{"id":265,"date":"2015-05-18T23:58:19","date_gmt":"2015-05-18T23:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/masteryamlit1x6xmaster\/?post_type=chapter&p=265"},"modified":"2015-07-23T20:18:00","modified_gmt":"2015-07-23T20:18:00","slug":"reading-using-modern-language-association-mla-style","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-americanlit1\/chapter\/reading-using-modern-language-association-mla-style\/","title":{"raw":"Using Modern Language Association (MLA) Style","rendered":"Using Modern Language Association (MLA) Style"},"content":{"raw":"
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Learning Objectives<\/h2>\r\n
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  1. Identify the major components of a research paper written using MLA style.<\/li>\r\n\t
  2. Apply general Modern Language Association (MLA) style and formatting conventions in a research paper.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\nWe have addressed American Psychological Association (APA) style, as well as the importance of giving credit where credit is due, so now let\u2019s turn our attention to the formatting and citation style of the Modern Language Association, known as MLA style.\r\n\r\nMLA style<\/span><\/span> is often used in the liberal arts and humanities. Like APA style, it provides a uniform framework for consistency across a document in several areas. MLA style provides a format for the manuscript text and parenthetical citations, or in-text citations. It also provides the framework for the works cited area for references at the end of the essay. MLA style emphasizes brevity and clarity. As a student writer, it is to your advantage to be familiar with both major styles, and this section will outline the main points of MLA as well as offer specific examples of commonly used references. Remember that your writing represents you in your absence. The correct use of a citation style demonstrates your attention to detail and ability to produce a scholarly work in an acceptable style, and it can help prevent the appearance or accusations of plagiarism.\r\n\r\nIf you are taking an English, art history, or music appreciation class, chances are that you will be asked to write an essay in MLA format. One common question goes something like \u201cWhat\u2019s the difference?\u201d referring to APA and MLA style, and it deserves our consideration. The liberal arts and humanities often reflect works of creativity that come from individual and group effort, but they may adapt, change, or build on previous creative works. The inspiration to create something new, from a song to a music video, may contain elements of previous works. Drawing on your fellow artists and authors is part of the creative process, and so is giving credit where credit is due.\r\n\r\nA reader interested in your subject wants not only to read what you wrote but also to be aware of the works that you used to create it. Readers want to examine your sources to see if you know your subject, to see if you missed anything, or if you offer anything new and interesting. Your new or up-to-date sources may offer the reader additional insight on the subject being considered. It also demonstrates that you, as the author, are up-to-date on what is happening in the field or on the subject. Giving credit where it is due enhances your credibility, and the MLA style offers a clear format to use.\r\n\r\nUncredited work that is incorporated into your own writing is considered plagiarism. In the professional world, plagiarism results in loss of credibility and often compensation, including future opportunities. In a classroom setting, plagiarism results in a range of sanctions, from loss of a grade to expulsion from a school or university. In both professional and academic settings, the penalties are severe. MLA offers artists and authors a systematic style of reference, again giving credit where credit is due, to protect MLA users from accusations of plagiarism.\r\n\r\nMLA style uses a citation in the body of the essay that links to the works cited page at the end. The in-text citation is offset with parentheses, clearly calling attention to itself for the reader. The reference to the author or title is like a signal to the reader that information was incorporated from a separate source. It also provides the reader with information to then turn to the works cited section of your essay (at the end) where they can find the complete reference. If you follow the MLA style, and indicate your source both in your essay and in the works cited section, you will prevent the possibility of plagiarism. If you follow the MLA guidelines, pay attention to detail, and clearly indicate your sources, then this approach to formatting and citation offers a proven way to demonstrate your respect for other authors and artists.\r\n
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    Five Reasons to Use MLA Style<\/h3>\r\n
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    1. To demonstrate your ability to present a professional, academic essay in the correct style<\/li>\r\n\t
    2. To gain credibility and authenticity for your work<\/li>\r\n\t
    3. To enhance the ability of the reader to locate information discussed in your essay<\/li>\r\n\t
    4. To give credit where credit is due and prevent plagiarism<\/li>\r\n\t
    5. To get a good grade or demonstrate excellence in your writing<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\nBefore we transition to specifics, please consider one word of caution: consistency. If you are instructed to use the MLA style and need to indicate a date, you have options. For example, you could use an international or a US style:\r\n