How to reference a report in MLA 9
A report reference in MLA 9 has 4 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: (Author page)
- Checked 21 October 2026
Pip tip: in KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. Most of this is filled in for you.
The 4 parts
Title. Publisher, Year, Web address.
1 · TITLEStudent Wellbeing Survey 2024. 2 · PUBLISHERCampus Health Trust, 3 · DATE2024, 4 · WEB ADDRESShttps://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024.
- 1 · TitleCapital letters for the main words (KanBananza adds them). In italics.On the cover.
- 2 · PublisherAs the source gives it.Who published it, often the same organisation.
- 3 · DateThe year.On the cover or the first pages.
- 4 · Web addressThe full web address.The report’s own page or PDF.
Two places, one source
Many students say exam stress affects their sleep (Student Wellbeing Survey 2024).
The author, and the page when there is one.Student Wellbeing Survey 2024. Campus Health Trust, 2024, https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024.
The full reference, in A to Z order by surname.Build your reference
Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What if…
No author
Start with the title instead.
Student Wellbeing Survey 2024. Campus Health Trust, 2024, https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024.
In your essay: (Student Wellbeing Survey 2024)
No date
Leave the date out. And add the date you looked at it, after “Accessed”.
Student Wellbeing Survey 2024. Campus Health Trust, https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
In your essay: (Student Wellbeing Survey 2024)
Two authors
Give both names, joined with “and”.
Green, Amara, and Ravi Patel. Student Wellbeing Survey 2024. Campus Health Trust, 2024, https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024.
In your essay: (Green and Patel)
Four or more authors
Give the first author, then “et al.”, which means “and others”. In your essay, give the first author and “et al.”.
Green, Amara, et al. Student Wellbeing Survey 2024. Campus Health Trust, 2024, https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024.
In your essay: (Green et al.)
Easy to get wrong
A web address in your essay
NOT QUITEMany students say exam stress affects their sleep (www.example.org).
RIGHTMany students say exam stress affects their sleep (Student Wellbeing Survey 2024).
The title not in italics
NOT QUITEStudent Wellbeing Survey 2024. Campus Health Trust, 2024, https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024.
RIGHTStudent Wellbeing Survey 2024. Campus Health Trust, 2024, https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024.
Check your university’s version
Some schools and departments make small changes to MLA. Your course handbook always wins.
This guide follows the MLA Handbook, 9th edition.
Questions
How do I cite a report in the text?
Give the author, in brackets: (Student Wellbeing Survey 2024). To point to one place in it: (Student Wellbeing Survey 2024 12)
What if there’s no date?
Check the page or document again first. If there really is none, here’s how MLA 9 sets it out: Student Wellbeing Survey 2024. Campus Health Trust, https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
Is MLA 9 the same at every university?
Some schools and departments make small changes to MLA. Your course handbook always wins.
Referencing is easier as you go
Our step-by-step guides show how to keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.
Skip the typing next time
In KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. The details are filled in for you, anything missing is flagged, and your reference list is made in your style. Harvard is free; the other styles come with Full Bananza.
These guides and KanBananza’s references are here to help, but they don’t replace your course’s own referencing guide: check your references against your handbook, and ask your tutor or library if you’re not sure. You’re responsible for your own work. Style names belong to their owners, who aren’t connected with KanBananza and don’t endorse it. See our terms.