced (e.g., a journal article, web page, etc.)
• Components that may need to feature (other than the author) include the title of the source, the title of the container, other contributors, the article version or number, the publisher, the publication date, and the location.
• All references should be left-aligned and should use a hanging indent – i.e., the second line of any given reference (if it has one) should be indented a half inch.

We have to stress that these are just the basics. MLA 9th edition requires that your references be structured and formatted in a very specific way , depending on the type of resource. If you plan to draft your reference list manually, it’s important to consult your university’s style guide or the MLA manual itself. This leads us to our next point…

In general, it’s a bad idea to write your reference list manually . Given the incredibly high level of intricacy involved, it’s highly likely that you’ll make mistakes if you try to craft this section yourself. A better solution is to use (free) reference management software such as Mendeley or Zotero . Either of these will take care of the formatting and content for you, and they’ll do a much more accurate job of it too. 

If you’re not familiar with any sort of reference management software, be sure to check out our easy-to-follow Mendeley explainer video below.

Wrapping Up

In this post, we’ve provided a primer covering how to format your paper according to MLA 9th edition. To recap, we’ve looked at the following:

• The structure and layout
• The general page setup
• The “Works Cited” page (reference list)

Remember to always check your university’s style guide to familiarise yourself with any additional requirements they may. Also, if your university has specified anything that contrasts what we’ve discussed here, please do follow their guidance . 

If you need any help formatting your paper for MLA 9, take a look at our “done for you” language editing and proofreading service . Simply send us your document and we’ll take care of all the MLA formatting intracies on your behalf. 

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Mla 8th ed. style guide: dissertations, theses.

• Art, Photography, Music
• Business Resources
• Dissertations, Theses
• Emails, Social Media
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• Legal Sources
• Parenthetical (in-text) Citations
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Essential Elements

Citations for dissertations/master's theses should include the following:

1. Name of Author 

2. Title of dissertation/thesis (italicized)

3. Date of Publication

5. Institution granting the degree (optional)

6. Description of the work (optional)

7. Database and URL if accessed through a database or repository

Sample Citation - Dissertations

Dissertations

The institution granting the degree and description of the work are optional. If you accessed the work online, include that information. 

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MLA Thesis Statement

Embarking on the academic voyage of crafting an impactful thesis statement demands both skill and adherence to formatting nuances. When navigating the waters of MLA style, one must weave precision with flair. Discover illuminating MLA thesis statement examples, journey through a detailed writing roadmap, and absorb invaluable tips to enhance your scholarly writings. Begin this exploration and ensure your research resonates with both clarity and authority.

What is the MLA Thesis Statement? – Definition

The  concise thesis statement is summary or claim made at the beginning of an academic paper written following the Modern Language Association (MLA) style guidelines. This statement sets the direction for the paper by outlining the main idea or argument that the rest of the work will support. The MLA format focuses on citation and formatting, but the essence of a thesis statement remains the same across styles: a clear, focused claim that guides the reader’s understanding of the paper’s purpose.

What is an example of a Thesis Statement in MLA Format?

Remember, the content of a thesis statement remains consistent regardless of the citation style. However, when following MLA guidelines, any sources mentioned within the statement would need to be cited in proper MLA format. Here’s an example of a thesis statement:

“While Shakespeare often employs the theme of betrayal in his plays, ‘Macbeth’ stands out as a poignant exploration of the psychological consequences of treachery, as seen through the protagonist’s rapid descent into paranoia and madness.”

In this case, if you’re drawing a particular claim or interpretation from a specific source or critic, you’d follow MLA guidelines for in-text citation immediately after the claim within the thesis statement.

100 MLA Thesis Statement Examples

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Crafting a good thesis statement under the MLA format requires precision and a deep understanding of the topic at hand. It’s the focal point of your paper, setting the stage for everything that follows. While the format primarily focuses on citation styles, the essence of the content remains consistent. Let’s dive into diverse examples that showcase the depth and breadth of thesis statements aligned with various subjects.

• Climate Change : “Human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, is the primary driver behind the alarming rate of global climate change.”
• Veganism : “Adopting a vegan lifestyle not only benefits individual health but also reduces the strain on our environment.”
• Social Media : “The rise of social media platforms has drastically altered interpersonal communication, leading to both enhanced connectivity and increased feelings of isolation.”
• Childhood Obesity : “The surge in childhood obesity can be attributed to a combination of sedentary lifestyles, high-caloric diets, and inadequate physical education in schools.”
• Renaissance Art : “The art of the Renaissance period marked a significant departure from medieval styles, emphasizing humanism, realism, and a deep appreciation for classical influences.”
• Mental Health : “Stigmas surrounding mental health continue to deter individuals from seeking necessary treatment and support.”
• Economic Disparities : “The growing economic disparities in modern societies are a direct result of policy choices, corporate actions, and societal values.”
• Artificial Intelligence : “The advent of artificial intelligence poses both unparalleled opportunities for societal advancement and ethical dilemmas.”
• Women’s Rights : “The fight for women’s rights, especially in the 20th century, paved the way for significant legislative and societal changes that challenged patriarchal norms.”
• E-commerce : “The exponential growth of e-commerce has transformed traditional retail, emphasizing convenience, variety, and global reach.”
• Classical Literature : “Greek tragedies, such as those written by Sophocles, often delve into the complexities of fate, morality, and human agency.”
• Quantum Physics : “The principles of quantum physics challenge traditional Newtonian concepts, introducing a realm of probabilities and uncertainties.”
• Space Exploration : “Human endeavors in space exploration highlight our innate curiosity and drive to understand our place in the cosmos.”
• Modern Architecture : “Modern architectural practices prioritize sustainability, functionality, and minimalism, often drawing inspiration from global influences.”
• Cultural Appropriation : “In the age of globalization, the line between cultural appreciation and appropriation becomes increasingly blurred, necessitating informed dialogue.”
• Cybersecurity : “As our reliance on digital platforms grows, the imperative for robust cybersecurity measures becomes even more critical.”
• Shakespearean Tragedies : “Shakespeare’s tragedies, from ‘Hamlet’ to ‘Othello,’ delve deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and ambition.”
• Sustainable Agriculture : “The shift towards sustainable agriculture aims to balance current food needs without compromising the environment or future generations.”
• Migration Patterns : “Global migration patterns in the 21st century are heavily influenced by geopolitical events, economic disparities, and environmental challenges.”
• Language Evolution : “Languages, being dynamic entities, evolve over time, influenced by cultural interactions, technological advancements, and societal changes.
• Digital Currency : “The proliferation of digital currencies like Bitcoin signifies a potential paradigm shift in global financial systems.”
• Colonialism : “Post-colonial societies still grapple with the socio-cultural and political legacies left behind by their colonial masters.”
• Nuclear Energy : “The debate surrounding nuclear energy centers on its efficiency as a power source versus the environmental and safety risks it poses.”
• Animal Rights : “The movement for animal rights challenges traditional views on animal utility and emphasizes their intrinsic value.”
• Virtual Reality : “Virtual reality’s immersion offers transformative possibilities in sectors from education to healthcare.”
• Epic Literature : “Epic literature, such as Homer’s ‘Iliad,’ often conveys societal values and historical truths of ancient civilizations.”
• Biotechnology : “Advancements in biotechnology promise solutions to some of humanity’s most persistent challenges, from disease to food security.”
• Jazz Music : “Originating in African American communities, jazz music became a powerful medium of expression and cultural identity.”
• Fashion Trends : “Fashion trends are not just sartorial choices but reflections of socio-political changes and zeitgeists of eras.”
• Urbanization : “Rapid urbanization presents cities with challenges in infrastructure, ecology, and socio-cultural integration.”
• Education System : “Modern education systems are increasingly recognizing the need for holistic approaches, valuing emotional and social learning alongside academics.”
• Alternative Medicine : “The resurgence of interest in alternative medicine underscores a collective desire for holistic health approaches.”
• Cinematic Evolution : “Cinema’s evolution reflects societal changes, technological advancements, and shifts in narrative preferences.”
• Tourism Impact : “While tourism boosts local economies, it also necessitates a balance to protect cultural heritage and natural resources.”
• Robotics : “The integration of robotics in various industries hints at a future where human-machine collaboration becomes the norm.”
• Gender Norms : “Contemporary discussions on gender challenge binary norms, embracing a spectrum of identities.”
• Aquatic Ecosystems : “Aquatic ecosystems, vital to global biodiversity, are facing threats from pollution, climate change, and overfishing.”
• Historical Narratives : “The way history is narrated often reveals more about the narrator’s perspective than the actual events.”
• Internet of Things (IoT) : “IoT’s promise lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate devices, transforming everyday experiences and industries.”
• Ancient Civilizations : “Ancient civilizations, from Mesopotamia to the Mayans, laid foundational blueprints for modern societal structures and innovations.”
• Human Genome : “Understanding the human genome unlocks mysteries of health, ancestry, and potential medical breakthroughs.”
• Ethical Consumerism : “The rise of ethical consumerism reflects a societal shift towards valuing sustainability and ethical production.”
• Political Revolutions : “Revolutions, like the French and Russian, showcase the power of collective dissent in shaping nations.”
• Modern Dance : “Modern dance breaks from traditional forms, encapsulating a range of emotions and contemporary themes.”
• Cyberbullying : “The digital age’s dark side is evident in the rise of cyberbullying, affecting mental health and well-being.”
• Exoplanets : “The discovery of exoplanets ignites questions about the uniqueness of Earth and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.”
• Biodiversity : “Biodiversity, essential for ecological balance, is under threat from human activities, necessitating urgent conservation measures.”
• Epidemiology : “Epidemiology’s insights are crucial for public health strategies, as seen in global responses to pandemics like COVID-19.”
• Solar Power : “Solar power stands at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions, promising a cleaner, decentralized energy future.”
• Linguistic Diversity : “Linguistic diversity, a testament to human cultural richness, requires preservation in the face of globalization.”
• Quantum Computing : “Quantum computing promises computational leaps, potentially revolutionizing sectors from medicine to cryptography.”
• Gothic Literature : “Gothic literature, with its eerie settings and moral ambiguities, explores the darker aspects of human psyche and societal norms.”
• Data Privacy : “In a digital age, data privacy emerges as a fundamental right, balancing technological advancements with personal security.”
• Renaissance Science : “The Renaissance period marked a seismic shift in scientific thinking, laying groundwork for modern scientific principles.”
• Neural Networks : “Neural networks, inspired by human brain structures, drive advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence.”
• Oral Traditions : “Oral traditions, a primary source of historical and cultural knowledge, emphasize the importance of storytelling in preserving heritage.”
• Youth Activism : “Youth activism today, propelled by digital connectivity, amplifies voices on global stages, addressing issues from climate change to social justice.”
• Sustainable Fashion : “Sustainable fashion transcends trendiness, advocating for eco-friendly practices and ethical labor standards.”
• Classical Mythology : “Classical mythology, replete with gods and heroes, offers insights into ancient societal values and human behaviors.”
• Martial Arts : “Martial arts, beyond physical prowess, encapsulate philosophies of discipline, respect, and spiritual growth.”
• Ballet : “Ballet, a harmonious blend of art and athleticism, narrates stories and emotions through graceful movements.”
• Cognitive Sciences : “Cognitive sciences delve into the intricacies of the human mind, bridging biology, psychology, and philosophy.”
• Meditation : “Meditation, an ancient practice, finds relevance in modern times, offering solace from the fast-paced stresses of contemporary life.”
• Archaeological Discoveries : “Archaeological discoveries, like the Rosetta Stone, unveil mysteries of bygone eras, bridging gaps in historical knowledge.”
• Modern Sculpture : “Modern sculpture challenges traditional forms, experimenting with materials, themes, and spatial concepts.”
• Hybrid Vehicles : “Hybrid vehicles, a stepping stone to full electrification, address environmental concerns while meeting current transportation needs.”
• Orchestra : “The evolution of orchestral music mirrors societal shifts, with compositions reflecting epochs’ ethos.”
• Coral Reefs : “Coral reefs, often termed the rainforests of the sea, are biodiversity hotspots facing existential threats from climate change.”
• Rural Economies : “Rural economies, though often overshadowed, play a pivotal role in national food security and cultural preservation.”
• Photography : “Photography’s evolution from film to digital chronicles technological advancements and shifts in artistic expression.”
• Child Rights : “Child rights, enshrined in international conventions, emphasize the universal importance of safeguarding children’s well-being and futures.”
• Nano-technology : “Nanotechnology, operating at molecular levels, heralds breakthroughs from medicine to material sciences.”
• Digital Literature : “Digital literature merges traditional narratives with interactive elements, redefining reader engagements.”
• Mountain Ecosystems : “Mountain ecosystems, vital for freshwater sources and biodiversity, require conservation in the face of anthropogenic pressures.”
• Organ Transplants : “Organ transplants, a medical marvel, bring forth ethical considerations of donation, allocation, and bioengineering.”
• Space Tourism : “Space tourism, once a sci-fi dream, nears reality, opening debates on its ecological, economic, and ethical implications.”
• Maritime History : “Maritime history chronicles seafaring civilizations, showcasing human ingenuity and exploration spirit.”
• Public Transport : “Efficient public transport systems alleviate urban congestion, reduce environmental impact, and foster community interconnectedness.”
• Graphic Novels : “Graphic novels, a blend of art and literature, tackle complex themes, often challenging traditional storytelling norms.”
• Wildlife Conservation : “Wildlife conservation efforts are pivotal in maintaining ecological balances and preventing irreversible species extinctions.”
• Human Rights : “The global human rights movement underscores the universality of basic rights, irrespective of borders or backgrounds.”
• Molecular Biology : “Molecular biology’s insights, decoding life at cellular levels, have revolutionized medicine, genetics, and biotechnology.”
• Impressionist Art : “Impressionist art, capturing fleeting moments, marked a departure from traditional realism, emphasizing light and perception.”
• Online Learning : “Online learning democratizes education, breaking geographical barriers but also presenting pedagogical challenges.”
• Urban Farming : “Urban farming initiatives merge sustainability with city living, promoting local food production and community cohesion.”
• Jazz Age Literature : “Jazz Age literature, typified by Fitzgerald’s works, mirrors the hedonism, societal shifts, and disillusionments of the 1920s.”
• Nuclear Disarmament : “Nuclear disarmament debates grapple with national security concerns versus global peace aspirations.”
• Circadian Rhythms : “Circadian rhythms, our biological clocks, influence myriad physiological processes, from sleep to metabolism.”
• Baroque Music : “Baroque music, characterized by its ornate style, mirrors the grandeur and intricacies of the era’s art and architecture.”
• Sports Psychology : “Sports psychology delves into the mental facets of athletic performance, from motivation to coping with pressure.”
• Desert Biomes : “Desert biomes, though seemingly barren, host unique biodiversity and are vital for understanding climate adaptations.”
• Renaissance Music : “Renaissance music, harmonizing vocals and instruments, reflects the period’s innovations and societal transformations.”
• Financial Crises : “Financial crises, like the 2008 meltdown, provide insights into systemic vulnerabilities and the interdependence of global economies.”
• Drone Technology : “Drone technology’s applications span from photography to agriculture, revolutionizing industries and presenting regulatory challenges.”
• Romantic Poetry : “Romantic poetry, with its emphasis on emotion and nature, rebelled against Enlightenment-era rationality.”
• Oceanography : “Oceanography’s explorations reveal underwater mysteries, impacting climate studies, biodiversity conservation, and marine resources.”
• Child Psychology : “Child psychology offers insights into developmental stages, shaping pedagogical approaches and parental strategies.”
• Crime Fiction : “Crime fiction, through its intricate plots, mirrors societal anxieties and the eternal conflict between good and evil.”
• Space-time Theories : “Space-time theories, from Einstein’s relativity to quantum mechanics, challenge our perceptions of reality.”
• Plant-based Diets : “Plant-based diets, beyond health benefits, reflect growing environmental consciousness and ethical considerations towards animal welfare.

MLA Format Thesis Statement Examples for Essay

Essays often require concise and argumentative thesis statements that guide the reader’s expectations. Here are ten thesis statements structured in the MLA format, tailored for essays on diverse topics.

• Globalization Effects : “The myriad facets of globalization, from cultural exchange to economic interdependence, have fundamentally transformed societies, both positively and negatively.”
• Modern Architecture : “The aesthetics and principles of modern architecture reflect a fusion of functionality with minimalism, challenging traditional architectural paradigms.”
• Emotional Intelligence : “Emotional intelligence, more than mere cognitive ability, plays a pivotal role in determining success in interpersonal relationships and professional settings.”
• Digital Detox : “The concept of a digital detox has emerged as a response to society’s growing dependency on technology, emphasizing the need for balance.”
• Pop Art Movement : “The Pop Art movement of the 1960s, characterized by its vibrant imagery and commercial aesthetics, critiqued and celebrated consumer culture.”
• Mental Health Stigma : “The pervasive stigma surrounding mental health hinders early intervention and perpetuates misconceptions, necessitating societal awareness campaigns.”
• Music Therapy : “Music therapy offers therapeutic avenues for various psychological and physical ailments, harnessing the universal appeal and impact of melodies.”
• Language Evolution : “The continuous evolution of language, influenced by socio-political changes and technological innovations, is a testament to its dynamic nature.”
• Sustainable Tourism : “Sustainable tourism endeavors to balance the economic benefits of travel with ecological preservation and cultural respect.”
• Parenting Styles : “Differing parenting styles, from authoritative to permissive, have distinct impacts on child development, shaping their personalities and coping mechanisms.”

MLA Format Thesis Statement Examples for Research Paper

Research paper thesis statement delve deep into specific topics, necessitating clear and comprehensive thesis statements. The following are ten MLA-formatted thesis statements crafted for research papers spanning a range of subjects.

• Neuroplasticity : “Recent research into neuroplasticity challenges longstanding beliefs about the brain’s rigidity, shedding light on its capacity to adapt and reorganize post trauma.”
• Renewable Energy Technologies : “Emerging renewable energy technologies, from wave energy converters to advanced solar panels, hold the key to a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.”
• Gut Microbiome : “The human gut microbiome, with its vast array of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in overall health, influencing everything from digestion to mental well-being.”
• Quantum Teleportation : “Recent advancements in quantum teleportation mark significant steps towards practical quantum communication, with profound implications for information security.”
• Forensic Anthropology : “Forensic anthropology’s methodologies provide invaluable insights in criminal investigations, assisting in the identification and analysis of skeletal remains.”
• Nanomedicine : “The burgeoning field of nanomedicine promises targeted drug delivery and improved therapeutic outcomes, especially in oncological treatments.”
• Artificial Photosynthesis : “Artificial photosynthesis, mimicking nature’s process, offers potential solutions for sustainable energy production and carbon dioxide reduction.”
• Ancient Trade Routes : “Research into ancient trade routes, such as the Silk Road, uncovers the complexities of pre-modern commerce, cultural exchange, and geopolitics.”
• Genetic Engineering in Agriculture : “Genetic engineering techniques in agriculture, like CRISPR, have revolutionized crop production, though they ignite debates on ethics and biosafety.”
• Psychoacoustics : “The field of psychoacoustics delves into the intricate relationship between sound perception and psychological responses, informing areas from music production to urban planning.

Does MLA use a thesis statement?

Absolutely! The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is a widely-used style guide in the humanities, especially in fields like literature and linguistics. While MLA provides guidelines on how to format a paper, it doesn’t specify content. However, most academic essays and research papers demand a thesis statement, regardless of the citation style. In MLA-formatted papers, the emphasis is on clarity and conciseness, making thesis statements crucial for guiding readers and articulating the central argument or purpose of the paper.

Where does a thesis statement go in MLA format?

In an MLA-formatted essay or research paper, the thesis statement typically appears at the end of the introductory paragraph. This placement ensures that readers are aware of the paper’s purpose or main argument as they delve into the main content. The thesis statement is usually one or two sentences long and presents the central idea or claim of the paper.

How do you write a thesis statement in MLA Format? – Step by Step Guide

• Identify Your Topic : Before writing a thesis, you need a topic. It could be an assigned topic or one of your choosing, but you should have a clear idea of what you want to discuss.
• Narrow Down Your Focus : A thesis statement should not be too broad. For instance, instead of writing about “The impact of technology,” you might narrow it down to “The impact of smartphones on adolescent social behavior.”
• Ask a Question : Pose a question about your topic. Using the previous example, you might ask, “How have smartphones affected adolescent social behavior?”
• Formulate Your Answer : This becomes the core of your thesis statement. For instance, “Smartphones have transformed adolescent social behavior, leading to increased virtual interaction and decreased face-to-face communication.”
• Revise for Clarity and Brevity : Refine your thesis to make it as clear and concise as possible. Eliminate unnecessary words or vague concepts.
• Ensure It’s Arguable : A good thesis is not a fact but a claim that needs supporting evidence. Ensure your thesis invites discussion and is not just a statement of fact.

Tips for Writing an MLA Thesis Statement

• Avoid the Passive Voice : Using active voice can make your thesis sound more decisive.
• Stay Objective : Especially in research papers, avoid personal pronouns like “I believe” or “In my opinion.” The thesis should stand on its own.
• Avoid Questions : While asking questions can help shape your thesis, the final statement should be declarative, not interrogative.
• Stay Specific : Details can bolster a thesis statement. For instance, specify the groups or time periods you’re discussing.
• Revisit Your Thesis : As you write, you might find your perspective shifting. Revisit your thesis to ensure it still aligns with your paper’s content.

Mastering the art of crafting an effective MLA thesis statement is pivotal for academic success. By understanding the structure, guidelines, and tips associated with the MLA format, writers can effectively communicate their main ideas, ensuring clarity and coherence in their essays and research papers.

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MLA 9th Edition Style Guide: Dissertation/Thesis

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Njus, Jesse. Performing the Passion: A Study on the Nature of Medieval Acting . 2010. Northwestern U,

MA thesis.  ProQuest , search.proquest.com/docview/305212264?accountid=7432.

Dissertation

PhD dissertation.  ProQuest , search.proquest.com/docview/305212264?accountid=7432.

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Citation guides

All you need to know about citations

How to cite a master's thesis in MLA

To cite a master's thesis in a reference entry in MLA style 9th edition include the following elements:

• Author(s) name: Give the last name and name as presented in the source (e. g. Watson, John). For two authors, reverse only the first name, followed by ‘and’ and the second name in normal order (e. g. Watson, John, and John Watson). For three or more authors, list the first name followed by et al. (e. g. Watson, John, et al.)
• Thesis title: Titles are italicized when independent. If part of a larger source add quotation marks and do not italize.
• Year of publication: Give the year of publication as presented in the source.
• University: Give the name of the institution.
• Degree: Type of degree.

Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of a master's thesis in MLA style 9th edition:

Author(s) name . Thesis title . Year of publication . University , Degree .

Take a look at our works cited examples that demonstrate the MLA style guidelines in action:

A psychology master's thesis with one author

Bauger, Lars . Personality, Passion, Self-esteem and Psychological Well-being among Junior Elite Athletes in Norway . 2011 . U of Tromsø , Master's Thesis .

A master's thesis with one author

Aube, Kyle Eric . A Comparison of Water Main Failure Prediction Models in San Luis Obispo, CA . 2019 . Cal Poly , Master's Thesis .

This citation style guide is based on the MLA Handbook (9 th edition).

More useful guides

• MLA 8th ed. Style Guide: Dissertations, Theses
• MLA, 8th Edition: Master's Thesis or Project
• How do I cite a dissertation in MLA style?

More great BibGuru guides

• APA: how to cite a BrainPOP video
• APA: how to cite a preface
• AMA: how to cite websites

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😕 What is an MLA Citation Generator?

An MLA citation generator is a software tool designed to automatically create academic citations in the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation format. The generator will take information such as document titles, author, and URLs as in input, and output fully formatted citations that can be inserted into the Works Cited page of an MLA-compliant academic paper.

The citations on a Works Cited page show the external sources that were used to write the main body of the academic paper, either directly as references and quotes, or indirectly as ideas.

👩‍🎓 Who uses an MLA Citation Generator?

MLA style is most often used by middle school and high school students in preparation for transition to college and further education. Ironically, MLA style is not actually used all that often beyond middle and high school, with APA (American Psychological Association) style being the favored style at colleges across the country.

It is also important at this level to learn why it's critical to cite sources, not just how to cite them.

🙌 Why should I use a Citation Generator?

Writing citations manually is time consuming and error prone. Automating this process with a citation generator is easy, straightforward, and gives accurate results. It's also easier to keep citations organized and in the correct order.

The Works Cited page contributes to the overall grade of a paper, so it is important to produce accurately formatted citations that follow the guidelines in the official MLA Handbook .

⚙️ How do I use MyBib's MLA Citation Generator?

It's super easy to create MLA style citations with our MLA Citation Generator. Scroll back up to the generator at the top of the page and select the type of source you're citing. Books, journal articles, and webpages are all examples of the types of sources our generator can cite automatically. Then either search for the source, or enter the details manually in the citation form.

The generator will produce a formatted MLA citation that can be copied and pasted directly into your document, or saved to MyBib as part of your overall Works Cited page (which can be downloaded fully later!).

MyBib supports the following for MLA style:

Daniel is a qualified librarian, former teacher, and citation expert. He has been contributing to MyBib since 2018.

Sample Essays: Writing with MLA Style

Congratulations to the students whose essays were selected for the 2023 edition of Writing with MLA Style! Essays were selected as examples of excellent student writing that use MLA style for citing sources. Essays have been lightly edited. 

If your institution subscribes to MLA Handbook Plus , you can access annotated versions of the essays selected in 2022 and 2023. 

Writing with MLA Style: 2023 Edition

The following essays were selected for the 2023 edition of Writing with MLA Style. The 2023 selection committee was composed of Ellen C. Carillo, University of Connecticut (chair); Rachel Ihara, Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York; and Tarshia L. Stanley, Wagner College.

Caroline Anderson (Pepperdine University)

“ L’Appel du Vide : Making Spaces for Sinful Exploration in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ”

Hunter Daniels (University of South Carolina, Aiken)

“Biblical Legalism and Cultural Misogyny in The Tragedy of Mariam ”

Aspen English (Southern Utah University)

“Putting the ‘Comm’ in Comics: A Communication-Theory-Informed Reading of Graphic Narratives”

Raul Martin (Lamar University)

“The Book-Object Binary: Access and Sustainability in the Academic Library”

Grace Quasebarth (Salve Regina University)

“Finding a Voice: The Loss of Machismo Criticisms through Translation in Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits ”

Writing with MLA Style: 2022 Edition

The following essays were selected for the 2022 edition of Writing with MLA Style. The 2022 selection committee was composed of Ellen C. Carillo, University of Connecticut; Jessica Edwards, University of Delaware (chair); and Deborah H. Holdstein, Columbia College Chicago.

Kaile Chu (New York University, Shanghai)

“Miles Apart: An Investigation into Dedicated Online Communities’ Impact on Cultural Bias”

Sietse Hagen (University of Groningen)

“The Significance of Fiction in the Debate on Dehumanizing Media Portrayals of Refugees”

Klara Ismail (University of Exeter)

“Queering the Duchess: Exploring the Body of the Female Homosexual in John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi ”

Yasmin Mendoza (Whittier College)

“Banning without Bans”

Niki Nassiri (Stony Brook University)

“Modern-Day US Institutions and Slavery in the Twenty-First Century”

Samantha Wilber (Palm Beach Atlantic University)

“‘Pero, tu no eres facil’: The Poet X as Multicultural Bildungsroman”

Writing with MLA Style: 2019 Edition

The following essays were selected for the 2019 edition of Writing with MLA Style. The 2019 selection committee was composed of Jessica Edwards, University of Delaware; Deborah H. Holdstein, Columbia College Chicago (chair); and Liana Silva, César E. Chavez High School, Houston, Texas.

Catherine Charlton (University of King’s College, Nova Scotia)

“‘Coal Is in My Blood’: Public and Private Representations of Community Identity in Springhill, Nova Scotia”

Alyiah Gonzales (California Polytechnic State University)

“Disrupting White Normativity in Langston Hughes’s ‘I, Too’ and Toni Morrison’s ‘Recitatif’”

Meg Matthias (Miami University, Ohio)

“Prescriptions of (Living) Historical Happiness: Gendered Performance and Racial Comfort in Reenactment”

Jennifer Nguyen  (Chaminade University of Honolulu)

“The Vietnam War, the American War: Literature, Film, and Popular Memory”

Emily Schlepp (Northwest University)

“A Force of Love: A Deconstructionist Reading of Characters in Dickens’s  Great Expectations ”

MLA Thesis Guidelines

Mla independent thesis.

Landscape Architecture students are not required to complete an independent thesis. The thesis project is an opportunity for students to pursue a design project that they have researched and developed independently. Landscape students interested in pursuing thesis declare the thesis track in May prior to their final fall semester. MLA students who declare thesis will be required to enroll in Thesis Prep seminar (ADV-9341; 4-units) in the fall of their final year.

The Independent Design Thesis track (ADV-9341; 4-units, ADV-9342; 8-units) is a full-year commitment and carries a total of 12-units.

Candidates pursuing a thesis in the spring must complete an option studio offered by the Department of Landscape Architecture (1400-level option studio) in addition to the Thesis Prep seminar in their final fall term.

MLA Thesis Manual 2022-2023 MLA Thesis Manual Appendix I – Readings MLA Thesis Manual Appendix II – Archiving Guidelines MLA Thesis Manual Appendix III – Sample Permissions Statement MLA Thesis Manual Appendix IV – PDF Creation Examples

MLA students entering their final year who wish to submit a binding declaration to the one-year thesis track must do so by Thursday, May 24 at 5:00 pm ET. Please contact Program Coordinator Briana King for more information.

MLA Thesis Declaration Form 2024-2025

Selected MLA theses are available through HOLLIS (Harvard Library) or in hard copy in the Loeb Design Library.

For current thesis students, all final PDF theses must be submitted to the Thesis Director and Program Coordinator no later than 9:00 AM (ET) on May 13th, 2024. The Department reserves the right to withhold student grades until thesis materials are submitted .

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Guidelines for referring to the works of others in your text using MLA style are covered throughout the  MLA Handbook  and in chapter 7 of the  MLA Style Manual . Both books provide extensive examples, so it's a good idea to consult them if you want to become even more familiar with MLA guidelines or if you have a particular reference question.

Basic in-text citation rules

In MLA Style, referring to the works of others in your text is done using parenthetical citations . This method involves providing relevant source information in parentheses whenever a sentence uses a quotation or paraphrase. Usually, the simplest way to do this is to put all of the source information in parentheses at the end of the sentence (i.e., just before the period). However, as the examples below will illustrate, there are situations where it makes sense to put the parenthetical elsewhere in the sentence, or even to leave information out.

General Guidelines

• The source information required in a parenthetical citation depends (1) upon the source medium (e.g. print, web, DVD) and (2) upon the source’s entry on the Works Cited page.
• Any source information that you provide in-text must correspond to the source information on the Works Cited page. More specifically, whatever signal word or phrase you provide to your readers in the text must be the first thing that appears on the left-hand margin of the corresponding entry on the Works Cited page.

In-text citations: Author-page style

MLA format follows the author-page method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear on your Works Cited page. The author's name may appear either in the sentence itself or in parentheses following the quotation or paraphrase, but the page number(s) should always appear in the parentheses, not in the text of your sentence. For example:

Both citations in the examples above, (263) and (Wordsworth 263), tell readers that the information in the sentence can be located on page 263 of a work by an author named Wordsworth. If readers want more information about this source, they can turn to the Works Cited page, where, under the name of Wordsworth, they would find the following information:

Wordsworth, William. Lyrical Ballads . Oxford UP, 1967.

In-text citations for print sources with known author

For print sources like books, magazines, scholarly journal articles, and newspapers, provide a signal word or phrase (usually the author’s last name) and a page number. If you provide the signal word/phrase in the sentence, you do not need to include it in the parenthetical citation.

These examples must correspond to an entry that begins with Burke, which will be the first thing that appears on the left-hand margin of an entry on the Works Cited page:

Burke, Kenneth. Language as Symbolic Action: Essays on Life, Literature, and Method . University of California Press, 1966.

In-text citations for print sources by a corporate author

When a source has a corporate author, it is acceptable to use the name of the corporation followed by the page number for the in-text citation. You should also use abbreviations (e.g., nat'l for national) where appropriate, so as to avoid interrupting the flow of reading with overly long parenthetical citations.

In-text citations for sources with non-standard labeling systems

If a source uses a labeling or numbering system other than page numbers, such as a script or poetry, precede the citation with said label. When citing a poem, for instance, the parenthetical would begin with the word “line”, and then the line number or range. For example, the examination of William Blake’s poem “The Tyger” would be cited as such:

The speaker makes an ardent call for the exploration of the connection between the violence of nature and the divinity of creation. “In what distant deeps or skies. / Burnt the fire of thine eyes," they ask in reference to the tiger as they attempt to reconcile their intimidation with their relationship to creationism (lines 5-6).

Longer labels, such as chapters (ch.) and scenes (sc.), should be abbreviated.

In-text citations for print sources with no known author

When a source has no known author, use a shortened title of the work instead of an author name, following these guidelines.

Place the title in quotation marks if it's a short work (such as an article) or italicize it if it's a longer work (e.g. plays, books, television shows, entire Web sites) and provide a page number if it is available.

Titles longer than a standard noun phrase should be shortened into a noun phrase by excluding articles. For example, To the Lighthouse would be shortened to Lighthouse .

If the title cannot be easily shortened into a noun phrase, the title should be cut after the first clause, phrase, or punctuation:

In this example, since the reader does not know the author of the article, an abbreviated title appears in the parenthetical citation, and the full title of the article appears first at the left-hand margin of its respective entry on the Works Cited page. Thus, the writer includes the title in quotation marks as the signal phrase in the parenthetical citation in order to lead the reader directly to the source on the Works Cited page. The Works Cited entry appears as follows:

"The Impact of Global Warming in North America." Global Warming: Early Signs . 1999. www.climatehotmap.org/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2009.

If the title of the work begins with a quotation mark, such as a title that refers to another work, that quote or quoted title can be used as the shortened title. The single quotation marks must be included in the parenthetical, rather than the double quotation.

Parenthetical citations and Works Cited pages, used in conjunction, allow readers to know which sources you consulted in writing your essay, so that they can either verify your interpretation of the sources or use them in their own scholarly work.

Author-page citation for classic and literary works with multiple editions

Page numbers are always required, but additional citation information can help literary scholars, who may have a different edition of a classic work, like Marx and Engels's  The Communist Manifesto . In such cases, give the page number of your edition (making sure the edition is listed in your Works Cited page, of course) followed by a semicolon, and then the appropriate abbreviations for volume (vol.), book (bk.), part (pt.), chapter (ch.), section (sec.), or paragraph (par.). For example:

Author-page citation for works in an anthology, periodical, or collection

When you cite a work that appears inside a larger source (for instance, an article in a periodical or an essay in a collection), cite the author of the  internal source (i.e., the article or essay). For example, to cite Albert Einstein's article "A Brief Outline of the Theory of Relativity," which was published in  Nature  in 1921, you might write something like this:

See also our page on documenting periodicals in the Works Cited .

Citing authors with same last names

Sometimes more information is necessary to identify the source from which a quotation is taken. For instance, if two or more authors have the same last name, provide both authors' first initials (or even the authors' full name if different authors share initials) in your citation. For example:

Citing a work by multiple authors

For a source with two authors, list the authors’ last names in the text or in the parenthetical citation:

Corresponding Works Cited entry:

Best, David, and Sharon Marcus. “Surface Reading: An Introduction.” Representations , vol. 108, no. 1, Fall 2009, pp. 1-21. JSTOR, doi:10.1525/rep.2009.108.1.1

For a source with three or more authors, list only the first author’s last name, and replace the additional names with et al.

Franck, Caroline, et al. “Agricultural Subsidies and the American Obesity Epidemic.” American Journal of Preventative Medicine , vol. 45, no. 3, Sept. 2013, pp. 327-333.

Citing multiple works by the same author

If you cite more than one work by an author, include a shortened title for the particular work from which you are quoting to distinguish it from the others. Put short titles of books in italics and short titles of articles in quotation marks.

Citing two articles by the same author :

Citing two books by the same author :

Additionally, if the author's name is not mentioned in the sentence, format your citation with the author's name followed by a comma, followed by a shortened title of the work, and, when appropriate, the page number(s):

Citing multivolume works

If you cite from different volumes of a multivolume work, always include the volume number followed by a colon. Put a space after the colon, then provide the page number(s). (If you only cite from one volume, provide only the page number in parentheses.)

Citing the Bible

In your first parenthetical citation, you want to make clear which Bible you're using (and underline or italicize the title), as each version varies in its translation, followed by book (do not italicize or underline), chapter, and verse. For example:

If future references employ the same edition of the Bible you’re using, list only the book, chapter, and verse in the parenthetical citation:

John of Patmos echoes this passage when describing his vision (Rev. 4.6-8).

Citing indirect sources

Sometimes you may have to use an indirect source. An indirect source is a source cited within another source. For such indirect quotations, use "qtd. in" to indicate the source you actually consulted. For example:

Note that, in most cases, a responsible researcher will attempt to find the original source, rather than citing an indirect source.

Citing transcripts, plays, or screenplays

Sources that take the form of a dialogue involving two or more participants have special guidelines for their quotation and citation. Each line of dialogue should begin with the speaker's name written in all capitals and indented half an inch. A period follows the name (e.g., JAMES.) . After the period, write the dialogue. Each successive line after the first should receive an additional indentation. When another person begins speaking, start a new line with that person's name indented only half an inch. Repeat this pattern each time the speaker changes. You can include stage directions in the quote if they appear in the original source.

Conclude with a parenthetical that explains where to find the excerpt in the source. Usually, the author and title of the source can be given in a signal phrase before quoting the excerpt, so the concluding parenthetical will often just contain location information like page numbers or act/scene indicators.

Here is an example from O'Neill's  The Iceman Cometh.

WILLIE. (Pleadingly) Give me a drink, Rocky. Harry said it was all right. God, I need a drink.

ROCKY. Den grab it. It's right under your nose.

WILLIE. (Avidly) Thanks. (He takes the bottle with both twitching hands and tilts it to his lips and gulps down the whiskey in big swallows.) (1.1)

Citing non-print or sources from the Internet

With more and more scholarly work published on the Internet, you may have to cite sources you found in digital environments. While many sources on the Internet should not be used for scholarly work (reference the OWL's  Evaluating Sources of Information  resource), some Web sources are perfectly acceptable for research. When creating in-text citations for electronic, film, or Internet sources, remember that your citation must reference the source on your Works Cited page.

Sometimes writers are confused with how to craft parenthetical citations for electronic sources because of the absence of page numbers. However, these sorts of entries often do not require a page number in the parenthetical citation. For electronic and Internet sources, follow the following guidelines:

• Include in the text the first item that appears in the Work Cited entry that corresponds to the citation (e.g. author name, article name, website name, film name).
• Do not provide paragraph numbers or page numbers based on your Web browser’s print preview function.
• Unless you must list the Web site name in the signal phrase in order to get the reader to the appropriate entry, do not include URLs in-text. Only provide partial URLs such as when the name of the site includes, for example, a domain name, like  CNN.com  or  Forbes.com,  as opposed to writing out http://www.cnn.com or http://www.forbes.com.

Miscellaneous non-print sources

Two types of non-print sources you may encounter are films and lectures/presentations:

In the two examples above “Herzog” (a film’s director) and “Yates” (a presentor) lead the reader to the first item in each citation’s respective entry on the Works Cited page:

Herzog, Werner, dir. Fitzcarraldo . Perf. Klaus Kinski. Filmverlag der Autoren, 1982.

Yates, Jane. "Invention in Rhetoric and Composition." Gaps Addressed: Future Work in Rhetoric and Composition, CCCC, Palmer House Hilton, 2002. Address.

Electronic sources

Electronic sources may include web pages and online news or magazine articles:

In the first example (an online magazine article), the writer has chosen not to include the author name in-text; however, two entries from the same author appear in the Works Cited. Thus, the writer includes both the author’s last name and the article title in the parenthetical citation in order to lead the reader to the appropriate entry on the Works Cited page (see below).

In the second example (a web page), a parenthetical citation is not necessary because the page does not list an author, and the title of the article, “MLA Formatting and Style Guide,” is used as a signal phrase within the sentence. If the title of the article was not named in the sentence, an abbreviated version would appear in a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence. Both corresponding Works Cited entries are as follows:

Taylor, Rumsey. "Fitzcarraldo." Slant , 13 Jun. 2003, www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/fitzcarraldo/. Accessed 29 Sep. 2009. 

"MLA Formatting and Style Guide." The Purdue OWL , 2 Aug. 2016, owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/. Accessed 2 April 2018.

Multiple citations

To cite multiple sources in the same parenthetical reference, separate the citations by a semi-colon:

Time-based media sources

When creating in-text citations for media that has a runtime, such as a movie or podcast, include the range of hours, minutes and seconds you plan to reference. For example: (00:02:15-00:02:35).

When a citation is not needed

Common sense and ethics should determine your need for documenting sources. You do not need to give sources for familiar proverbs, well-known quotations, or common knowledge (For example, it is expected that U.S. citizens know that George Washington was the first President.). Remember that citing sources is a rhetorical task, and, as such, can vary based on your audience. If you’re writing for an expert audience of a scholarly journal, for example, you may need to deal with expectations of what constitutes “common knowledge” that differ from common norms.

Other Sources

The MLA Handbook describes how to cite many different kinds of authors and content creators. However, you may occasionally encounter a source or author category that the handbook does not describe, making the best way to proceed can be unclear.

In these cases, it's typically acceptable to apply the general principles of MLA citation to the new kind of source in a way that's consistent and sensible. A good way to do this is to simply use the standard MLA directions for a type of source that resembles the source you want to cite.

You may also want to investigate whether a third-party organization has provided directions for how to cite this kind of source. For example, Norquest College provides guidelines for citing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers⁠ —an author category that does not appear in the MLA Handbook . In cases like this, however, it's a good idea to ask your instructor or supervisor whether using third-party citation guidelines might present problems.

How To Do In-Text Citations in MLA Format: A Quick Guide for Students

An in-text citation is a reference to information originating from another source. In-text citations must be used when you summarize, quote, paraphrase or refer to another source within a written document, such as academic literature. 

In-text citations are essential in academic writing. Without them, how would readers verify the information is reliable and accurate? Trustworthy authors include their sources for verifiable information rather than opinions so readers know where the evidence for claims can be explored further.

The Modern Language Association manages MLA style standards with the purpose to “strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature” and standardize how information sources are credited in scholarly writing. Not only does the MLA recommend proper citation format, but it also suggests proper general formatting, including document spacing, margins and font size.

As you begin authoring scholarly works, you’ll find the need to credit sources. Use this quick guide to learn how to do in-text citations in MLA format.

What is MLA format?

How to do in-text citations in mla, how to do a works cited page in mla, common challenges and solutions, tips for effective in-text citations.

MLA citation style is a system for crediting sources in scholarly writing and has been widely used in classrooms, journals and the press since 1931. What began with a three-page style sheet for the MLA’s scholarly journal became a uniform writing style preferred by academics and the editorial media everywhere.

Since its inception, the in-text citation style has changed from a recommended combination of footnotes and in-text citations in MLA format. The 1951 style guide suggested : “If the reference is brief, insert it, within parentheses, in the text itself . . . ; if it is lengthy, put it in a [foot]note.” As technology and society changed, so did the MLA style. In 1995, the document added recommendations for citing CD-ROMs and online databases. In 2016, the MLA published one of the most modern versions of the MLA Handbook , wherein in-text citations in MLA style should now be written according to a template of core elements.

The modern-day components of an in-text citation in MLA format, as of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook , include:

• Author’s name
• Page numbers (if applicable)

These short in-text citations serve as references to a Works Cited list, which should follow a written piece of work and list all sources used in detail.

Authors who correctly use in-text citations in MLA style will prove their credibility, integrity and responsibility to share accurate and reliable information and simultaneously protect themselves from stealing sources and ideas from other writers, also known as plagiarism. Plagiarism is a severe offense , and many institutions have strict rules against the practice .

Now that you understand the importance of citations let’s review how to use in-text citations in MLA style. When referring to another author’s work in your own written text, you must use parenthetical citations, including the source in parentheses within the sentence that refers to the work. 

If a source does not have page numbers, use another numbering system, such as chapters, sections, scenes or articles that are explicitly numbered. If there are no numbered divisions within the work, simply cite the author’s name.

The basic format for in-text citations in MLA writings is as follows:

• The pail of water was at the top of the hill, which Jack and Jill decided to climb (Mother Goose 1) .

If including a direct quote from a source, enclose the entire quote within quotation marks to avoid confusing the reader. The in-text citation should fall outside the quotation marks at the end of the sentence before the sentence’s period. Paraphrased information does not need quotation marks but does need proper in-text citation.

It should be noted that any information included in your in-text citations must refer to the source information on the Works Cited page listed at the end of your document.

If you’re wondering how to list the references on the Works Cited page, the format varies depending on the type, such as a book or a website.

How to cite a book in MLA

• Author last name, first name. Title. Publisher, year.

How to cite an article in MLA

• Author last name, first name. “Article title.” Publication, volume/issue, publication month. Year, page numbers. Database, reference URL.

How to cite a website in MLA

• Author last name, first name. “Title.” Publication, publication month. Year, web page URL.

While constructing your paper, you may encounter a few citation challenges, such as a source with multiple authors or no known author. Though this can be confusing, this is how to use in-text citations in MLA style for challenging situations.

How to cite multiple authors in MLA

To write an in-text citation in MLA format for a source with multiple authors , simply list each author’s last name before the page number. Sources with more than two authors should cite the first author, followed by “et al.” For example:

• 2 authors: (Hall and Oates 1)
• 3+ authors: (Hall et al. 1)

How to cite sources with no author in MLA

Sources with no author must match the first listed element within its Works Cited entry. For example:

• In-text citation: (Baa, Baa, Black Sheep 0:15)
• Works Cited entry: “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep.” Spotify . https://open.spotify.com/track/1Zpe8ef70Wx20Bu2mLdXc1?si=7TlgCyj1SYmP6K-uy4isuQ

How to cite indirect or secondary sources in MLA

A secondary source is a publication that provides second-hand information from other researchers. You may use secondary sources in your research, though it’s best practice to search for the primary source that supplied the first-hand information, so cite it directly.

If you don’t have access to the original source, include the original author and the author of the secondary source , with the abbreviation “qtd. in” indicating where you accessed the secondary quote. “Qtd. in” stands for “quoted in.” For example:

• (qtd. in Baa, Baa, Black Sheep 0:15)

Using et al. in MLA citations

As described above, et al. is used instead of listing all names of three or more authors, editors or contributors within your citations. It can also cite collections of essays, stories or poems with three or more contributors. When using et al., you should always use the last name of the first writer listed on the source. For example:

• (Earth et al. “September” 0:15)
• Contributors: Earth, Wind and Fire

The most crucial part of in-text citations in MLA style is to keep a consistent and accurate format within the entire body of work. Always use the same punctuation within the in-text citations and the same formatting for sources of the same type. Ensure that double-checking citations is part of your overall proofreading process. All citations, like the written work, should be precise and error-free.

Various tools exist to help you collect and manage your sources and citations. Popular tools include Zotero , EndNote and RefWorks . These tools can create citations for you and keep track of your research documents so you can reference them again if needed. It’s wise to track your sources as they’re included in your writing rather than compiling and citing them when finished.

More resources for writing in MLA format

For the most up-to-date in-text citation information, refer to the MLA Handbook , which can be found online, in bookstores and libraries. The most recent edition of the MLA Handbook is the 9th edition, published in spring 2021.

The MLA also operates the MLA Handbook Plus , a subscription-based digital platform that offers all of the content included in the print edition, plus annual updates and valuable resources, and can be accessed anywhere, whether you’re traveling, at home or in the classroom.

The MLA Style Center offers free online sources on the official MLA style, including templates, questions and answers and advice.

Furman University offers trained consultants for students on campus to provide one-on-one or small-group assistance for writing projects at the Writing & Media Lab (WML). You can make an appointment with a WML Consultant or stop by the James B. Duke Library in the Center for Academic Success (room 002) for on-demand help (subject to scheduling).

The Writing & Media Lab can help with many tasks related to student writing and multimedia projects, including:

• Brainstorming a paper or project
• Outlining your ideas
• Reading through your writing
• Creating a presentation or poster
• Helping you practice your presentation
• Planning a video or podcast
• Revising, proofreading, or editing

Mastering the art of in-text citations in MLA format will ensure that you, as an academic author, will portray yourself as a serious, responsible and factual writer who uses accurate and reliable sources.

The perspectives and thoughts shared in the Furman Blog belong solely to the author and may not align with the official stance or policies of Furman University. All referenced sources were accurate as of the date of publication.

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