In academic writing, proper citation is crucial to maintain integrity and avoid plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in the humanities, particularly in language and literature studies. When citing a quote in MLA format, there are specific rules to follow. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your in-text citations and Works Cited page are accurate and consistent.
In-Text Citations: Quoting a Source
When you include a direct quote from a source in your paper, you must acknowledge the author and page number in your text. This is known as an in-text citation. Here's how to do it:
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For a direct quote, include the author's last name and the page number at the end of the sentence: (
).
If the author's name is not mentioned in the sentence, place it before the page number: (Author's Last Name
If the source has no author, use the title (if an article) or the first word or two of the title (if a book) in place of the author's name.
Example:
According to Smith, "MLA style is the most common citation style in the humanities" (Smith 42).
Quoting a Source with No Page Numbers
If your source has no page numbers, you can still cite it in MLA format. Here's how:
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For an online source with paragraph numbers, include the paragraph number in your citation: (
Para. ).
For an online source with no paragraph numbers, use the author's last name only: (
Example:
As Johnson notes, "MLA style is widely used in academic writing" (Johnson).
Quoting a Source with Indirect Quotes
If you're paraphrasing a source, you still need to cite it. Here's how to do it:
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Include the author's last name and the page number at the end of the sentence: (
).
Example:
MLA style is the most common citation style in the humanities, as it provides a clear and consistent way to document sources (Smith 42).
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is where you list all the sources you used in your paper. Here's how to format it:
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Start a new page at the end of your paper. Center the title "Works Cited" at the top of the page.
List your sources alphabetically by the author's last name. If there's no author, alphabetize by the title.
Use a hanging indent for each entry. This means the first line of each entry is flush with the left margin, and all subsequent lines are indented.
Example:
| Citation Style | Example |
|---|---|
| Book | Smith, John. Title of Book. Publisher, 2022. |
| Article | Johnson, Jane. "Title of Article." Journal Name, vol. 1, no. 1, 2022, pp. 1-10. |
| Website | Institution Name. "Title of Webpage." Website Name, Website Publisher, Day Month Year, www.website.com. |
Remember, consistency is key in MLA format. Make sure to use the same format for all your citations and entries in the Works Cited page.
Citing sources in MLA format might seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. It's a vital skill that will serve you well in your academic career and beyond. So, start quoting confidently and accurately today!
