How to Format a Journal Article in MLA

Formatting a Journal Article in MLA Style

As a student of the humanities, you're likely familiar with the MLA (Modern Language Association) style guidelines for formatting sources in your academic writing. However, incorporating MLA into your research paper or journal article can be daunting, especially when it comes to citing complex sources like journal articles. In this guide, we'll break down the key elements of formatting a journal article in MLA style, providing you with practical tips and examples to ensure accurate citations.

Section 1: Journal Article Basics

When writing an MLA-formatted paper, it's essential to understand how to cite a journal article correctly. The basic components of a journal article citation include:

• Author's last name
• First page number (if applicable)
• Page range for the specific section or table of contents entry
• Title of the article in title case
• Title of the container (e.g., journal, magazine) in title case
• Publication date

Here's a simple example:

Lastname, First Name. "Article Title." Journal Title Volume Issue (Year): Page Numbers.

For instance: Smith, Jane. "The Impact of Climate Change on Local Ecosystems." Journal of Environmental Studies 10.2 (2018): 12-25.

Section 2: In-Text Citations for Journal Articles

In-text citations are crucial for giving credit to the original authors and providing your readers with a clear understanding of where you found specific information. For journal articles, use the following format:

• Lastname Page Number(s) Example: Smith 12 or Lastname and Lastname 23-25 (if citing multiple pages)

When including multiple sources in an in-text citation, separate them with commas if they share the same author or are from the same publication date.

Section 3: Formatting Journal Articles in the Works Cited List

The Works Cited list is a comprehensive compilation of all sources cited in your paper. When formatting a journal article, include the following elements:

• Author's last name
• First page number (if applicable)
• Page range for the specific section or table of contents entry
• Title of the article in title case
• Title of the container (e.g., journal, magazine) in title case
• Publication date

Here's a formatted example: Smith, Jane. "The Impact of Climate Change on Local Ecosystems." Journal of Environmental Studies 10.2 (2018): 12-25.

Section 4: Citing Online Journal Articles

Citing online journal articles can be tricky, but here are some essential tips:

• If the article is available online and you have access to it through a subscription-based database or library platform, use the following format: Lastname, First Name. "Article Title." Container Title Volume Issue (Year): Page Numbers. Database Name. Day Month Year of Publication. Example: Smith, Jane. "The Impact of Climate Change on Local Ecosystems." Journal of Environmental Studies 10.2 (2018): 12-25. JSTOR.

• If the article is not available online and doesn't have a specific publication date, use the following format: Lastname, First Name. "Article Title." Container Title Volume Issue (Year) of Publication: Page Numbers. Example: Smith, Jane. "The Impact of Climate Change on Local Ecosystems." Journal of Environmental Studies 10.2 (2018): 12-25.

Section 5: Additional Tips for Formatting Journal Articles

• Use full title case for the title of the article and container.
• Include a DOI (digital object identifier) if available, as it provides permanent access to the online version of the article.
• If the journal article includes a table of contents or an abstract, include these elements in your citation.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to formatting journal articles in MLA style. Remember to consult the official MLA Handbook (9th edition) for more detailed information and examples.