Mastering MLA: A Comprehensive Guide to Citing Sources
Citing your sources is a critical skill for academic writing, research papers, and any content creation that relies on external information. Proper citation gives credit to the original authors, avoids plagiarism, and strengthens the credibility of your work. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most widely used citation formats, especially in the humanities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials of MLA citation, providing detailed steps and examples to help you master the art of source attribution.
## Why Cite Sources?
Before diving into the specifics of MLA format, let’s quickly review why citing sources is so important:
* **Give Credit:** Acknowledging the original authors of ideas, research findings, and creative works is a matter of intellectual honesty.
* **Avoid Plagiarism:** Using someone else’s work without proper attribution is plagiarism, a serious academic offense.
* **Enhance Credibility:** Citing sources demonstrates that your work is well-researched and based on reliable information.
* **Provide Context:** Citations allow readers to locate the original sources and delve deeper into the topic.
* **Support Arguments:** Properly cited evidence strengthens your arguments and makes your writing more persuasive.
## Understanding the Basics of MLA
MLA style involves two main components:
1. **In-text citations:** Brief references within the body of your text that point to the full source entry in the Works Cited list.
2. **Works Cited list:** An alphabetized list at the end of your paper that provides complete bibliographic information for all sources cited.
MLA 9th edition, the most current version, emphasizes a simplified approach to citation, focusing on core elements that are common to most sources. These core elements are:
* **Author.**
* **Title of Source.**
* **Title of Container** (e.g., book title, journal title, website name).
* **Other Contributors** (e.g., editor, translator).
* **Version** (e.g., edition, revision).
* **Number** (e.g., volume, issue).
* **Publisher.**
* **Publication Date.**
* **Location** (e.g., page numbers, URL, DOI).
Not all sources will include all of these elements. The key is to provide as much relevant information as possible in a consistent and standardized manner.
## In-Text Citations: Citing Within Your Text
In-text citations, also known as parenthetical citations, are brief references placed within the body of your paper to indicate the source of specific information. They typically include the author’s last name and the page number(s) where the information can be found.
### Basic Format
The most common format for in-text citations is:
`(Author’s Last Name, Page Number)`
For example:
> “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” (Smith, 25).
### Variations
* **Author Named in the Sentence:** If you mention the author’s name in the sentence, you only need to include the page number in the parenthetical citation.
> Smith argues that “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” (25).
* **No Page Numbers:** If the source does not have page numbers (e.g., a website or online video), omit the page number from the in-text citation.
> “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” (Smith).
* **Two Authors:** Include both authors’ last names, separated by “and.”
> “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” (Smith and Jones, 25).
* **Three or More Authors:** Use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”).
> “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” (Smith et al., 25).
* **Corporate Author:** If the author is an organization or institution, use the organization’s name.
> “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” (Modern Language Association, 25).
* **Multiple Works by the Same Author:** If you are citing multiple works by the same author, include the title of the work (or a shortened version) in the in-text citation to distinguish between them.
> “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” (Smith, *Fox and Dog*, 25).
* **Indirect Source (Source Within a Source):** If you are citing a source that is quoted or referenced in another source, use the phrase “qtd. in” (quoted in) in your in-text citation.
> Smith argues that “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” (qtd. in Jones, 30).
### Quoting vs. Paraphrasing
* **Direct Quotations:** Use quotation marks around any text that you are directly quoting from a source. Always provide an in-text citation.
* **Paraphrasing:** When you paraphrase (restate someone else’s ideas in your own words), you still need to provide an in-text citation to give credit to the original author. Even though you are not using the exact words, the ideas are not your own.
### Block Quotations
If a quotation is longer than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, it should be formatted as a block quotation. Indent the entire quotation one inch from the left margin, and omit quotation marks. The in-text citation follows the last sentence of the quotation.
Example:
> As Smith explains:
>
> The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This demonstrates the fox’s agility and the dog’s lack of motivation. The interaction between the two animals highlights the contrast between activity and passivity. (25)
## Creating a Works Cited List: Your Source Repository
The Works Cited list is a comprehensive list of all the sources you cited in your paper. It is placed at the end of your document and should be alphabetized by the author’s last name.
### General Guidelines
* **Start a New Page:** The Works Cited list should begin on a new page at the end of your paper.
* **Title:** Center the title “Works Cited” at the top of the page.
* **Alphabetical Order:** Arrange the entries alphabetically by the author’s last name. If there is no author, alphabetize by the title of the source (ignoring articles like “a,” “an,” and “the”).
* **Hanging Indent:** Use a hanging indent for each entry. This means that the first line of each entry is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented one-half inch.
* **Double-Spacing:** Double-space the entire Works Cited list.
### Core Elements and Examples
As mentioned earlier, MLA 9th edition emphasizes core elements when creating Works Cited entries. Here’s how to apply them to different types of sources:
#### 1. Books
**Format:**
Author’s Last Name, Author’s First Name. *Title of Book*. Publisher, Publication Date.
**Example:**
Smith, John. *The Art of Citation*. Academic Press, 2023.
**Variations:**
* **Two Authors:**
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. *The Art of Citation*. Academic Press, 2023.
* **Three or More Authors:**
Smith, John, et al. *The Art of Citation*. Academic Press, 2023.
* **Edited Book:**
Jones, Mary, editor. *Essays on Citation*. Academic Press, 2023.
* **Chapter in an Edited Book:**
Smith, John. “The Importance of Citation.” *Essays on Citation*, edited by Mary Jones, Academic Press, 2023, pp. 25-40.
#### 2. Journal Articles
**Format:**
Author’s Last Name, Author’s First Name. “Title of Article.” *Title of Journal*, Volume Number, Issue Number, Publication Date, Page Numbers. DOI (if available).
**Example:**
Smith, John. “The Evolution of Citation Styles.” *Journal of Academic Writing*, vol. 10, no. 2, 2023, pp. 50-75. doi: 10.1234/jacw.10.2.50
**Variations:**
* **Article Accessed Online (without DOI):** Provide the URL.
Smith, John. “The Evolution of Citation Styles.” *Journal of Academic Writing*, vol. 10, no. 2, 2023, pp. 50-75. www.academicwriting.com/article.
#### 3. Website Articles
**Format:**
Author’s Last Name, Author’s First Name (if available). “Title of Page or Article.” *Title of Website*, Publication Date (if available), URL. Accessed Date.
**Example:**
Smith, John. “Citing Sources in MLA Format.” *MLA Style Center*, 15 May 2023, www.mlastylecenter.org/citing-sources. Accessed 20 June 2023.
**Variations:**
* **No Author:**
“Citing Sources in MLA Format.” *MLA Style Center*, 15 May 2023, www.mlastylecenter.org/citing-sources. Accessed 20 June 2023.
* **Website with a Corporate Author:**
Modern Language Association. “Citing Sources in MLA Format.” *MLA Style Center*, 15 May 2023, www.mlastylecenter.org/citing-sources. Accessed 20 June 2023.
#### 4. Videos
**Format:**
Author’s Last Name, Author’s First Name (or Username). “Title of Video.” *Platform*, Date Posted, URL.
**Example:**
Smith, John. “MLA Citation Tutorial.” *YouTube*, 20 June 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.
#### 5. Interviews
**Format:**
Interviewee’s Last Name, Interviewee’s First Name. Interview by Interviewer’s First Name Interviewer’s Last Name. Date of Interview.
**Example:**
Smith, John. Interview by Jane Doe. 10 July 2023.
#### 6. Social Media Posts
**Format:**
Author’s Last Name, Author’s First Name (or Username). “Text of the Post (up to the first 20 words).” *Platform*, Date Posted, Time Posted, URL.
**Example:**
Smith, John. “Just finished writing a blog post about MLA citation! Check it out…” *Twitter*, 15 July 2023, 2:30 p.m., www.twitter.com/johnsmith/status/example.
### More Complex Examples and Situations
* **Government Documents:** These often require including the agency, title of the document, and publishing information. Consult a style guide for specific examples. For example:
United States, Congress, House, Committee on Energy and Commerce. *Hearing on Climate Change*. U.S. Government Printing Office, 2023.
* **Legal Documents:** Cite legal documents according to established legal citation practices, which may differ slightly from standard MLA. Common elements include case names, court information, and dates. For example:
*Brown v. Board of Education*, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
* **Musical Recordings:** Include the artist, title of the song or album, record label, and year of release. For example:
Beyoncé. *Lemonade*. Parkwood Entertainment, 2016.
* **Films:** List the director, title of the film, distributor, and year of release. Include performers if relevant to your analysis. For example:
Spielberg, Steven, director. *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*. Universal Pictures, 1982.
### Common Errors to Avoid
* **Missing Citations:** Failing to cite a source, even if you have paraphrased the information.
* **Incorrect Format:** Deviating from the established MLA format for in-text citations or Works Cited entries.
* **Inconsistent Citations:** Using different citation styles within the same paper.
* **Incomplete Information:** Omitting essential information from Works Cited entries, such as page numbers or publication dates.
* **Plagiarism:** Presenting someone else’s work as your own, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
## Tools and Resources for MLA Citation
Several online tools and resources can help you create accurate MLA citations:
* **Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab):** A comprehensive resource for MLA and other citation styles. (owl.purdue.edu)
* **EasyBib:** A citation generator that automatically creates citations based on the information you provide. (www.easybib.com)
* **Citation Machine:** Another popular citation generator with various citation styles. (www.citationmachine.net)
* **Zotero and Mendeley:** Reference management software that helps you organize your sources and generate citations. (www.zotero.org, www.mendeley.com)
**Manuals:**
* *MLA Handbook*. 9th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2021.
## Tips for Effective Citation
* **Start Early:** Begin collecting citation information as soon as you start your research. This will save you time and effort later.
* **Be Organized:** Keep track of your sources in a spreadsheet or reference management tool.
* **Double-Check:** Always double-check your citations for accuracy and completeness.
* **Consult a Style Guide:** Refer to the official MLA Handbook or a reliable online resource for guidance on specific citation issues.
* **Proofread:** Carefully proofread your paper for any errors in citation or formatting.
* **Seek Help:** Don’t hesitate to ask your instructor or a librarian for help with citation.
## Conclusion
Mastering MLA citation is an essential skill for academic success. By following the guidelines and examples outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you are giving proper credit to your sources, avoiding plagiarism, and enhancing the credibility of your work. Remember to be consistent, accurate, and detail-oriented in your citation practices. With practice and attention to detail, you can become a confident and effective user of MLA style.
By properly citing, you protect your reputation, build a professional and reputable body of work, and give respect to the creative and intellectual output of others.