When it comes to academic writing, citing your sources properly is essential. In the world of research and academia, using proper citation styles is crucial for crediting the work of others and avoiding plagiarism.
What is MLA Citation?
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a widely used citation style that is primarily used in the humanities. It provides guidelines for formatting and citing sources in research papers and scholarly articles. Proper MLA citation not only gives credit to the original source but also allows readers to locate the sources used in a writer’s work.
Properly Citing MLA Citations
When it comes to citing sources in MLA style, there are certain rules and guidelines that need to be followed. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- In-text citations: When quoting or paraphrasing a source within the text of your paper, you should include an in-text citation that includes the author’s last name and the page number where the information can be found.
- Works Cited page: At the end of your paper, you should include a Works Cited page that lists all the sources cited in your paper. This page should be organized alphabetically by the author’s last name or, if there is no author, by the title of the source.
- Formatting: The format for citing different types of sources – such as books, articles, websites, and more – may vary slightly. It’s important to use the correct format for each type of source to ensure proper citation.
- Citing electronic sources: When citing electronic sources, such as websites or online articles, it’s important to include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) to direct readers to the source.
- Using proper punctuation: Proper punctuation is crucial in MLA citations, including the use of periods, commas, italics, quotation marks, and more. It’s essential to follow the MLA Handbook for proper punctuation guidelines.
Which MLA Citations Are Properly Cited? Check All That Apply
When it comes to citing sources in MLA style, it’s important to ensure that you are following the proper guidelines. Here are some common examples of sources and how they should be properly cited in MLA style:
| Source Type | Proper MLA Citation |
|---|---|
| Book with one author | Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year. |
| Journal article | Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Publication Year, page numbers. |
| Website | Last Name, First Name. “Title of Web Page.” Title of Website, Publisher, Publication Date, URL. |
| Online database article | Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Publication Year, page numbers. Database Name, URL. |
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of the many types of sources that can be cited in MLA style. For a comprehensive guide on citing sources in MLA style, it’s important to refer to the latest edition of the MLA Handbook or consult an online MLA citation guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While citing sources in MLA style, there are several common mistakes that writers should avoid:
- Missing in-text citations: Failing to include in-text citations when quoting or paraphrasing a source is a common mistake that can lead to accusations of plagiarism.
- Incorrect formatting: Using the wrong format for a particular type of source, or failing to properly format the Works Cited page, can result in improper citations.
- Omitting electronic source details: When citing electronic sources, it’s important to include the URL or DOI to allow readers to access the original source.
- Improper punctuation: Failing to use proper punctuation, such as periods, commas, and quotation marks, can lead to incorrect and unclear citations.
Conclusion
Properly citing MLA citations is essential in academic writing to give credit to original sources and avoid potential accusations of plagiarism. By following the guidelines for in-text citations, creating a properly formatted Works Cited page, and avoiding common mistakes, writers can ensure that their citations are properly cited according to MLA style. Utilizing the latest edition of the MLA Handbook and consulting reputable online citation guides can provide writers with the knowledge and resources they need to cite sources correctly in MLA style.
