MLA vs. APA
Here are the major similarities and differences between MLA and APA citation styles.
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MLA
Typically used in the
Humanities (i.e.: English,
Theatre, Art)

Similarities
The paper is double spaced, as well as the reference or works cited page. The citation has a hanging indent.

APA
Typically used in the social sciences (i.e.: Psychology,
Sociology, Social Work)

“works cited” page to cite sources at the end of the work

All information used in the paper must be in the reference page or works cited.
Any information that is not your own needs to be cited
Both use parenthetical citations within the body of the paper. (Bird, 2010) or
(Bird 22)

“references” page to cite sources at the end of the work

Citations are listed alphabetically on the references or works cited page

When information is cited and the author’s name is not listed, place the author’s last name and the year the material was published. {Writing centers are awesome (Bird, 2010). }

Quotes are integrated smoothly and with transitions.
(For a handout on transitions, visit the UWC!)

Quotes 40 words or more are indented one tab (or 5 spaces)

Works cited is cited last name, first name (Bird, Big)
When information is cited and the author’s name is listed within the sentence, place the page number found at the end.
{According to Big Bird, writing centers are awesome”
(22). }
When information is cited and the author’s name is not listed, place the author’s last name and the page number at the end. {Writing centers are awesome (Bird 22).}
Quotes 4 lines or longer are blocked, meaning indented 2 tabs over

Created 03/2011

Works cited is last name, first initial (Bird, B.)
When information is cited and author’s name is listed within the sentence, place the year the material was published.
{Big Bird (2010) believes that writing centers are awesome.}