The most common academic writing styles can be defined as MLA and APA. Even though both of these writing styles have a lot of similarities and the same outcome, there are some differences. Depending on what and where you study, will determine if you are going to be required to write and MLA or an APA. The one is not necessarily better than the other, but it is important to be aware of these distinguishes. It can help you write a better paper and earn a higher score. Many students assume that the two are exactly the same, only to find out that it is not the case after doing some research. You can find MLA literature review writing help and the same for an APA online. Let’s get into those distinguishes.
1. Student Name
There is a slight difference in the format of the author’s name when it comes to the different writing styles. With the MLA, the student is required to write out the full name and surname, whereas with the APA, the last name is written out in full and the names are simply initialled.
2. Title
On the MLA, you have to write the page title on the top of the page and follow with a double space. The rest of your paper will then follow. With APA, you have to write your page title on every page of your paper, as well as the first page.
3. Sources
The research process is fairly similar, but the sources pages have some distinguishes. With the MLA, you refer to your source page as, works cited. The APA source page title will be referred to as, references. It is not a significant difference, but crucial to know. You might not need an mla literature review for this one, but just keep it in mind.
4. Citations
Another small difference, but important if you want to get the format write on these difference writing styles. In text-citations are important and incorrect citations can cause you to lose a few points. With MLA, you use your last name and the page number and with APA, the last name and date is important to use.
5. Bibliography
The entries on your bibliography also has a few differences. On your MLA, you will list the authors’ names alphabetically and the title alphabetically as well. With APA, you are going to list the authors’ names alphabetically, but the titles will be entered in chronologically order by work.
6. Writing Style
MLA style is used mostly for those studying in the languages and literature sector and APA consists of scientific writing. APA is used more for those completing studies in social sciences, whereas MLA were created towards those working in the humanities field. Literature review mla is usually important to students, because of the language emphases on the writing style.
7. Summary
This is also a point to make a mental note of when you do your paper outline. MLA does not require you to add a summary in your paper, whereas with APA, you will be required to add a brief summary. Even though this point seems self-explanatory, for those who have not done this before, it is important not to miss it if you are doing an APA paper.
8. Visuals
There is no request for visuals when doing an MLA paper, but it is encouraged in an APA. You also want to take note that your visuals in an APA should be attached as appendices, in order to not distract from the text.
9. Capitalize
In your MLA, you are required to capitalize all the major words, so your writing style should be effortless if you have basic writing skills. In an APA, note that you only capitalize the title and subtitle. There is not much emphases on capitals in the APA and thus makes your expression of work a little more challenging.
10. More than 1 author
This point is one of those rules that are often missed or dismissed, but format is important, so we will mention it. When you refer to more than one author in an APA, you use the “&” character. With MLA, you write the word “and” out. Insignificant, but necessary if you are aiming for high scores.
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