How to Cite an Article in Standard American English
Introduction
In academic writing, it is essential to give credit to the sources you use, including articles from journals, magazines, and newspapers. Citing your sources allows readers to verify your claims, explore the topic further, and avoid plagiarism. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step explanation of how to cite an article in Standard American English using the most common citation style, Modern Language Association (MLA).
Step 1: Determine the Basic Information
Before you can cite an article, you need to gather the following information:
- Author(s) of the article
- Title of the article
- Title of the publication (journal, magazine, or newspaper)
- Volume and issue numbers (if applicable)
- Page numbers
- Date of publication
Step 2: Create the In-Text Citation
The in-text citation, also known as an "in-line citation," appears within the body of your paper to indicate where you got the information you are presenting. For an article, the in-text citation includes the author’s last name and the page number(s) from which you obtained the information.
- Single-author article: (Author’s Last Name Page Number)
- Two-author article: (Author’s Last Name 1 and Author’s Last Name 2 Page Number)
- Three or more authors: (Author’s Last Name et al. Page Number)
Example:
"According to Smith, the benefits of exercise include reduced stress and improved sleep quality" (Smith 15).
Step 3: Create the Works Cited Entry
The Works Cited page, also known as the "References" page, provides a complete list of all the sources you used in your paper. The entries on this page follow a specific format depending on the citation style you are using.
MLA Format for an Article
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." Title of the Publication, Volume Number.Issue Number (Date of Publication): Page Numbers.
Example:
- Smith, John. "The Benefits of Exercise." Journal of Health and Fitness, vol. 14, no. 2 (2022): 15-20.
Step 4: Consider Special Cases
- Articles with no author: If there is no author listed for the article, use the title of the article instead in both the in-text citation and the Works Cited entry.
- Articles from online sources: If you are citing an article from an online source, include the URL of the website in the Works Cited entry after the page numbers.
- Articles from databases: If you accessed the article through a database, such as JSTOR or ProQuest, include the database name in the Works Cited entry before the URL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When should I use a citation?
- You should use a citation whenever you include information or ideas from another source in your paper, whether you quote it directly or paraphrase it.
Q: What is the difference between a paraphrased citation and a direct quote citation?
- A paraphrased citation means that you have put someone else’s ideas into your own words. The in-text citation for a paraphrased citation includes only the author’s last name and the page number(s).
- A direct quote citation means that you have copied someone else’s words exactly as they appear in the original source. The in-text citation for a direct quote citation includes the author’s last name, the page number(s), and quotation marks around the quoted material.
Q: How do I cite an article with multiple authors?
- If an article has two authors, include both last names in the in-text citation.
- If an article has three or more authors, use "et al." (which means "and others") in the in-text citation and list all of the authors in the Works Cited entry.
Q: How do I cite an article from an online source?
- Include the URL of the website in the Works Cited entry after the page numbers.
Q: What is the difference between MLA, APA, and Chicago styles?
- MLA, APA, and Chicago are the three most common citation styles used in academic writing. Each style has its own specific set of rules for formatting in-text citations and Works Cited entries.
