ADA ALC
MLA 2009
Formatting and Style Guide
Overview
 This presentation will cover:
 2009 updates to MLA
 General MLA guidelines
 First page format
 Section headings
 In-text citations
 Formatting quotations
 Works Cited page
What is MLA?
MLA (Modern Language Association) style formatting is
often used in various Humanities disciplines
What does MLA regulate?
MLA regulates:
Document Format
In-text citations
Works Cited
(a list of all sources
used in the paper)
MLA Update 2009
2009 changes in MLA:
No more Underlining
(only use italics)
Publication Medium
(e.g. Print, Web, etc.)
New Abbreviations
(e.g. “N.p.” for “no
publisher given”)
Your Instructor Knows Best
#1 Rule for any formatting style:
Always
Follow your instructor’s
guidelines
Format: General Guidelines
 Type on white 8.5” x 11” paper
 Double-space everything!
 Use 12 pt. Times New Roman font
 Leave only one space after punctuation
 Set all margins to 1 inch on all sides
 Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch (5 spaces….not 1 Tab)
Format: General Guidelines (continued)
 Header with page numbers in the upper right corner
(12 pt. TNR font)
 Use italics for titles
 Endnotes go on a separate page before your Works
Cited page
Format: General Guidelines (continued)
 Header with page numbers in the upper right corner
(12 pt. TNR font)
 Use italics for titles
 Endnotes go on a separate page before your Works
Cited page
Formatting the 1st Page
 Title page information included on the 1st page as well as the
title page.
 Double space everything
In the upper left corner of the 1st page, list your
name, your instructor's name, the course, and date
Center the paper title (use standard caps but no
underlining, italics, quote, or bold)
Create a header in the upper right corner at half
inch from the top and one inch from the right of the
page (include your last name and page number)
Sample 1st Page
Sample 1st Page
In-Text Citations: the Basics
 MLA uses parenthetical citations
 Parenthetical citations depend on the medium
(e.g. Print, Web, DVD)
 Parenthetical citations also depend on the source’s
entry on the Works Cited page (see next slide)
 Signal word in the text is the first thing in the
corresponding entry on the Works Cited page
Author-Page Style
In-text Example:
Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow
of powerful feelings" (263).
Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful
feelings" (Wordsworth 263).
Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263).
Corresponding Works Cited Entry:
Wordsworth, William. Lyrical Ballads. London: Oxford
U.P., 1967. Print.
Print Source with Author
In-text Example:
Human beings have been described by Kenneth Burke as
"symbol-using animals" (3).
Human beings have been described as "symbol-using
animals" (Burke 3).
Corresponding Works Cited Entry:
Burke, Kenneth. Language as Symbolic Action: Essays
on Life, Literature, and Method. Berkeley: U of
California P, 1966. Print.
With Unknown Author (Websites)
In-text Example:
We see so many global warming hotspots in North America
likely because this region has “more readily accessible climatic
data and more comprehensive programs to monitor and study
environmental change . . .” (“Impact of Global Warming” 6).
Corresponding Works Cited Entry:
“The Impact of Global Warming in North America.”
GLOBAL WARMING: Early Signs. 1999. Web. 23 Mar.
2009.
Other In-Text Citations 1
Classic & Literary Works with Multiple Editions
In-text Example:
Marx and Engels described human history as marked by class
struggles (79; ch. 1).
Authors with Same Last Names
In-text Example:
Although some medical ethicists claim that cloning will lead to
designer children (R. Miller 12), others note that the advantages for
medical research outweigh this consideration (A. Miller 46).
Other In-Text Citations 2
Work by Multiple Authors writing one book/novel/article/ect.
In-text Examples:
Smith, Yang, and Moore argue that tougher gun control is not needed in
the United States (76).
The authors state "Tighter gun control in the United States erodes Second
Amendment rights" (Smith, Yang, and Moore 76).
Jones et al. counter Smith, Yang, and Moore's argument by noting the
current spike in gun violence in America compels law makers to adjust gun
laws (4).
Other In-Text Citations 3
Multiple Works by the Same Author
In-text Examples:
Lightenor has argued that computers are not useful tools for
small children ("Too Soon" 38), though he has acknowledged
elsewhere that early exposure to computer games does lead to
better small motor skill development in a child's second and
third year ("Hand-Eye Development" 17).
Visual studies, because it is such a new discipline, may be "too
easy" (Elkins, "Visual Studies" 63).
Other In-Text Citations 4
Miscellaneous Non-Print Sources
In-text Example:
Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo stars Herzog's long-time film
partner, Klaus Kinski. During the shooting of Fitzcarraldo,
Herzog and Kinski were often at odds, but their explosive
relationship fostered a memorable and influential film.
Corresponding Works Cited Entry:
Herzog, Werner, dir. Fitzcarraldo. Perf. Klaus Kinski.
Filmverlag der Autoren, 1982. Film.
Formatting Long Quotations
In-text Example:
Nelly Dean treats Heathcliff poorly and dehumanizes him throughout her
narration:
They entirely refused to have it in bed with them, or even in their room,
and I had no more sense, so, I put it on the landing of the stairs, hoping
it would be gone on the morrow. By chance, or else attracted by hearing
his voice, it crept to Mr. Earnshaw's door, and there he found it on
quitting his chamber. Inquiries were made as to how it got there; I was
obliged to confess, and in recompense for my cowardice and
inhumanity was sent out of the house. (Bronte 78)
Adding/Omitting Words
In-text Example for Adding Words:
Jan Harold Brunvand, in an essay on urban legends, states:
"some individuals [who retell urban legends] make a point
of learning every rumor or tale" (78).
In-text example for Omitting Words:
In an essay on urban legends, Jan Harold Brunvand notes
that "some individuals make a point of learning every
recent rumor or tale . . . and in a short time a lively
exchange of details occurs" (78).
Works Cited Page: Books
Basic Format:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Place of Publication:
Publisher, Year of Publication. Medium of Publication.
Examples:
Gleick, James. Chaos: Making a New Science. New York:
Penguin, 1987. Print.
Gillespie, Paula, and Neal Lerner. The Allyn and Bacon Guide to
Peer Tutoring. Boston: Allyn, 2000. Print.
Palmer, William J. Dickens and New Historicism. New York: St.
Martin's, 1997. Print.
---. The Films of the Eighties: A Social History. Carbondale:
Southern Illinois UP, 1993. Print.
Works Cited Page: Web
Web Source Format:
Editor, author, or compiler name (if available). “Article
Name.” Name of Site. Version number. Name of
institution/organization affiliated with the site (sponsor
or publisher). Date of last update. Medium of publication.
Date of access.
Works Cited Page: Web
Examples:
Bernstein, Mark. "10 Tips on Writing the Living Web.”
A List Apart: For People Who Make Websites. A
List Apart Mag., 16 Aug. 2002. Web. 4 May 2009.
Felluga, Dino. Guide to Literary and Critical Theory.
Purdue U, 28 Nov. 2003. Web. 10 May 2006.
"How to Make Vegetarian Chili." eHow.com. eHow,
n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2009.
Works Cited Page: Periodicals
Article in a Magazine Format:
Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Periodical Day Month Year:
pages. Medium of publication.
Example:
Buchman, Dana. "A Special Education." Good Housekeeping
Mar. 2006: 143-8. Print.
Article in Scholarly Journal Format:
Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Journal Volume.Issue (Year):
pages. Medium of publication.
Example:
Duvall, John N. "The (Super)Marketplace of Images: Television
as Unmediated Mediation in DeLillo's White Noise." Arizona
Quarterly 50.3 (1994): 127- 53. Print.
Works Cited Page: Other
Personal Interview Example:
Purdue, Pete. Personal interview. 1 Dec. 2000.
Speech Example:
Stein, Bob. Computers and Writing Conference.
Purdue University. Union Club Hotel, West
Lafayette, IN. 23 May 2003. Keynote address.
Works Cited Page: Other
Film Example:
The Usual Suspects. Dir. Bryan Singer. Perf. Kevin
Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, Stephen
Baldwin, and Benecio del Toro. Polygram, 1995.
Film.
Works Cited Page: The Basics
Sample Works Cited page:
Works Cited Page: The Basics
Sample Works Cited page:
For More Information
Purdue Writing Lab Phone Number: 765-494-3723
Purdue OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
Focused Areas
 Title Page
 Formal Sentence Outline
 Final Draft (Graded Areas)
 Works Cited Page
 Clarity Index
Title Page: The Beginning
Sample Title page:
Title Page: The Beginning
Sample Title page:
Formal Sentence Outline: The Shell
Sample Outline page:
Formal Sentence Outline: The Shell
Sample Outline page:
1st Essay Page: The Beginning
Sample Final Draft page:
Key Point!!!! 12pt / Times New Roman / Double Spaced!
Works Cited Page: The Basics
Sample Works Cited page:
Works Cited Page: The Basics
Sample Works Cited page:
Clarity Index Page: The Finale
Sample Clarity Index page:
Graded Areas
 Introduction and Thesis
 Body Focus
 Organization
 Writing and Style
 Conclusion
Grading Rubric

5
4
3
2
1

5
4
3
2
1
Introduction and Thesis (X3 Max points 15)
The introduction is sophisticated and readily captures the reader’s attention by contextualizing the subject. Strong and
purposeful thesis statement gives direction.
Good introduction overall; may not readily capture the reader’s attention, but it establishes the context and demonstrates
some style.
The introduction has some sense of focus, but is somewhat underdeveloped (lacks general background knowledge, fail to
lead into the thesis; intro contains irrelevant information.
The introduction and thesis is weak or simplistic and does not establish the context. Writer falls into introductory pitfalls.
No real attempt has been made at an introduction nonexistent thesis; immature style.
Body Focus (X6 Max points 30)
Essay paper is focused, purposeful, and reflects insight. Writer demonstrates a mature, sophisticated understanding of
complex ideas that prove and support the thesis statement.
Essay paper is focused and reflects insight; demonstrates a strong understanding of the ideas presented that support the
thesis statement.
Essay paper is focused on the thesis but contain ideas loosely related to the topic. Insight is somewhat superficial or
simplistic.
Essay paper looses focus of thesis statement, or paper falls into summarization due to poor topic sentences; body of paper
does not address thesis; however, body addresses another argument.
Essay paper does not address the thesis. Direction of the paper is confusing.
Grading Rubric
Organization (X4 Max points 20)
5 Essay paper is powerfully and logically organized with strong topic sentences that lead into the analysis points; paragraphs progress in thought by using
transitional elements. Points for analyses are relevant, developed, and logically build from each other defending the thesis.
4 Essay paper demonstrates a logical progression of ideas with good topic sentences. Topic sentences and transitional elements are used. Analysis points are
present and argue the thesis.
3 Essay paper lacks logical progression of ideas and development. Some topic sentences state factual information or topic sentences do not capture the point of the
paragraph. Little to no transitional elements are used; problems with paragraph organization.
2 Essay paper contains disjointed ideas for analysis; reader experiences some vertigo. Topic sentences are not used. Essay does not follow a logical format;
paragraph problems.
1 Essay paper is disorganized and disconnected from thesis. Reader is lost. No topic sentences or transitional elements used; serious paragraph problems.

Writing and Style (X4 Max points 20)
5 Essay contains little to no errors in basic grammar; sentence structure is varied; excellent use of transitions; mature word choice and appropriate academic tonal
elements are used.
4 Essay contains few errors in basic grammar that do not detract from the argument; sentence structure is varied; uses transitions well; good word choice and
general academic tonal elements.
3 Essay contains errors in basic grammar that detract from the writer’s argument (i.e. sentence fragments and run-ons, quotation problems, etc.); some use of
transitions are evident; adequate word choice. Attempted academic tonal elements.
2 Essay contains errors in basic grammar that significantly detract from the writer’s argument, sentence structure is simplistic. Inappropriate tone; little use of
transitions; questionable word choice.
1 Essay contains too many errors in basic grammar that significantly detract from writer’s argument. Tone is inappropriate and possibly offensive. Use of transitions
is not evident; word choice is inappropriate.


5
4
3
2
1
Conclusion (X3 Max points 15)
The writer makes precise conclusions based on the information and ideas presented. Insights into the topic are appropriate. Conclusion is sophisticated and
supports the thesis; no new information is presented. Conclusion makes relevant connections to the topic and demonstrates style and ingenuity.
The writer makes precise conclusions based on the information and ideas presented. Insights into the topic are appropriate. The thesis is addressed and no new
information is presented. Conclusion has some sense of style.
The conclusion provides little insight into the topic presented. The thesis is addressed but not restated. Conclusion may be somewhat underdeveloped or
simplistic. Conclusion is not effective and lacks style.
The conclusion simply restates the introduction or is simplistic or vague. The conclusion does not reflect the introduction and thesis and/or introduces new ideas.
The conclusion is too brief to provide closure. Conclusion has nothing to do with the paper.
Introduction
 Remember that your thoughts should be organized
in a way that the reader can easily follow. The
introduction paragraph(s) provides a brief
overview of what is to come in the rest of the essay as
well as the main focus of the essay in a succinct
thesis statement
 Your introduction is where you hook your reader in
and leave them wanting to read more. Your
introduction should start with an attention grabbing
sentence which is sometimes called a hook.
Introduction
Born and raised Texas, in an all-American
family, playing football in an all-American town, I
had no idea just how fortunate I was. Every night I
was able to sit down to dinner with my family in the
comfort of our home without the threat of an
extremist organization breaking down the door and
killing everyone I love. In June of 2010, I was
deployed for a year to Afghanistan in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom. These twelve months
would open my eyes to the poor economic state of
Afghanistan, the cultural and religious differences
and the dysfunctional government.
Thesis Statement
 A thesis statement tells your reader the main point of
the paper; it is the compass that the rest of the paper
will follow. Your thesis should be a one sentence
summary of your paper.
Introduction and Thesis Statement
 To ensure a precise thesis statement use the writing
prompt to compose your thesis.
 ALC Guidelines for Branch History and Heritage:
Write an essay on a topic concerning a battle, event,
or unit within your branch discussing the history
and/or heritage of that topic and how it relates to the
evolution and contribution towards today’s military
operations and bring a historical perspective to
contemporary military problems and leadership
Thesis Statement
 Step 1: Battle, event, or unit in the history of your
branch
 Step 2: Consider and find support for how that
battle, event, or unit has helped the military to evolve
or change the way it approaches operations
 Step 3: Consider how those past events are reflected
in today’s military or influenced present military
leadership
Thesis Statement
 Step 1: The Battle of Gettysburg
 Step 2: Revealed inaccuracies in the method of
mortar fire delivery
 Step 3: The present changes in the targeting systems
of Howitzers reflects the lessons learned at
Gettysburg
 Thesis Statement: The Battle of Gettysburg is
significant in the history of the field artillery for
showing inaccuracies in mortar fire and affecting the
Howitzer weapons system of the present.
Body Focus
 Once you have the thesis statement, body focus is a
breeze.
 Each paragraph of your essay should refer back to a
point presented in your thesis.
 Use transitions and topic sentences so that your
ideas will be easy to understand
Body Focus
 Transitions are words that signal a change in idea or
relationship between ideas. Some common transitions are so,
however, although, thus, next, first, in conclusion. Using
transitions will help guide the reader from one idea to
another. Visit
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/574/02/ for a
list of situational transitions.
 An effective paragraph focuses on one main idea. To ensure
the paragraph is focused state the main idea clearly in one
sentence called a topic sentence. Topic sentences do not
have to be at the beginning of the paragraph, but it is a good
practice to start paragraphs with a topic sentence. Since body
paragraphs support the thesis statement, the topic sentence
should focus on one point from the thesis.
Body Focus
 Thesis Statement: The Battle of Gettysburg is
significant in the history of the field artillery for
showing inaccuracies in mortar fire and affecting the
Howitzer weapons system of the present.
 Body paragraph one: significant historical
information about the weapons used at Gettysburg.
 Body paragraph two: how those weapons were
inaccurate in the Battle
 Body paragraph three: how identifying the
inaccuracies of those weapons lead to the
development of the Howitzer
Body Focus
 Sample topic sentences with transitions:
 To begin, the weapons used in Battle of Gettysburg
have great historical significance to the field artillery.
 Yet, the great weapons used by the Union Army at
Gettysburg had considerable inaccuracies.
 Nevertheless, by learning from the mistakes made at
Gettysburg, the field artillery has developed more
advanced weapons systems such as the Howitzer.
Organization
 Chronological order: Similar to a time line from earliest




time, date, events to later time, date, or events
Logical order: Order ideas in a way that makes sense to
the reader. Put your most important points first.
Cause and effect: Organize your essay to show how an
event (the cause) created or changed another event (the
effect)
Compare and contrast: Show similarities and differences
in things, people, or places.
Problem and solution: Clearly state a problem in each
topic sentence then offer a solution using the supporting
details.
Writing and Style
 More than just mechanics and grammar
 Vary your sentence structure
 Use transitions within the paragraphs
 This is not a personal narrative, so avoid using the
first and second person pronoun form (I, me, we, us,
they, you, your)
 Use an academic tone – do not write in the same way
that you speak (which is a conversational tone)
 Avoid contractions (don’t, I’d, aren’t, didn’t, wasn’t)
Conclusion
 The conclusion paragraph(s) wraps up the essay
and restates the thesis, reminding readers what you
have told them.
 Your conclusion should summarize the main ideas of
your essay. Usually, the first sentence of the
conclusion is a rephrasing (not repeating) of the
thesis. The conclusion reminds the reader what your
paper is about and allows you to make a final point
without introducing new information.
Conclusion
 The Battle of Gettysburg is significant in the history
of the field artillery for showing inaccuracies in
mortar fire and affecting the Howitzer weapons
system of the present.
 Example: Without the experience gained from The
Battle of Gettysburg, the weapons system of the
United States Army may have remained inaccurate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Syria has throughout its history been
a hotspot in the world. From the many invasions the
nation has face from pre-biblical times till independence
in 1946, the nation has a rich culture within the Middle
East. Since the US believes that Syria sponsors terrorism
and the overall relations of the US and other Middle
Eastern nations, relations have been and will probably be
tense for quite some time. As noted earlier, Syria is in a
prime location with access from the Mediterranean to the
Middle East, Europe, and Africa, so it is an area of
interest in the world. As long as the Middle East is
unstable, Syria will continue to be a hot spot in the world
and an area of interest to the US and its allies.
Resources
 Purdue’s Online Writing Lab (OWL): Offers MLA
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

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formatting examples, citation examples, essay examples,
and help with every facet of the writing process
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
NCOA Writing Help Wikispace: created by the instructor
that grades the ALC and SLC essays
http://ncoawritinghelp.wikispaces.com/
Research and documentation online:
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/
Citation machine: will help you format your citations
http://citationmachine.net/index2.php
Cameron University Center for Writers Resources:
http://www.cameron.edu/writing_center/resource.html#Cameron Resources
Summary
Questions?