List of Common Source Types to Cite in MLA Format (Grade 6)

📚 What is MLA Format?

MLA (Modern Language Association) format is a widely used style guide for academic writing, especially in the humanities. It provides guidelines for formatting papers and citing sources to ensure consistency and avoid plagiarism. For 6th graders, understanding the basics of MLA citation is a crucial step in developing good research habits.

📜 History of MLA

The Modern Language Association was founded in 1883. The MLA style guide was created to provide a standard way for scholars and students to document their sources. The first MLA Style Sheet was published in 1951 and has been updated regularly to reflect changes in research practices and technology.

🔑 Key Principles of MLA Citation

• 🎯 Accuracy: Make sure all information about the source is correct.
• ✍️ Consistency: Follow the same format for all citations.
• ⚖️ Attribution: Give credit to the original author or creator.
• 🚫 Avoiding Plagiarism: Properly citing sources prevents accidental plagiarism.

🌐 Common Source Types and How to Cite Them

Here are some of the most common types of sources you'll encounter in 6th grade, along with examples of how to cite them in MLA format:

📖 Books

• ✍️ Single Author: Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
• 💡 Example: Smith, John. The History of the World. Penguin Books, 2005.
• 👥 Multiple Authors: Last Name, First Name, and First Name Last Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
• 🧬 Example: Johnson, Mary, and Robert Williams. Science Experiments for Kids. DK, 2018.

📰 Websites

• 💻 Website: Author (if available), or Organization. "Title of Page." Name of Website, Date of Publication or Last Modified Date, URL.
• 🌍 Example: National Geographic Society. "The Amazon Rainforest." National Geographic, 12 Jan. 2023, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/amazon-rainforest/.

📰 Articles (from Websites or Databases)

• ✍️ Article: Author (if available). "Title of Article." Name of Publication, Date, URL.
• 🔬 Example: Miller, Sarah. "The Benefits of Exercise." Health Today, 15 Mar. 2024, www.healthtoday.com/exercise.

📺 Videos

• 🎬 Video: Author or Username. "Title of Video." Platform, Date Published, URL.
• 💡 Example: Khan Academy. "Introduction to Algebra." YouTube, 20 Aug. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqhQY4tb2Qk.

🤝 Interviews

• 🗣️ Interview: Last Name, First Name. Interview. Date.
• 📝 Example: Doe, Jane. Interview. 5 May 2024.

💡 Tips for Success

• 📚 Keep a Record: Keep track of all the sources you use as you research.
• ✍️ Use a Citation Tool: Online citation generators can help you format your citations correctly.
• 🧐 Double-Check: Always double-check your citations to make sure they are accurate.

✅ Conclusion

Understanding how to cite sources in MLA format is an essential skill for 6th grade and beyond. By following these guidelines, you can properly credit your sources, avoid plagiarism, and demonstrate the integrity of your research.