In the academic realm, proper citation is a cornerstone of scholarly writing. Among the various citation styles, the Modern Language Association (MLA) style stands out as a widely used and recognized format. MLA style references, or citations, are a set of rules and guidelines established by the Modern Language Association for documenting sources in academic writing. These citations provide a roadmap for readers to trace and verify the information presented in a paper. MLA style is commonly used in the humanities, including literature, language studies, and the arts. Why Do We Need MLA Style References? Academic Integrity: MLA style references uphold the principles of academic integrity by giving credit to the original authors and researchers whose work contributes to your own.Credibility: Proper citations add credibility to your writing by demonstrating that your arguments and ideas are based on reliable and well-established sources.Avoiding Plagiarism: MLA style helps writers avoid unintentional plagiarism by clearly distinguishing between their own ideas and those borrowed from other sources. How to Create MLA Style References: Books: Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year. Articles (Print and Online): Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages. Database or URL. Websites: Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Webpage." Name of Website, Publisher or Sponsor, Publication Date, URL. Encyclopedia Entries: Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Entry." Title of Encyclopedia, Publication Year, URL. Social Media Posts: Author's Last Name, First Name or Username. "Text of the Post." Title of Platform, Date, Time, URL. Remember: For in-text citations, include the author's last name and the page number (if applicable) in parentheses. Ensure that your Works Cited page is alphabetized and formatted correctly. If you need more resources on MLA referencing, please check out Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab Resources. The website has a comprehensive list of how to cite from different sources. Mastering MLA style references is a crucial skill for academic success. By understanding the purpose of citations and following the guidelines outlined by the Modern Language Association, you contribute to the scholarly conversation with integrity and precision. So, the next time you embark on an academic writing journey, let MLA style be your trusted guide in acknowledging the voices that have shaped your ideas.