Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity. Avoiding plagiarism is essential, and understanding how to cite sources using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a fundamental skill for all students. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of MLA citation, covering everything from in-text citations to the Works Cited page.
Understanding MLA Citation
The MLA style emphasizes brevity and clarity in citations. The goal is to give the reader enough information to easily locate the source. This involves two key components:
- In-text citations: Brief references within your paper that point to the full citation in your Works Cited page.
- Works Cited page: A separate page at the end of your paper listing all the sources you cited.
In-Text Citations: Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
In-text citations usually consist of the author's last name and the page number(s) enclosed in parentheses. They are placed at the end of the sentence containing the information from the source.
Example: Shakespeare's Hamlet explores the complexities of revenge (Shakespeare 127).
Variations:
- Multiple authors: For two authors, list both last names. For three or more, use the first author's last name followed by "et al." (e.g., Smith et al. 42).
- No author: If the author is unknown, use a shortened version of the title in quotation marks (e.g., ("Impact" 35)).
- Indirect sources: If you're citing a source quoted in another source, cite both (e.g., Smith, qtd. in Jones 15). This indicates that you did not read the original Smith source directly.
- Multiple sources in one citation: You can cite multiple sources within the same parentheses, separated by semicolons (e.g., (Shakespeare 127; Jones 45)).
- Online sources without page numbers: Use paragraph numbers (e.g., (Smith, para. 3)) or section headings if available. If neither is available, cite the author's last name only.
Creating Your Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page appears at the end of your paper and lists all sources cited in alphabetical order by the author's last name (or title if no author). Each entry follows a specific format.
Here are examples for common source types:
Book:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. *Title of Book*. Publisher, Year.
Example:
Austen, Jane. *Pride and Prejudice*. Penguin Classics, 2003.
Journal Article:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Title of Article." *Title of Journal*, Volume.Issue (Year): Pages. Database, URL.
Example:
Smith, John. "The Impact of Social Media." *Journal of Communication*, 65.2 (2021): 120-140. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1234567.
Website:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Title of Page." *Website Name*, Date of Publication, URL.
Example:
"MLA Formatting and Style Guide." *The OWL at Purdue*, Purdue University, 26 July 2023, owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/.
Essential Tips for Success
- Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent format throughout your paper and Works Cited page.
- Accuracy is Paramount: Double-check all information for accuracy to avoid errors.
- Utilize Online Resources: Many websites, including the Purdue OWL, provide detailed guides and examples.
- Consult your instructor: If you have any questions or uncertainties, always consult your instructor for clarification.
Mastering MLA citation takes practice, but by understanding the basic principles and utilizing available resources, you can confidently cite your sources and ensure academic integrity in your work. Remember, proper citation is not just about avoiding plagiarism—it's about giving credit to the researchers and authors who have contributed to your understanding.