How to cite a report in MLA

MLA report citation

If you accessed the report online, check out the citation format for an online report.

To cite a report in a reference entry in MLA style 9th edition include the following elements:

  1. Author(s) name: Give the last name and name as presented in the source (e. g. Watson, John). For two authors, reverse only the first name, followed by ‘and’ and the second name in normal order (e. g. Watson, John, and John Watson). For three or more authors, list the first name followed by et al. (e. g. Watson, John, et al.)
  2. Title of the report: Titles are italicized when independent. If part of a larger source add quotation marks and do not italize.
  3. Report number: Give the report number if available.
  4. Publisher: If the name of an academic press contains the words University and Press, use UP e.g. Oxford UP instead of Oxford University Press. If the word "University" doesn't appear, spell out the Press e.g. MIT Press.
  5. Year of publication: Give the year of publication as presented in the source.

Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of a report in MLA style 9th edition:

Author(s) name. Title of the report. Report no. Report number, Publisher, Year of publication.

Take a look at our works cited examples that demonstrate the MLA style guidelines in action:

Examples

The print version of a report by one author

Loban, Walter. Language Development: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve. NCTE Committee on Research Report No. 18, Office of Education, 1976.

The print version of a report by one author

Langer, Judith A. How Writing Shapes Thinking: A Study of Teaching and Learning. NCTE Research Report No. 22, National Inst. of Education, 1987.

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