Research Resources

APA and MLA Sample Papers and Style Guides

• Sample papers from the Online Writing Lab (OWL®) at Purdue University

  • To view a sample paper using the American Psychological Association (APA) format, visit APA Sample Paper

  • To view a sample paper using the Modern Language Association (MLA) format, visit MLA Sample Paper

• To learn more about APA Citation Style, visit the APA Style Center

• To learn more about MLA Citation Style, visit the MLA Style Center

Citation Tip Sheets

The sheets below are full of pro tips for working with citations and bibliographies

• An up-to-date reference tool for the APA style guide: APA 7th ed. Citation Tip Sheet  

• An up-to-date reference tool for the MLA style guide: MLA 9th ed. Citation Tip Sheet  

What is NoodleTools?

Giving Credit with Citations and References

Note: Read your assignment carefully to learn what Citation Style you are required to use. Ask your instructor if you are unsure.

Works Cited/Reference List: A works cited list (MLA) or references list (APA) includes only the sources you directly cited in your paper.

• APA Formatting: Reference List Basics (video by Purdue Owl)
• MLA Formatting: List of Works Cited (video by Purdue Owl)

Bibliography: A bibliography is a list of all the sources used in the process of researching and writing a piece of work, including books, articles, websites, and other materials.

Annotated Bibliography: An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents, with each citation followed by a brief (usually 100-300 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation, that informs the reader about the source's relevance, accuracy, and quality. 

• Annotated Bibliography Samples from Purdue OWL®
• What is an Annotated Bibliography? (Purdue OWL® video)
• Another perspective on Annotated Bibliographies (video)

What is plagiarism?  

This brief video explores the topic:

What are MLA in-text citations?

This brief video explores the topic:

What are APA in-text citations?

This brief video explores the topic: