Citing Sources in MLA Style: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely accepted format for citing sources in academic writing. It provides clear and consistent guidelines for referencing books, articles, websites, and other types of materials. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the essential information you need to cite sources effectively in MLA style.
Basic Principles of MLA Citation
MLA citation follows a specific set of principles:
- In-text citations: Provide brief references within the text of your paper to indicate where the information came from.
- Works Cited page: Create a separate page at the end of your paper that lists all the sources you cited in your text.
- Title of the Works Cited page: Label the page "Works Cited" and center it at the top.
- Margin: Set the margins of the Works Cited page to 1 inch on all sides.
- Font and spacing: Use a standard 12-point font and double-space the entire page.
- Alphabetical order: List your sources alphabetically by the author’s last name or by the title of the source (if there is no author).
Citing Different Types of Sources
MLA style provides specific guidelines for citing various types of sources:
Books:
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For books with one author:
- Author’s last name, first name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
- Example: Smith, John. The History of the United States. ABC Press, 2023.
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For books with multiple authors:
- Last name and first initials of the first author, followed by "et al." for "and others."
- Example: Jones, M. K., et al. The Psychology of Learning. XYZ Press, 2022.
Articles in Journals or Magazines:
- Author’s last name, first name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal or Magazine, vol. number (issue number), Publication Date, page range(s).
- Example: Brown, Sarah. "The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Development." Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 45 (2), Feb. 2019, pp. 157-163.
Articles from Websites:
- Author’s last name, first name (if available). "Title of Article." Title of Website. Publisher/Organization, Publication Date (if available). URL.
- Example: Johnson, Peter. "The Future of Artificial Intelligence." The Tech Journal. XYZ Corporation, 2022. https://www.thetechjournal.com/future-of-ai.
Articles in Newspapers:
- Author’s last name, first name. "Title of Article." Title of Newspaper, Publication Date, page number(s).
- Example: White, Emily. "Economic Growth Soars to Record High." The New York Times, 10 Jan. 2023, p. A1.
Interviews:
- Last name, first name. Interview by interviewer’s name. Interview format (personal, telephone, email), Date.
- Example: Doe, John. Interview by Jane Smith. Personal interview, 15 Mar. 2023.
Formatting In-Text Citations
In-text citations provide brief information within your text to indicate the source of the information. The format of in-text citations varies depending on the type of source:
For books, articles, and websites with an author:
- (Author’s last name page number(s))
- Example: (Smith 105) or (Brown et al. 161)
For sources without an author:
- (Title of source page number(s))
- Example: ("The Future of AI" 10)
For indirect citations (citing a source that was cited in another source):
- (Author’s last name as cited in Source Author’s last name page number(s))
- Example: (Jones as cited in Smith 120)
Creating the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page provides a complete list of all the sources you cited in your paper. Follow these steps:
- Start a new page at the end of your paper.
- Center the title "Works Cited" at the top.
- Double-space the entire page.
- List your sources alphabetically by author’s last name or title.
- Use hanging indents (indent all lines after the first line of each citation).
- End each entry with a period.
- Double-check the accuracy and formatting of your entries.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work without giving proper credit. It is unethical and can have serious consequences. To avoid plagiarism, always cite your sources correctly using MLA style. Additionally, make sure to paraphrase or quote the original source accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When should I use quotation marks in MLA citations?
Use quotation marks around the title of an article, poem, song, or other short work published within a larger work (e.g., a journal article).
2. How do I cite a source that has multiple authors?
If there are up to three authors, list all their names in the order they appear in the source. For sources with more than three authors, use the first author’s name followed by "et al." (meaning "and others").
3. What do I do if a source doesn’t have an author?
If the source doesn’t have an author, use the title of the work instead of the author’s name.
4. How do I cite a personal interview?
Provide the interviewee’s name, and then include the interviewer’s name and the date of the interview.
5. What is a hanging indent?
A hanging indent indents all lines except the first line of each citation. To create a hanging indent:
- Set your paragraph settings to a 0.5-inch first line indent.
- Set the tab stop to 0.5 inches.
Conclusion
Citing sources in MLA style is essential for academic writing. By understanding the principles and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can effectively acknowledge the sources you use and avoid plagiarism. Remember to always consult the MLA Handbook for further guidance and specific examples.
