How to Write Note Cards in MLA Format

Note cards in MLA format can help you organize your references.

Note cards provide a way to organize ideas and resources that may be used in your next research paper. The Modern Language Association (MLA) has developed a format that facilitates this process and includes all the necessary information you need for your research paper.

Things You'll Need

• Note cards

Instructions

Source Card

1. Write the last and first name of the author, separated by a comma, in the left corner of your note card.

2. Write the title of the book under the author's name and underline it. Add the place of publication followed by a colon, the publisher followed by a comma, and the year of publication. End this entry with a period.

3. Write the location where you found the resource 1/2 inch below the publishing information on your source card.

4. Write "Source" in the top right corner of the card and assign a number to the resource.

5. Create a source card for each resource for your research paper.

Information Card

1. Write "Source" and the assigned number of the book in the top right corner.

2. Choose a short topic title that describes the information you'll write on the card. Write your topic title in the upper left corner of the note card.

3. Paraphrase the information from your book in the center of the note card.

4. Write the page number in the bottom right corner of the note card after the word "Page."

Tips & Warnings

• It's important to paraphrase the information on information cards in your own words to avoid plagiarism.

References

• Amazon: A Pocket Style Manual
• Galludet University: English Works

Resources

• Modern Language Association