The MLA Handbook is a guide created by the Modern Language Association that helps students and writers format their papers and cite sources correctly. It provides clear rules for writing styles, including how to structure essays, use in-text citations, and create a works cited page. This handbook is essential for anyone in the fields of literature, language, and the humanities. In addition to formatting guidelines, the MLA Handbook offers tips on avoiding plagiarism and improving writing clarity. It emphasizes the importance of giving credit to original authors and provides examples to help users understand how to apply the rules effectively in their own work.