__MLA_Handbook_for_Writers_of_Research_Papers_7th_Edition.pdf

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers L ndbo it ch Seventh Edition THE MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA New York 2009 The Modern Language Association publishes two books on its documentation style: the MLA Handbook for Writers ofResearch Papers (for high school and undergraduate students) and the MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing (for graduate students, scholars, and professional writers). These volumes provide the most accurate plete instructions on MLA style. MLA and the MODERNLANGUAGEASSOCIATION are trademarks owned by the Modern Language Association of America. If updates of the information in this handbook e necessary , they will be posted at the MLA's World Wide Web site. ? 1977,1984,1988,1995,1999,2003,2009 by The Modern Language Association of America. Printed in the United States of America For information about obtaining permission to reprint material from MLA book publications, send your request by mail (see address below), e -mail (******@mla .org), or fax (646 458 -0030) . Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data MLA handbook for writers of research papers. - 7th ed. p. em. Prev o ed . entered under : Gibaldi , Joseph, 1942- Includes index. ISBN 978 -1-60329-024-1 (pbk. : alk. paper) - ISBN 978-1-60329 -025 -8 (large print: pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Report writing-Handbooks, manuals, etc . 2 . Research-Handbooks , manuals, etc. I. Gibaldi, Joseph, 1942- MLA handbook for writers ofresearch papers. II. Modern Language Association of Amer ica. m. Title: Handbook for writers of research papers. LB2369 .G53 2009 808'.027-dc22 2008047484 First printing 2009 Book design by Charlotte Staub .Set in Melior and Lucida Sans. Printed on recycled, acid-free paper Published by The Modern Language Association of America 26 Broadway ,New York, New York 10004-1789 www .mla .org Conten ts Foreword by Rosemary G. Feal xiii Preface by David G. Nicholls xvii Note on the ponent xxi CHAPTER 1 : Resea rc h and Writ ing 1 . The Resea