mla format for academic essay

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What is mla style.

Building confidence in the information and ideas we share with one another is perhaps more important today than ever before, and for nearly a century it has been the driving principle behind MLA style, a set of standards for writing and documentation used by writers to find and evaluate information, alert their audience to the trustworthiness of their findings through citation, and shape the expression of their ideas in conversation with others. 

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MLA Handbook , 9th Edition

The ninth edition of the MLA Handbook , published in spring 2021, builds on the MLA's unique approach to documenting sources using a template of core elements—facts common to most sources, like author, title, and publication date—that allows writers to cite any type of work, from books, e-books, and journal articles in databases to song lyrics, online images, social media posts, dissertations, and more. With this focus on source evaluation as the cornerstone of citation, MLA style promotes the skills of information and digital literacy so crucial today. The new edition offers

• New chapters on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, numbers, italics, abbreviations, and principles of inclusive language
• Guidelines on setting up research papers in MLA format with updated advice on headings, lists, and title pages for group projects
• Revised, comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for creating a list of works cited in MLA format that are easier to learn and use than ever before
• A new appendix with hundreds of example works-cited-list entries by publication format, including websites, YouTube videos, interviews, and more
• Detailed examples of how to find publication information for a variety of sources
• Newly revised explanations of in-text citations, including comprehensive advice on how to cite multiple authors of a single work
• Detailed guidance on using notes in MLA style
• Instructions on quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, and avoiding plagiarism
• Annotated bibliography examples
• Numbered sections throughout for quick navigation
• Advanced tips for professional writers and scholars

The MLA Style Center offers free online resources on MLA style, including an interactive MLA format template, answers to common questions on Ask the MLA, advice from the MLA editors, and more. Get updates by signing up for The Source newsletter, and follow us on Twitter @MLAstyle .

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• Writing Tips

What Is the MLA Format for an Essay?

4-minute read

• 12th October 2023

When writing academic essays, adhering to the proper formatting guidelines is crucial. One of the most widely used styles for academic writing is the Modern Language Association (MLA) format. However, MLA is more than just providing in-text citations and a Works Cited page . If you’re curious, read on.

Today’s post will explore:

●  What MLA format is.

●  Why it is important.

●  How to correctly format essays in MLA style .

What Is MLA Format?

MLA format is a set of guidelines established by the Modern Language Association for writing and documenting research papers, essays, and scholarly articles. These guidelines provide a standardized way to structure and format academic writing, making it easier for readers to understand and engage with the content.

Why Is MLA Format Important?

 MLA format serves several important purposes in academic writing:

1. Clarity and Readability

Thanks to its standardized layout and citation style, MLA ensures your essay is easy to read and comprehend.

2. Academic Integrity

Properly citing sources demonstrates academic integrity by giving credit to the original authors and avoiding plagiarism .

3. Consistency

MLA provides a consistent and uniform structure for essays, making it easier for readers and instructors to navigate your work.

 4. Publication Standards

Many academic journals and publishers require submissions to follow MLA guidelines, making it crucial for researchers and authors.

How to Format Your Essay in MLA Style

Now, let’s go through step-by-step instructions to help you correctly format your essay.

1. Margins and Page Layout

●  Go to the Page Layout settings in your word processor and set one-inch margins on all sides of the paper.

●  Set the text to be left-aligned.

●  Choose a legible 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial).

2. Create a Title Page

●  Include your name, instructor’s name, course title, and the date in the upper left-hand corner.

●  Center the title of your essay, using standard capitalization (no bold, italics, or underlining).

3. Insert Header and Page Numbers

●  Create a header in the upper right-hand corner with your last name and page number (e.g., Jones 1).

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4. Use Proper Line Spacing

●  Use double-spacing throughout the entire essay, including the Works Cited page.

5. In-Text Citations

●  Cite sources within your essay using parenthetical citations (author’s last name and page number).

Example: We have no time to appreciate the finer things in life (Toldo 201)

●  Include a Works Cited page with full bibliographic details for all cited sources.

●  Ensure that in-text citations correspond to entries in the Works Cited page.

6. Works Cited Page

●  You must start the list with the title Works Cited.

●  List all sources used in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.

●  Follow a specific format for different types of sources (books, journal articles, websites, etc.).

MLA format is essential to academic writing, ensuring clarity, consistency, and proper citation of sources. As MLA is a widely used style, you’ll have a few essays during your undergraduate years that will require you to adhere to its standards. You can confidently format your essays in MLA style, impressing your professors and maintaining academic integrity by following our guidelines in this post.

We strongly recommend proofreading your essay once it’s finished. Proofreading can be challenging, so we recommend asking our proofreading experts to review your writing . They’ll ensure perfect grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Additionally, they can check that your essay adheres to MLA standards. Consider submitting a 500-word document for free!

Happy learning and happy writing!

1. Is MLA the same as APA or Chicago Turabian?

No! MLA formatting is different from other referencing styles such as APA and Chicago Turabian. If you’re used to using APA or Chicago, you’ll have to familiarize yourself with MLA.

2. Will failing to adhere to MLA affect my essay’s grade?

If your essay is required to be in MLA format, it must adhere to the standards. You can expect the professor to deduct marks for failing to adhere to MLA.

3. Can I write References or Reference List instead of Works Cited?

The title for the list of references must be Works Cited. Again, you could lose marks for deviating from the required title.

4. How will I know if my essay needs to be in MLA?

The essay rubric will usually state the required referencing style. Otherwise, we recommend checking with your professor.

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MLA Formatting – Quick Guide

Additional Navigation

Note to students using Grammarly: See this resource on Grammarly’s Place in the Writing Process (pdf)

MLA-9 has separate formatting rules for individual student papers and group projects:

MLA-9 Sample Paper for individual students (pdf)

MLA-9 Template (dotm)  for individual students

MLA-9 Sample Paper for group papers (pdf)

MLA-9 Template (dotm)  for group papers

MLA Annotated Bibliography Sample (pdf)

MLA-9 Template for Annotated Bibliography Assignments (dotm)

Comprehensive MLA-9 Works Cited Examples (pdf)

Citing Artificial Intelligence (AI) when permitted to use (pdf)

The MLA 9th  Edition handbook is now available to Liberty University students online! ***( Students must be logged in at myLU.liberty.edu to access this resource )***

MLA Formatting

• 1’’ margins on all four sides.
• Liberty University requires Times New Romans 12-point font throughout.
• Double-spaced throughout (including notes, if included, and the works-cited entries).

Changes from 8 th  Edition

• Headings are encouraged to organize academic and research papers.
• Footnotes are also permitted, sparingly, to clarify or add supplemental details.
• Every sentence that includes content derived from another source must include a citation.  MLA-9  allows writers to omit the author for subsequent citations in the same paragraph provided there is no intervening content between those sentences and it is clear to the reader where the content originated; page numbers should be included even in such cases.
• Group papers require a separate title page (individual student’s papers do not).
• Annotations for annotated bibliography assignments are indented a full 1” from the left margin (see sample and template in links above).

Voice & Verb Tense

• Use active voice
• Use present tense when referring to events that happen within the literature
• Remain consistent with tense (especially important to keep in mind when writing about historic non-fiction)

First Page of Individual Student Papers

• Create a running header with your  last name  and  page number  in the upper right-hand corner,  0.5″  from the top (see template provided in link above).
• In the upper left-hand corner of the body of the paper, type your name, professor’s name, course name, and date in day-month-year format (i.e., 12 August 2021).
• Center the title of your paper just below, following standard capitalization rules for titles.

First Page of Group Papers

• Group papers must have a separate title page (see the template above for a visualization of that).
• Note that the page numbering always begins on the first page of the paper itself, so the title page of a group paper is not numbered.
• Your paper should include a thesis statement in the introductory paragraph, a single sentence that formulates both your topic and your point of view, which answers the central question or problem raised in the paper.
• Use only one space after closing punctuation.
• Indent the first line of each paragraph ½ of an inch.
• Use block quotes sparingly and only when the prose quotation exceeds four lines (three lines for poetry).
• Include parenthetical citations in your paper whenever you use another person’s words or ideas. Usually, this will include the author’s last name and a page reference with no punctuation: (Smith 10).
• When referencing plays and poetry, use the line number (not the page number), along with the word line or lines (e.g., lines 8-9).

Scripture / The Bible (updated 04/2023)

When using an app or website such as  Bible Gateway  or YouVersion  that includes multiple versions of the Bible you can choose from, use the format shown below. Note, however, that it is preferable to use a direct link to the specific version you used instead (see the examples provided above), since such websites are more clear and transparent about which version of the Bible is included there.

For example, the NASB direct link provided above is to the 1995 version, but the  Bible Gateway  website and app both default to the 2020 NASB version unless you choose the 1995 version, which is relevant for those who know the history behind the NASB’s historical literacy and recent shift.

Website The Bible.  English Standard Version, 2016.  Bible Gateway ,  www.biblegateway.com . Accessed 10 April 2023.

App The Bible.  English Standard Version.  Bible Gateway , app version 68, 10 April 2023. The Bible.  American Standard Version.  YouVersion , app version 9.22, 11 April 2023.

A Note about Study Bibles

Study Bibles are not considered scholarly sources because the notes contained within can be quite biased, depending on who authored those. The 66 books in the mainstream Bible versions that have been universally accepted by Bible scholars for centuries, however, are regarded as scholarly content. When citing Scripture, cite from one of the mainstream Bible versions (see examples above) rather than a study Bible. Various Bible versions are readily available online, so those are easily found and cited even if you do not have a non-study-Bible in-hand.

Citing Liberty University Class Lectures

Liberty University class lectures with named presenter and direct URL:

Peters, Clay. “Defining Integration: Key Concepts.” COUN 506: Integration of Spirituality and Counseling, Spring 2020, Liberty University, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-integration-key-concepts/id427907777?i=1000092371727.

Liberty University class lecture with no named presenter and no URL:

Liberty University. “Name of Lecture.” BIOL 102: Human Biology, Spring 2021.

Works Cited Examples

Your works cited page should have the words “Works Cited” center at the top (singular if you have only one work cited). Entries should be double-spaced under that label and should be left-aligned with hanging indents (where the first line of each entry is at the left margin and any subsequent lines for that entry are indented ½” in from the left margin).  See the comprehensive chart of works-cited examples and sample MLA paper (both linked above) for visuals of works-cited entries for many of the types of resources you will cite in an academic paper.

Information courtesy of the  MLA 9th edition  handbook.

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16.1: Formatting a Research Paper

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Learning Objectives

• Identify the major components of a research paper written using American Psychological Association (APA) style.
• Apply general APA style and formatting conventions in a research paper.

In this chapter, you will learn how to use APA style, the documentation and formatting style followed by the American Psychological Association, as well as MLA style, from the Modern Language Association. There are a few major formatting styles used in academic texts, including AMA, Chicago, and Turabian:

• AMA (American Medical Association) for medicine, health, and biological sciences
• APA (American Psychological Association) for education, psychology, and the social sciences
• Chicago—a common style used in everyday publications like magazines, newspapers, and books
• MLA (Modern Language Association) for English, literature, arts, and humanities
• Turabian—another common style designed for its universal application across all subjects and disciplines

While all the formatting and citation styles have their own use and applications, in this chapter we focus our attention on the two styles you are most likely to use in your academic studies: APA and MLA.

If you find that the rules of proper source documentation are difficult to keep straight, you are not alone. Writing a good research paper is, in and of itself, a major intellectual challenge. Having to follow detailed citation and formatting guidelines as well may seem like just one more task to add to an already-too-long list of requirements.

Following these guidelines, however, serves several important purposes. First, it signals to your readers that your paper should be taken seriously as a student’s contribution to a given academic or professional field; it is the literary equivalent of wearing a tailored suit to a job interview. Second, it shows that you respect other people’s work enough to give them proper credit for it. Finally, it helps your reader find additional materials if he or she wishes to learn more about your topic.

Furthermore, producing a letter-perfect APA-style paper need not be burdensome. Yes, it requires careful attention to detail. However, you can simplify the process if you keep these broad guidelines in mind:

• Work ahead whenever you can. Chapter 11 includes tips for keeping track of your sources early in the research process, which will save time later on.
• Get it right the first time. Apply APA guidelines as you write, so you will not have much to correct during the editing stage. Again, putting in a little extra time early on can save time later.
• Use the resources available to you. In addition to the guidelines provided in this chapter, you may wish to consult the APA website at http://www.apa.org or the Purdue University Online Writing lab at http://owl.english.purdue.edu , which regularly updates its online style guidelines.

General Formatting Guidelines

This chapter provides detailed guidelines for using the citation and formatting conventions developed by the American Psychological Association, or APA. Writers in disciplines as diverse as astrophysics, biology, psychology, and education follow APA style. The major components of a paper written in APA style are listed in the following box.

These are the major components of an APA-style paper:

• Headings and, if necessary, subheadings to organize the content
• In-text citations of research sources
• References page

All these components must be saved in one document, not as separate documents.

The title page of your paper includes the following information:

• Title of the paper
• Author’s name
• Name of the institution with which the author is affiliated
• Header at the top of the page with the paper title (in capital letters) and the page number (If the title is lengthy, you may use a shortened form of it in the header.)

List the first three elements in the order given in the previous list, centered about one third of the way down from the top of the page. Use the headers and footers tool of your word-processing program to add the header, with the title text at the left and the page number in the upper-right corner. Your title page should look like the following example.

The next page of your paper provides an abstract, or brief summary of your findings. An abstract does not need to be provided in every paper, but an abstract should be used in papers that include a hypothesis. A good abstract is concise—about one hundred to one hundred fifty words—and is written in an objective, impersonal style. Your writing voice will not be as apparent here as in the body of your paper. When writing the abstract, take a just-the-facts approach, and summarize your research question and your findings in a few sentences.

In Chapter 12, you read a paper written by a student named Jorge, who researched the effectiveness of low-carbohydrate diets. Read Jorge’s abstract. Note how it sums up the major ideas in his paper without going into excessive detail.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Write an abstract summarizing your paper. Briefly introduce the topic, state your findings, and sum up what conclusions you can draw from your research. Use the word count feature of your word-processing program to make sure your abstract does not exceed one hundred fifty words.

Depending on your field of study, you may sometimes write research papers that present extensive primary research, such as your own experiment or survey. In your abstract, summarize your research question and your findings, and briefly indicate how your study relates to prior research in the field.

Margins, Pagination, and Headings

APA style requirements also address specific formatting concerns, such as margins, pagination, and heading styles, within the body of the paper. Review the following APA guidelines.

Use these general guidelines to format the paper:

• Set the top, bottom, and side margins of your paper at 1 inch.
• Use double-spaced text throughout your paper.
• Use a standard font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, in a legible size (10- to 12-point).
• Use continuous pagination throughout the paper, including the title page and the references section. Page numbers appear flush right within your header.
• Section headings and subsection headings within the body of your paper use different types of formatting depending on the level of information you are presenting. Additional details from Jorge’s paper are provided.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{2}\)

Begin formatting the final draft of your paper according to APA guidelines. You may work with an existing document or set up a new document if you choose. Include the following:

• Your title page
• The abstract you created in Exercise 1
• Correct headers and page numbers for your title page and abstract

APA style uses section headings to organize information, making it easy for the reader to follow the writer’s train of thought and to know immediately what major topics are covered. Depending on the length and complexity of the paper, its major sections may also be divided into subsections, sub-subsections, and so on. These smaller sections, in turn, use different heading styles to indicate different levels of information. In essence, you are using headings to create a hierarchy of information.

The following heading styles used in APA formatting are listed in order of greatest to least importance:

• Section headings use centered, boldface type. Headings use title case, with important words in the heading capitalized.
• Subsection headings use left-aligned, boldface type. Headings use title case.
• The third level uses left-aligned, indented, boldface type. Headings use a capital letter only for the first word, and they end in a period.
• The fourth level follows the same style used for the previous level, but the headings are boldfaced and italicized.
• The fifth level follows the same style used for the previous level, but the headings are italicized and not boldfaced.

Visually, the hierarchy of information is organized as indicated in Table 13.1 “Section Headings”.

A college research paper may not use all the heading levels shown in Table 13.1 “Section Headings”, but you are likely to encounter them in academic journal articles that use APA style. For a brief paper, you may find that level 1 headings suffice. Longer or more complex papers may need level 2 headings or other lower-level headings to organize information clearly. Use your outline to craft your major section headings and determine whether any subtopics are substantial enough to require additional levels of headings.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{3}\)

Working with the document you developed in Note 13.11 “Exercise 2”, begin setting up the heading structure of the final draft of your research paper according to APA guidelines. Include your title and at least two to three major section headings, and follow the formatting guidelines provided above. If your major sections should be broken into subsections, add those headings as well. Use your outline to help you.

Because Jorge used only level 1 headings, his Exercise 3 would look like the following:

Citation Guidelines

In-text citations.

Throughout the body of your paper, include a citation whenever you quote or paraphrase material from your research sources. As you learned in Chapter 11, the purpose of citations is twofold: to give credit to others for their ideas and to allow your reader to follow up and learn more about the topic if desired. Your in-text citations provide basic information about your source; each source you cite will have a longer entry in the references section that provides more detailed information.

In-text citations must provide the name of the author or authors and the year the source was published. (When a given source does not list an individual author, you may provide the source title or the name of the organization that published the material instead.) When directly quoting a source, it is also required that you include the page number where the quote appears in your citation.

This information may be included within the sentence or in a parenthetical reference at the end of the sentence, as in these examples.

Epstein (2010) points out that “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive” (p. 137).

Here, the writer names the source author when introducing the quote and provides the publication date in parentheses after the author’s name. The page number appears in parentheses after the closing quotation marks and before the period that ends the sentence.

Addiction researchers caution that “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive” (Epstein, 2010, p. 137).

Here, the writer provides a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence that includes the author’s name, the year of publication, and the page number separated by commas. Again, the parenthetical citation is placed after the closing quotation marks and before the period at the end of the sentence.

As noted in the book Junk Food, Junk Science (Epstein, 2010, p. 137), “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive.”

Here, the writer chose to mention the source title in the sentence (an optional piece of information to include) and followed the title with a parenthetical citation. Note that the parenthetical citation is placed before the comma that signals the end of the introductory phrase.

David Epstein’s book Junk Food, Junk Science (2010) pointed out that “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive” (p. 137).

Another variation is to introduce the author and the source title in your sentence and include the publication date and page number in parentheses within the sentence or at the end of the sentence. As long as you have included the essential information, you can choose the option that works best for that particular sentence and source.

Citing a book with a single author is usually a straightforward task. Of course, your research may require that you cite many other types of sources, such as books or articles with more than one author or sources with no individual author listed. You may also need to cite sources available in both print and online and nonprint sources, such as websites and personal interviews. Section 13.2 and Section 13.3 provide extensive guidelines for citing a variety of source types.

writing at work

APA is just one of several different styles with its own guidelines for documentation, formatting, and language usage. Depending on your field of interest, you may be exposed to additional styles, such as the following:

• MLA style. Determined by the Modern Languages Association and used for papers in literature, languages, and other disciplines in the humanities.
• Chicago style. Outlined in the Chicago Manual of Style and sometimes used for papers in the humanities and the sciences; many professional organizations use this style for publications as well.
• Associated Press (AP) style. Used by professional journalists.

References List

The brief citations included in the body of your paper correspond to the more detailed citations provided at the end of the paper in the references section. In-text citations provide basic information—the author’s name, the publication date, and the page number if necessary—while the references section provides more extensive bibliographical information. Again, this information allows your reader to follow up on the sources you cited and do additional reading about the topic if desired.

The specific format of entries in the list of references varies slightly for different source types, but the entries generally include the following information:

• The name(s) of the author(s) or institution that wrote the source
• The year of publication and, where applicable, the exact date of publication
• The full title of the source
• For books, the city of publication
• For articles or essays, the name of the periodical or book in which the article or essay appears
• For magazine and journal articles, the volume number, issue number, and pages where the article appears
• For sources on the web, the URL where the source is located

The references page is double spaced and lists entries in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. If an entry continues for more than one line, the second line and each subsequent line are indented five spaces. Review the following example. (Section 13.3 provides extensive guidelines for formatting reference entries for different types of sources.)

In APA style, book and article titles are formatted in sentence case, not title case. Sentence case means that only the first word is capitalized, along with any proper nouns.

Key Takeaways

• Following proper citation and formatting guidelines helps writers ensure that their work will be taken seriously, give proper credit to other authors for their work, and provide valuable information to readers.
• Working ahead and taking care to cite sources correctly the first time are ways writers can save time during the editing stage of writing a research paper.
• APA papers usually include an abstract that concisely summarizes the paper.
• APA papers use a specific headings structure to provide a clear hierarchy of information.
• In APA papers, in-text citations usually include the name(s) of the author(s) and the year of publication.
• In-text citations correspond to entries in the references section, which provide detailed bibliographical information about a source.

Home / Guides / Citation Guides / MLA Format / How to Cite an Essay in MLA

How to Cite an Essay in MLA

The guidelines for citing an essay in MLA format are similar to those for citing a chapter in a book. Include the author of the essay, the title of the essay, the name of the collection if the essay belongs to one, the editor of the collection or other contributors, the publication information, and the page number(s).

Citing an Essay

Mla essay citation structure.

Last, First M. “Essay Title.” Collection Title, edited by First M. Last, Publisher, year published, page numbers. Website Title , URL (if applicable).

MLA Essay Citation Example

Gupta, Sanjay. “Balancing and Checking.” Essays on Modern Democracy, edited by Bob Towsky, Brook Stone Publishers, 1996, pp. 36-48. Essay Database, www . databaseforessays.org/modern/modern-democracy.

MLA Essay In-text Citation Structure

(Last Name Page #)

MLA Essay In-text Citation Example

Click here to cite an essay via an EasyBib citation form.

MLA Formatting Guide

MLA Formatting

• Annotated Bibliography
• Bibliography
• Block Quotes
• et al Usage
• In-text Citations
• Paraphrasing
• Page Numbers
• Sample Paper
• Works Cited
• MLA 8 Updates
• MLA 9 Updates
• View MLA Guide

Citation Examples

• Book Chapter
• Journal Article
• Magazine Article
• Newspaper Article
• Website (no author)
• View all MLA Examples

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To cite your sources in an essay in MLA style, you need to have basic information including the author’s name(s), chapter title, book title, editor(s), publication year, publisher, and page numbers. The templates for in-text citations and a works-cited-list entry for essay sources and some examples are given below:

In-text citation template and example:

For citations in prose, use the first name and surname of the author on the first occurrence. For subsequent citations, use only the surname(s). In parenthetical citations, always use only the surname of the author(s).

Citation in prose:

First mention: Annette Wheeler Cafarelli

Subsequent occurrences: Wheeler Cafarelli

Parenthetical:

….(Wheeler Cafarelli).

Works-cited-list entry template and example:

The title of the chapter is enclosed in double quotation marks and uses title case. The book or collection title is given in italics and uses title case.

Surname, First Name. “Title of the Chapter.” Title of the Book , edited by Editor(s) Name, Publisher, Publication Year, page range.

Cafarelli, Annette Wheeler. “Rousseau and British Romanticism: Women and British Romanticism.” Cultural Interactions in the Romantic Age: Critical Essays in Comparative Literature , edited by Gregory Maertz. State U of New York P, 1998, pp. 125–56.

To cite an essay in MLA style, you need to have basic information including the author(s), the essay title, the book title, editor(s), publication year, publisher, and page numbers. The templates for citations in prose, parenthetical citations, and works-cited-list entries for an essay by multiple authors, and some examples, are given below:

For citations in prose, use the first name and surname of the author (e.g., Mary Strine).

For sources with two authors, use both full author names in prose (e.g., Mary Strine and Beth Radick).

For sources with three or more authors, use the first name and surname of the first author followed by “and others” or “and colleagues” (e.g., Mary Strine and others). In subsequent citations, use only the surname of the first author followed by “and others” or “and colleagues” (e.g., Strine and others).

In parenthetical citations, use only the author’s surname. For sources with two authors, use two surnames (e.g., Strine and Radick). For sources with three or more author names, use the first author’s surname followed by “et al.”

First mention: Mary Strine…

Subsequent mention: Strine…

First mention: Mary Strine and Beth Radick…

Subsequent mention: Strine and Radick…

First mention: Mary Strine and colleagues …. or Mary Strine and others

Subsequent occurrences: Strine and colleagues …. or Strine and others

…. (Strine).

….(Strine and Radick).

….(Strine et al.).

The title of the essay is enclosed in double quotation marks and uses title case. The book or collection title is given in italics and uses title case.

Surname, First Name, et al. “Title of the Essay.” Title of the Book , edited by Editor(s) Name, Publisher, Publication Year, page range.

Strine, Mary M., et al. “Research in Interpretation and Performance Studies: Trends, Issues, Priorities.” Speech Communication: Essays to Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Speech Communication Association , edited by Gerald M. Phillips and Julia T. Wood, Southern Illinois UP, 1990, pp. 181–204.

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Using “I” in Academic Writing

Traditionally, some fields have frowned on the use of the first-person singular in an academic essay and others have encouraged that use, and both the frowning and the encouraging persist today—and there are good reasons for both positions (see “Should I”).

I recommend that you not look on the question of using “I” in an academic paper as a matter of a rule to follow, as part of a political agenda (see webb), or even as the need to create a strategy to avoid falling into Scylla-or-Charybdis error. Let the first-person singular be, instead, a tool that you take out when you think it’s needed and that you leave in the toolbox when you think it’s not.

Examples of When “I” May Be Needed

• You are narrating how you made a discovery, and the process of your discovering is important or at the very least entertaining.
• You are describing how you teach something and how your students have responded or respond.
• You disagree with another scholar and want to stress that you are not waving the banner of absolute truth.
• You need “I” for rhetorical effect, to be clear, simple, or direct.

Examples of When “I” Should Be Given a Rest

• It’s off-putting to readers, generally, when “I” appears too often. You may not feel one bit modest, but remember the advice of Benjamin Franklin, still excellent, on the wisdom of preserving the semblance of modesty when your purpose is to convince others.
• You are the author of your paper, so if an opinion is expressed in it, it is usually clear that this opinion is yours. You don’t have to add a phrase like, “I believe” or “it seems to me.”

Works Cited

Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin . Project Gutenberg , 28 Dec. 2006, www.gutenberg.org/app/uploads/sites/3/20203/20203-h/20203-h.htm#I.

“Should I Use “I”?” The Writing Center at UNC—Chapel Hill , writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/should-i-use-i/.

webb, Christine. “The Use of the First Person in Academic Writing: Objectivity, Language, and Gatekeeping.” ResearchGate , July 1992, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.1992.tb01974.x.

J.S.Beniwal 05 August 2017 AT 09:08 AM

I have borrowed MLA only yesterday, did my MAEnglish in May 2017.MLA is of immense help for scholars.An overview of the book really enlightened​ me.I should have read it at bachelor's degree level.

Your e-mail address will not be published

Dr. Raymond Harter 25 September 2017 AT 02:09 PM

I discourage the use of "I" in essays for undergraduates to reinforce a conversational tone and to "self-recognize" the writer as an authority or at least a thorough researcher. Writing a play is different than an essay with a purpose.

Osayimwense Osa 22 March 2023 AT 05:03 PM

When a student or writer is strongly and passionately interested in his or her stance and argument to persuade his or her audience, the use of personal pronoun srenghtens his or her passion for the subject. This passion should be clear in his/her expression. However, I encourage the use of the first-person, I, sparingly -- only when and where absolutely necessary.

Eleanor 25 March 2023 AT 04:03 PM

I once had a student use the word "eye" when writing about how to use pronouns. Her peers did not catch it. I made comments, but I think she never understood what eye was saying!

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How to cite a letter, how to cite yourself, how to cite a bill.

If you need to reference legislative documents professionally or just mention them in your scholarly work, knowing the correct way to cite a bill is important. This guide will walk you through different citation styles, like APA, MLA, and Chicago, so you can confidently support your arguments with precise references. Let’s break down the process, offer examples, and help you avoid common mistakes to make your writing solid and credible. Ready?

Citing Bills

A bill is a draft of a law presented for approval to a legislative body. To word it simply, it’s a proposal for new legislation or an amendment to existing legislation . The role of a bill in the legislative process is fundamental; it must pass through various stages of debate and approval before it becomes law. Bills shape everything from economic policy to social norms.

Here’s a quick look at different types of bills:

Why Reference Bills?

Citing bills in your writing is important for several reasons. It lends credibility to your work, because your arguments are backed by tangible legislative proposals or enacted laws. Apart from that, it allows readers to trace your sources for verification.

Legally, citing government documents like bills is often necessary to meet transparency requirements in research and publication. This practice provides confidence that discussions and analyses based on legislative texts are accessible and verifiable by everyone. And, more importantly, you keep your integrity as a researcher.

How to Cite a Bill in APA, MLA, Chicago

Citing bills might seem tricky at first, but once you understand the rules, it’s pretty straightforward. Whether you’re writing a research paper, crafting a policy analysis, or simply needing to reference legislative documents, knowing how to cite a bill in various styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago can make your work much clearer and more reliable. Let’s break down how to do this in each citation style.

Confused When Referencing? Try our Free Citation Generator

1. APA Format

In APA format, you need to include the name of the bill, the bill number, the congressional session in which it was introduced, and the source of the bill.

Here, “H.R. 2048” refers to the House of Representatives bill number 2048, introduced in the 118th Congress in 2023. When citing, provide the direct URL to the bill if available.

2. MLA Format

MLA format requires the title of the bill, the bill number, the legislative body, and the publication date.

We can clearly see how to list the bill under MLA standards, including the URL where the bill can be accessed so that readers can find the original source easily.

3. Chicago Style

In Chicago style, you should cite the bill similar to a web document, including the name of the bill, the bill number, the date it was published, and the URL where it was retrieved.

Chicago style focuses on providing a clear path to the original document, much like APA and MLA, but formats the information slightly differently. Make sure that the URL is included so that the bill is easily accessible.

Mistakes to Avoid When Citing Bills

Citing bills correctly can be a bit tricky, but knowing the common mistakes can help you avoid them. We summed up a few frequent errors made when referencing legislative documents and some tips on how to stay away them.

A common oversight is not providing enough detail . When citing a bill, make sure to include all essential information such as the bill number, date, and the specific legislative body (e.g., House or Senate). This will help anyone who reads your work to locate the original source without any trouble.

Another typical mistake is mixing up formats . Depending on whether you are using APA, MLA, or Chicago style, the format for citing bills will vary. You need to stick to the guidelines of the citation style you are using throughout your document to keep it consistent and clear.

Misidentifying the bill’s version can also lead to inaccuracies in your citation. Bills go through several versions before being passed. Be sure to specify which version of the bill you are referencing, whether it’s the introduced, amended, or enacted form!

Forgetting to update the citation can be detrimental, especially if the bill has been recently amended or passed. Always check for the most recent information to make sure your citations reflect the most current data.

What does bill reference mean?

A bill reference refers to the specific details used to identify and locate a legislative bill within legal and academic documents. This includes the bill’s number, name, the legislative body, and other pertinent information that helps track the document’s origin and content.

How do you cite a bill in APA?

To cite a bill in APA format, include the bill’s title, number, the legislative body, and the year of publication. Format it as follows: Name of Bill, H.R./S. Bill number, xxxth Cong. (Year). If available, add a URL at the end.

How to cite a US bill?

To cite a U.S. bill, include the bill’s name, number, the session of Congress it was introduced in, and the year. For example, “Climate Change Act of 2023, H.R. 2048, 118th Cong. (2023).” If online, include the URL.

How to cite an amendment bill?

Citing an amendment bill involves specifying the original bill and the amendment number. Format it like this: “Name of Bill, Amendment No. 2, Bill number, Year of amendment.” Ensure to provide enough information for the reader to locate the amendment.

How do you cite a bill in MLA?

In MLA format, cite a bill by providing the title of the bill, the bill number, the legislative body, the year of publication, and a URL if available. Example: “Climate Change Act of 2023. H.R. 2048, U.S. House of Representatives, 2023. www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2048.”

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Superscript or Subscript in Word [For Students]

Students from multiple disciplines need to write papers. Some of these disciplines might need you to write a chemistry lab report or a Mathematical theory paper. In situations like these, how do you type in compounds or powers like H2O or x2 without it looking like H2O or x2?

In Word, learning how to add superscripts and subscripts can elevate your formatting skills, but that’s something that a lot of students struggle with. How do you add a superscript and subscript in Word? Let me help you out. Follow this guide for complete step-by-step instructions using WPS Office.

How Students can use Superscript and Subscript for Paper

Superscripts and subscripts are used in a variety of texts. In many papers, using superscripts and subscripts are important to accurately represent the information you are writing about. It is critical for STEM majors and students who have to write academic papers.

Use Superscript and Subscript for Academic Writing

When writing academic papers, many students are confused on how to express information where superscripts and subscripts are involved. The main distinction between them is whether they appear at the base or at the top of the line you’re writing in. Let’s break these down with examples.

Oftentimes, when writing about chemical ionic compounds, mathematical sequences, or doing homework involving a computer programming language, there are text items that we need to express as subscripts. These might appear like this:

a1, b3, H2O

Superscripts are used in references or to indicate any degree or notation. These might appear like this:

C24, Robert3, Organograma

Use Superscript and Subscript for Citations

In academic writing, citations and references are the most important parts of your research and writing. Formatting for citations can be a bit tricky since it might involve footnotes or endnotes.

When inserting a citation, make sure to use a number as a superscript at the end of the citation. In your respective footnote, enter in the corresponding number and type in your complete citation.

To make it easier to understand, I’ll show you an example of what this looks like:

Practical Tips for Formatting

As students, you have to write academic papers very frequently. It is helpful to refer to citation style guides like APA, MLA, or Chicago to understand their usage of superscripts and subscripts.

For your ease, APA style recommends the use of superscripts within the text for citations, while subscripts for chemical arrangements and mathematical expressions. MLA and Chicago might differ slightly in this regard.

However, once you do refer to these style guides, your paper will be easy to read, and will be more consistent and professional in presentation.

Here's a breakdown of common scenarios where you might use superscript and subscript:

Superscript Formatting :

Ordinal Numerals: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.

Copyright and Trademark Symbols: ©, ™, ®

Footnote and Endnote Numbers: Numbers referring to additional information within a text.

Mathematical Functions (Exponents): x^2 (x squared), e^x (exponential function), etc.

Chemical Symbols (Ion Charges): Na⁺ (sodium ion with a positive charge)

Subscript Formatting :

Chemical Formulas (Number of Atoms) : H₂O (water, two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom)

Mathematical Settings (Indices) : A_i (ith element in a matrix A)

Steps of Using Superscript and Subscript

In using superscripts and subscripts, there are two ways you can go about it. I’ll explain both in a simple way so you can easily follow along. To do that, I’ll be using WPS, a free office suite that is compatible with all versions of Word documents, and is available on Mobile, Windows, and Mac.

I prefer it because it's free and can even convert your papers to PDF without losing the format. It reduces the hassle of using other softwares, and acts as an all-in-one tool when working on your document. Let’s begin:

Step 1 : Type in your sentence or text as you normally would until you reach the point where you need to add a superscript/ subscript in Word .

Step 2 : Go to the Home tab.

Step 3 : In the “Font” section, you will see the options for superscript and subscript, marked by an “x” as a base and a corresponding number in superscript/subscript. Click on your desired option.

Visually, the option would look like this:

Step 4 : Start typing in your text that needs to be in superscript/subscript.

Step 5 : Click the option again to deselect the superscript/subscript and return to normal font size.

In these 5 easy steps, you have now typed your superscripts/subscripts.

You might have noticed that if your document needs a lot of citations, or deals primarily with subscripts and superscripts, this process can take up a lot of your time.

To make it a little quicker, consider simply selecting the text. Let me show you how to do that:

Step 1 : Select the text that you want to use as superscript/subscript.

Step 3 : In the “Font” section, click on the respective superscript/subscript option that you want.

Once you click somewhere else on the document, the option will automatically deselect so you can return to your normal font size.

I have found these steps very easy to follow when writing. However, if you’re really short in time, I’ll let you in on some keyboard shortcuts to use as well. All you have to do is select your text that you need as a superscript/subscript in Word and press your shortcut keys.

The keyboard shortcut for adding a superscript is:

Ctrl + Shift +  Plus Sign (+)

The keyboard shortcut for adding a subscript is:

Ctrl + Equal Sign (=)

How WPS Office Can Help Students Create Academic Documents

WPS Office has always been a favorite among students for its user-friendly interface and robust features. With the integration of WPS AI, it's become even more powerful. The AI feature significantly enhances the quality of your language, and ensures that your academic documents are polished and error-free with real-time grammar and spell-checks.

Additionally, WPS has a wide collection of ready-to-use, editable templates specifically designed for academic use. These templates provide a structured format for various academic documents, from research papers to reports and essays, allowing you to start writing with confidence.

Coupled with the templates, WPS’s seamless PDF conversion feature can convert your documents to PDF in just a click without losing formatting. This is especially useful when submitting assignments, sharing work with classmates, or sending documents to professors or supervisors.

FAQs about Superscript and Subscript in Word for Students

Q1. how do i ensure my superscript and subscript text remains aligned with the main text.

There's no way to directly adjust the default position of superscripts and subscripts in most text editors. However, you can use the Advanced tab of the Font dialogue to raise or lower selected text, which indirectly affects their alignment with the main text. This method allows you to manually adjust the vertical position of superscripts and subscripts. It is important to note that this technique applies to regular document text. If you're dealing with equations created by the built-in equation editor , these adjustments may not be applicable.

Q2. Can superscript and subscript formatting be applied in WPS Office mobile apps?

In WPS Office, you can format text as superscript or subscript in the desktop version and the mobile apps. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1 : Launch your WPS Office Writer document on your mobile device.

Step 2 : Select the text you want to format as superscript or subscript.

Step 3 : Click on the menu icon to access additional options.

Step 4 : Scroll down until you locate T2 and T2.

Step 5 : If you want to format your text as superscript, then choose T2 and if you want to format the text as subscript then select T2.

Q3. What distinguishes subscript from superscript?

Subscript is when text is lowered below the regular line, while superscript is when text is raised above the regular line.

Subscript is commonly used in :

Chemical formulas (e.g., H₂O).

Mathematical expressions (e.g., CO₂).

Footnotes or references in academic writing.

Superscript is often used for :

Exponents in mathematical equations (e.g., x²).

Footnote numbers in academic papers.

Indicating units (e.g., m² for square meters).

Mastering Superscripts and Subscripts in Word for Clear and Polished Writing

Adding superscripts and subscripts in Word is an easy formatting way to express your writing. Whether it’s adding citations or adding a mathematical equation in your paper, you will be able to present your argument in a clear and appealing way. If you feel stuck at any point, make sure to refer to this guide for clarity, and use WPS Office for a clean, simple, and student-friendly experience to add your superscripts and subscripts.

• 1. How to add superscript
• 2. How to Convert Word to PDF [For Students]
• 3. How to Insert Signatures in Word [For Students]
• 4. How to Check Word Count for Your Essays in Word [For Students]
• 5. How to Add Superscript in WPS Spreadsheet [Easy Way]
• 6. How to do subscript in WPS Spreadsheet

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