Welcome to The Source, your guide to The MLA Style Center’s latest resources on writing, research, and documentation! Tell us what you want to know!
Coming Soon: New MLA Handbook
Forthcoming in April 2021, the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook offers expanded guidance on creating works-cited-list entries, recommendations for using inclusive language, over two hundred citation examples by format, and more. See what’s new!
Analyzing Video Essays
Examining video essays reinforces students’ understanding of composition principles, an expert instructor explains.
Introducing Lateral Reading
Two instructors explain how investigating an unfamiliar site can help students identify bias and gain digital literacy. Read on.
Composing Cover Letters
Writing cover letters shows the relevance of composition techniques to nonacademic contexts, as this instructor demonstrates.
Paraphrasing or Patchwriting?
Altering the language of sources isn’t the same as paraphrasing them. Help students see why with the aid of this lesson.
How to Cite a Book’s Frontispiece
A frontispiece is an illustration—often accompanied by text—that faces a book’s title page. You may want to quote a frontispiece, but how should you cite it? Learn more.
Common Comma Conundrums
Rhetorical commas often indicate a pause, but misusing them compromises clarity. An MLA editor explains how to tell when your commas are causing confusion. Read on.
To Edit First Drafts, Be Skeptical
Imagining that you’re a writer whose article will be published tomorrow puts you into the skeptical frame of mind required to edit first drafts, advises an experienced editor.
Have more questions about using or teaching MLA style?
Become an MLA member and receive a free MLA Handbook!
