Formatting MLA in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Formatting MLA in Google Docs can seem daunting, especially for students who are new to the citation style. However, with the right tools and a little practice, you can master the format and produce high-quality work. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to format MLA in Google Docs, including how to create a Works Cited page, cite sources, and format citations.
Step 1: Creating a New Document
Before you start formatting your MLA paper, make sure you have created a new Google Doc. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to Google Docs and click on the "New" button.
- Select "Blank document" or "New document" from the drop-down menu.
- Give your document a title, such as "MLA Paper" or "Research Paper."
Step 2: Creating a Works Cited Page
A Works Cited page is a list of sources cited in your paper, formatted according to MLA guidelines. To create a Works Cited page in Google Docs, follow these steps:
- Click on the "Insert" menu and select "New page."
- Give your Works Cited page a title, such as "Works Cited."
- Click on the "Insert" menu and select "Reference list."
- In the Reference list template, click on the "Format" tab.
- Select "MLA" from the drop-down menu.
- Click on the "Format" button to apply the MLA formatting.
Step 3: Citing Sources
To cite sources in MLA, you need to include the author’s last name and publication date in the citation. Here are some examples:
- Book: Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
- Journal Article: Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
- Website: Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Webpage." Website Title, Day Month Year of Publication, URL.
Step 4: Formatting Citations
To format citations in MLA, you need to include the following information:
- Author’s last name and first name
- Publication date
- Title of the source
- Page numbers (if applicable)
- URL (if applicable)
Here is an example of a citation:
Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Book." Title of Book, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
Step 5: Creating a Bibliography
A bibliography is a list of sources cited in your paper, formatted according to MLA guidelines. To create a bibliography in Google Docs, follow these steps:
- Click on the "Insert" menu and select "New page."
- Give your bibliography a title, such as "Bibliography."
- Click on the "Insert" menu and select "Reference list."
- In the Reference list template, click on the "Format" tab.
- Select "MLA" from the drop-down menu.
- Click on the "Format" button to apply the MLA formatting.
Step 6: Formatting the Bibliography
To format the bibliography in MLA, you need to include the following information:
- Author’s last name and first name
- Publication date
- Title of the source
- Page numbers (if applicable)
- URL (if applicable)
Here is an example of a bibliography:
Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Book." Title of Book, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
Step 7: Reviewing and Editing
Once you have formatted your MLA paper, it’s time to review and edit it. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Check for consistency in formatting and citations
- Make sure all sources are cited correctly
- Review the Works Cited page for accuracy
- Edit the bibliography for consistency and accuracy
Tips and Tricks
- Use a consistent citation style throughout your paper
- Use a citation style guide, such as the MLA Handbook, to ensure accuracy
- Use a thesaurus to find alternative words for citations
- Use a citation style guide, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, to ensure consistency
Conclusion
Formatting MLA in Google Docs can seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little practice, you can master the format and produce high-quality work. By following these steps and tips, you can create a Works Cited page, cite sources, and format citations correctly. Remember to review and edit your paper carefully to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Additional Resources
- MLA Handbook (8th ed.)
- MLA Style Guide
- Google Docs Help Center
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)