BRIEF DIRECTORY

53 Supporting a thesis

54 Citing sources; avoiding plagiarism

55 Integrating sources

56 MLA documentation style

Directory to MLA in-text citation models

Directory to MLA works cited models

57 MLA manuscript format; sample research paper

Most English instructors and some humanities instructors will ask you to document your sources with the Modern Language Association (MLA) system of citations described in section 56.

When writing an MLA paper that is based on sources, you face three main challenges: (1) supporting a thesis, (2) citing your sources and avoiding plagiarism, and (3) integrating quotations and other source material.

Examples in sections 53–55 are drawn from a student’s research related to online monitoring of employees’ computer use. See Anna Orlov’s research paper, which argues that electronic surveillance in the workplace threatens employees’ privacy.

note: For advice on finding and evaluating sources and on managing information in all your college courses, see sections 50–52.