Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity. Knowing how to cite text in MLA style is essential for students and researchers alike. This guide will walk you through the process, covering various source types and common citation challenges. Mastering MLA in-text citations will enhance the credibility of your work and avoid plagiarism.
Understanding MLA In-Text Citations
MLA (Modern Language Association) style uses parenthetical citations within your text to directly refer to your sources. These citations briefly identify the source, allowing readers to easily locate the full details in your Works Cited page. The core components of an in-text citation usually include the author's last name and the page number(s).
Basic In-Text Citation Format
The most common format for an in-text citation is:
(Author's Last Name Page Number)
For example:
"Shakespeare's masterful use of iambic pentameter is evident throughout Hamlet (Shakespeare 12)."
This tells the reader that the information comes from a work by Shakespeare, specifically found on page 12.
Different Source Types and Their Citations
The complexity of your citation depends on the source type. Here's how to handle various scenarios:
1. Citing a Book
For a book with one author:
- In-text: (Austen 150)
- Works Cited: Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin Classics, 2003.
For a book with multiple authors:
- In-text: (Smith and Jones 27) or if long, (Smith & Jones 27)
- Works Cited: Smith, John, and Jane Jones. The Collaborative Project. Oxford University Press, 2022.
2. Citing a Journal Article
- In-text: (Davis 42-45)
- Works Cited: Davis, Margaret. "The Impact of Social Media." Journal of Communication Studies, vol. 35, no. 1, 2024, pp. 42-45.
3. Citing a Website
Citing websites requires careful attention to detail because the author may not always be clearly identified. If an author is identified:
- In-text: (Miller)
- Works Cited: Miller, Sarah. "The Future of Artificial Intelligence." TechForward, 15 May 2024, www.techforward.com/ai-future.
If the author is not identifiable, cite the website name:
- In-text: ("The History of Coffee")
- Works Cited: "The History of Coffee." Coffee Connoisseur, www.coffeeconnoisseur.com/history.
4. Citing an Online Video
- In-text: ("The Documentary on Climate Change")
- Works Cited: "The Documentary on Climate Change." YouTube, uploaded by National Geographic, 10 Oct. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=examplevideo.
Handling Multiple Citations and Long Quotations
Multiple Sources in One Citation
When citing multiple sources in one parenthetical reference, separate the citations with a semicolon:
(Smith 25; Jones 48; Davis 12).
Long Quotations (More than four lines)
Long quotations (block quotes) are formatted differently. They are indented one inch from the left margin, without quotation marks. The parenthetical citation follows the final punctuation.
"This is a long quotation that requires special formatting because it exceeds four lines. Notice the indentation and the lack of quotation marks." (Shakespeare 200).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inconsistent formatting: Maintain consistency throughout your paper.
- Missing page numbers: Always include page numbers for print sources unless citing the entire work.
- Incorrect punctuation: Pay close attention to punctuation within your citations.
- Omitting necessary information: Ensure all necessary elements are included in your citations.
- Not creating a Works Cited page: Your in-text citations must correspond to entries in your Works Cited page.
By following these guidelines and paying attention to detail, you can master MLA in-text citations and significantly improve the quality and credibility of your academic work. Remember to always double-check your citations before submitting your paper!
