Basic Differences of APA and MLA Formats
53584
Writing & Speaking
Nov 8, 2007
jwalker1979
Basic Differences of APA and MLA Formats
Citing your paper in Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA) formats depend mostly on the subject you are writing on. Mainly, APA style citations are used to cite writings that have a social science focus: Psychology, Business, the Social Sciences, Economics, Medicine, and Criminal Justice and Law. On the other hand, MLA style citations are used to cite writings that have humanities focus: Literature, Mass Communications, Media Studies, etc. Basic APA/MLA Differences 1. A paper written in MLA format has the author's name and page number displayed in the top right corner of each page. In APA format, the first few words, usually the first three, of the title with the page number runs on the top, right corner of each page. 2. In a MLA formatted paper, the author's name, both first and last name, is spelled out on the bibliography page. In APA, only the last name of the author is spelled out while the first name is an initial. 3. The in-text citation is slightly different. In MLA, the last name of the author and the page number from which the reference was taken is displayed. In APA, the last name and the year of publication are displayed (separated by a comma). 4. The title in MLA and APA style formats has differences in its capitalization. In APA, only the first word of the title is capitalized and in italics. In MLA, all the major words of the title are capitalized. 5. In an MLA formatted paper, there is no abstract required. APA formatted papers does require an abstract. 6. The source page that list the bibliography information is called "Works Cited" in MLA and "References" in APA format. The source page should be the last page of the paper. "Works Cited" and "References" must be centered in both formats. The differences between MLA and APA citation formats are minor. But writing in either format will ensure that papers are properly cited and the author's chances of plagiarizing are reduced. There are several websites available, via the popular search engines, which give detailed requirements for both APA and MLA style formats. Over the years, many changes have been made to both formats. When searching for format samples, you must be aware of outdated versions. I have found that by looking for the "Last Updated" dates on web pages, you can reduce your chances of following a version that has been outdated for several years.
Jimmy Walker is the founder of CitePlanet.com. Find thousands of quality citations from books, periodicals, and electronic sources. Post samples of your work on CitePlanet!
send email to jwalker1979
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
As a webmaster that is constantly looking for fresh web content, I view hundreds of articles in the course of a week. Avoiding these mistakes can be the difference between your article being accepted, and widely distributed, and being rejected, with littl
Category:
Recently ended a relationship? Unsure about what the future will bring? Finding the next best thing is, for some of us, redemption as we pick up and mend our broken hearts. But don't make the mistake of looking for love in all the wrong places.
Category:
Choosing a job while in college is not the most important task on the to-do list for many college students. Often, factors used for narrowing job options may include rather a place is a popular hang out spot or rather movies are free for employees. But th
Category:
Most of you would agree that suspicion of your partner cheating is worst than actually knowing. There is a simple, discreet way to find out.
Category:
Breaking up can be hard. But do we unintentionally make things worst. Moving on can be easier, if we avoid certain mistakes.
Category:
Savings are essential to the safeguard of any household. What seems to be a happy, carefree lifestyle today can change in an instance with the lost of a job or the birth of a child. With a few, simple changes, a family or individual can significantly incr
Category:
Leaving college with a degree is not the only things students are leaving with. Enormous debt complements most college degrees. Reducing college debt can be accomplished with a little planning.
Category:
Have you ever thought you had everything you needed to write the perfect article or story? You have the perfect topic to write on, you have the topic brainstormed and outlined, but you can not seem to stay focus for more than a couple of minutes at a time
Category:
Salaries and bonuses are not, contrary to popular belief, the one number factor in determining job satisfaction for most employees. If that was the case, why are people walking off six figured jobs each day? Fitting in and being accepted is, in many cases
Category:
Have you ever noticed that the same stories are told in the aftermath about the most recent school shooters? They were all rejected by members of their community, by peers at school, or by their family at home. I can't help to wonder if this was a factor
Category:
Citing your paper in Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA) formats depend mostly on the subject you are writing on.
Category:
Are students getting the most out of their online class? A traditional classroom setting offers the possibilities for in-depth discussions and hands-on exercises. How can online students break down the walls of anonymity online and create an open forum of
Category:
Each year, billions of dollars in scholarship money goes unclaimed. By knowing how and where to search for these sources, students can increase their scholarship intake.
Category:
Do you ever notice how humble incumbents get when it is time for them to run for re-election? This is the only time when most elected officials pay any considerable attention to their constituents' needs. How can you increase your odds of voting for a can
Category:
Have you every taken a close look at your article stats? Depending on how widely varied your subjects are, you may notice that some topics receives a lot more page views than others. Which topics are more in demand and what makes them so appealing?
Category:
Have you ever found yourself visiting all of the major textbook websites for a required textbook only to find that the ISBN does not exist? You may need a custom textbook. Get to know some of the advantages and disadvantages.
Category:
Webmasters and internet users are constantly looking for fresh, useful information. Figuring out what to write on can sometimes be challenging. Ideas for article topics are just a reach away.
Category:
Other links at Writing & Speaking
New writers often fall victim to scams. Here are a few tips to avoid unscrupulous literary agents.
Category:
The very thought of making an oral presentation is enough to make many people - old as well as young -- want to stay in bed on the day of the presentation.
Category:
The tempo of storytelling should usually be faster than the normal speed of conversational delivery. Listeners like to feel the story is progressing. Action must take place. You can emphasize this feeling of progress by telling the story briskly.
Category:
A writer will use a number of different techniques when using their words to grab a reader's attention.
Category:
5. How to Find the Best Sources of Stories, Anecdotes and Quotes for Your Speeches and Presentations
Do you have a speech or presentation to prepare and don't know where to start to find content? The answer to finding material for your speeches and presentations is closer and easier than you may think.
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68228
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
