A citation style is also called a reference style. A reference style provides a set of rules to refer the sources in an academic paper. The guidelines of these citation styles are published in the form of handbooks. The handbooks contain a complete explanation of styles and examples. There are different citation styles are available to refer the sources in an academic paper. The most famous reference styles are MLA, APA and Chicago etc. Here, experts of
dissertation writing services will provide a complete guide to differentiate MLA and APA citation styles.
- The first difference between MLA and APA citation styles is in their use in different subjects. MLA stands for Modern Languages Association and this style is commonly used in humanities. APA stands for the American Psychology Association and APA is commonly used in social sciences.
- To write an academic paper, we have to use titles. These titles are used differently in these two citation styles. In the APA citation style, these titles are written in italics and the necessary words are capitalized. On the other hand, in the APA citation style, the titles are completely underlined. Moreover, all the major words of the MLA citation style are capitalized.
- To write an academic paper, we have to provide a title to the source. In the case of APA citation style, the title of this source page is ‘References’. On the other hand, in the case of MLA citation style, the title of this source page is ‘Work Cited’.
- While providing a reference to a resource in an academic paper, we have to write the name of the author. If you are using APA citation style, the last name of the author is used. On the other hand, in the case of the MLA citation style, it is necessary for the students to use the full name of the author.
- While writing an academic paper, if we find such information that is necessary to write in an academic paper in its original form, we have to provide an in-text citation of this information. In the case of APA citation style, in-text citations are written by writing the name of the author and the year of publication. On the other hand, in the case of MLA citation style, in-text citations are written by writing the name of author and page number of the publication.
- To write an in-text citation, we have to separate its components with the help of commas. If a student is using the APA citation style, it is necessary for him to separate these components with the help of commas. On the other hand, in the case of the MLA citation style, there is no need to separate these components with the help of commas.
- There is also a difference between the formatting of an academic paper of these two citation styles. Both MLA and APA citations have double spacing between the words throughout the academic paper, 12-point font and one-inch margin from all sides of the paper but the difference is in their parts. The APA citation style consists of four parts like the title page, abstract, main body and references. On the other hand, the MLA citation style consists of two parts like body and work cited page.
