Picture this: you are sitting in your foreign language class and your teacher gives you a research assignment. He asks that you cite your sources using MLA format. While the assignment is all well and good, you are unfortunately not too sure what MLA format is or what it entails. Fortunately for you, there is a ton of information available online and through print materials pertaining to this popular writing style. It is important to understand the basic principles as you begin to explore this writing style and construct an award winning paper.
MLA – What is it?
“MLA” is an acronym for Modern Language Association. Unbeknownst to most, the Modern Language Association has been in practice for many years; bringing forth the best and brightest minds to strive for continued academic success and the study and proper teaching of both language and literature. MLA, as a writing format, establishes a high standard for scholarly writing that focuses on formatting, page layout and citations – among many other aspects. MLA has been widely adopted by schools and academic institutions throughout the world due to the fact that it is easy to understand and employ; and is generally considered more concise than several of the other commonly used writing styles.
Why Use MLA Format?
Compared to many other formats, MLA is fairly simple to use and generally well understood by readers and writers everywhere. By using MLA format, professors are often able to ensure consistency among their students. In addition to this, MLA format allows readers who may not be familiar with a particular topic to understand the writer’s intent. With a proper MLA format works cited page, readers are able to access pertinent information regarding particular resources that they may be interested in exploring on their own. Proper organizing of a MLA format works cited page also prevents readers from getting lost in the hustle and bustle of a poorly organized and disheveled paper.
Who Uses MLA?
Due to the fact that MLA is a well-organized, widely accepted and easily understood format, virtually anyone can find great success employing this technique. Traditionally, this writing style has been widely used in many humanities, language or literature courses. It has proven especially useful for writers who are preparing manuscripts or larger written documents in any kind of English studies class, comparative literature lesson or cultural studies class. Regardless of the topic area, MLA format is a great writing style to explore further for all of your writing needs. Click here for more information!
