How to MLA Cite: A Comprehensive Guide for Students
MLA (Modern Language Association) citation is a widely used formatting style in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. Knowing how to properly cite sources is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit where it's due. This guide will walk you through the essentials of MLA citation, covering both in-text citations and the Works Cited page.
Understanding MLA Citation Basics
The core principle of MLA citation is to provide enough information for your reader to easily locate the source you've used. This involves two key components:
- In-text citations: Brief references within your paper that indicate the source of specific information.
- Works Cited page: A separate page at the end of your paper that lists all the sources you cited in full detail.
Failing to properly cite your sources, even unintentionally, can lead to serious academic consequences.
In-Text Citations: Guiding Your Reader
In-text citations are concise references that appear within the body of your paper. They typically include the author's last name and the page number (or other relevant location information) enclosed in parentheses.
Examples:
- Author-page style (most common): According to Smith (15), the evidence is inconclusive.
- Multiple authors: (Jones and Davis 22)
- Author's name in the sentence: Smith argues that the evidence is inconclusive (15).
- No author: ("Title of Work" 23). Use a shortened title if it's lengthy.
- Indirect source: (Smith, qtd. in Jones 25). This shows you're citing Jones's account of Smith's work.
Handling Different Source Types
The specifics of your in-text citation depend on the type of source you're using. Here are a few examples:
Books:
- One author: (Austen 123)
- Two authors: (Bronte and Brontë 45)
- Three or more authors: (Chopin et al. 67)
Articles:
- Journal article: (Jones 45-50)
Websites:
Website citations can be tricky due to the lack of consistent page numbers. It's usually sufficient to just include the author's name (if available). If there is no author, use the title of the webpage.
The Works Cited Page: Detailed Source Information
The Works Cited page is an alphabetical list of all the sources you cited in your paper. Each entry provides comprehensive information, allowing the reader to find the source themselves.
Formatting the Works Cited Page
- Heading: Center the title "Works Cited" at the top of the page.
- Alphabetical Order: List sources alphabetically by the first word of each entry (usually the author's last name).
- Hanging Indents: Use hanging indents, meaning the first line of each entry is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented.
- Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistency in font, spacing, and punctuation throughout.
Example Entries:
Book:
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin Classics, 2003.
Journal Article:
Jones, David. "The Impact of Technology on Society." Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 15, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-50.
Website:
"MLA Formatting and Style Guide." Purdue OWL, owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide.html
Key Considerations and Best Practices
- Consistency is key: Stick to the MLA format consistently throughout your paper.
- Accuracy is paramount: Double-check all information to ensure accuracy.
- Use a citation manager: Tools like Zotero or Mendeley can help automate the process.
- Consult the latest MLA Handbook: The official guide provides the most up-to-date information.
Mastering MLA citation might seem daunting initially, but with practice and attention to detail, you'll become proficient in this essential academic skill. Remember, proper citation protects your academic integrity and strengthens your research credibility.
