How to Cite a Thesis Statement in MLA Format

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Citing a Thesis Statement in MLA Format

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Proper citation is crucial for academic writing, especially when working with sources. In MLA format, citing a thesis statement can be challenging, but it's an essential skill to master. This guide will show you how to cite a thesis statement in MLA format using Google Docs.

Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation

Before we dive into citing a thesis statement, let's cover the basics of MLA citation. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in humanities and arts disciplines. When citing sources in MLA format, you need to include the author's name, publication date, page numbers, and title. For a thesis statement, we'll focus on citing the author's last name and page number.

Citing a Thesis Statement with an Author

If your thesis has an author, you can cite it using the following format:

Lastname, First Name (Year). Page number. Title of Thesis. University Name. Example: Johnson, John (2018). The Impact of Climate Change. New York University.
If the author is not specified or unknown, use "Author Unknown" instead: Author Unknown (Year). Page number. Title of Thesis. University Name.

Citing a Thesis Statement without an Author

If your thesis doesn't have an author, you can still cite it using the publication date and title:

(Year) Page number. Title of Thesis. University Name. Example: (2018). The Impact of Climate Change. New York University.

Tips for Citing a Thesis Statement:

Use a hanging indent: In Google Docs, select the citation text to make it a block quote, then adjust the formatting to create a hanging indent.
Double-check the page numbers: Make sure you include the correct page number(s) from your thesis.
Use the correct font and spacing: MLA recommends using 12-point Times New Roman with double-spacing.

Citing Multiple Sources on the Same Page

If your thesis has multiple sources cited on the same page, separate them with commas:

(Year a). Page number a. Title A.
(Year b). Page number b. Title B.

Example: (2020a) 12-15. "The History of Art." Google Docs (2020b) 20-25. "The Impact of Climate Change." Google Docs

Common Sources for Citing:

Books: Include the author's name, publication date, and title. Example: Smith, John (2019). The Art of Writing. New York University Press.
Journals: Use the author's last name, publication date, page numbers, and journal title. Example: Johnson, Jane (2020). "The Impact of Climate Change." Journal of Environmental Studies 10(1): 12-25.

Conclusion

Citing a thesis statement in MLA format may seem daunting at first, but with practice, you'll become more comfortable. Remember to use the correct formatting and citation style guidelines from your instructor or the MLA Handbook. By following these tips and examples, you'll be able to properly cite your sources and enhance your academic writing skills.