MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, Sixth Edition

This book should be bigger. I wanted to write a paper about MLA style, but I didn't know how to cite the handbook. They need a chapter about how to cite research guides. Also, they need a chapter on how to cite from video games because I wrote a paper on "Final Fantasy VII" and the scene where you have to fight Sephiroth and take back the world from his minions, but when I tried to include the something from the game, the MLA book didn't tell me how to do it. Also, if doesn't tell you how to cite from wrestling interviews or candy wrappers.

If they ever revise this book, they should make it longer and include more ways to cite. I gave this 3 stars because it's ok.


Acceptable Guide for Writing Acceptable Research Papers   December 16, 2003
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

The best parts of this edition of the MLA guide are those that enforce the mechanics of strong writing, though if you're the creative type with unconventional ideas, there is no need to be constrained by these guidelines. Another good section concerns plagiarism, especially the tips on how to avoid both malicious and accidental plagiarism. The guidelines on how to conduct research are better presented elsewhere, while the chapter on how to format a paper is not entirely useful unless you have an assignment that demands that particular type of formatting. Otherwise you will often be free to use a format and construction style of your own choosing. Of course the meat of this guide is the sections on citations and bibliographies, which quite clearly explain the punctuation and mechanics of just about every type of citation imaginable (including new-fangled Internet sources). The only problem is that these sections are difficult to search because of a fuzzy index that sends you to annoyingly demarcated section numbers rather than page numbers. [~doomsdayer520~]


Required & Almost Complete   October 4, 2004
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

The MLA is the standard for most literary papers. The book itself is well-formatted and easy to read. It is fairly easy to find what you need except when it is not in the book.

Because of the lapse in time from writing to publication, style requirements change as new forms of information become available. One type of citation I needed was not in the book and I finally had to search for the MLA website. That is the reason I do not give this book 5 stars, they do not list their own website for up-to-date style references. By using the website with the handbook, I find answers to most of my style questions.

For reference, the website is www.mla.org/ Enjoy!