Introduction
Proper citation is a crucial component of academic writing. It not only helps you avoid plagiarism but also enhances the credibility of your work. MLA (Modern Language Association) citation format is one of the most commonly used formats for citing sources. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive tutorial for students and professionals alike, who want to learn to cite in MLA format.
A Step-by-Step Guide to MLA Citation Format
Why is citation important?
Citation in academic writing is a way of acknowledging the sources used in your research or arguments. It not only allows readers to verify the credibility of your sources but also help them trace and explore further on the topic. In MLA citation format, you will use both in-text citations and a works cited list. In-text citations provide brief information about the source within the text, while the works cited list provides detailed information about all sources used in your work.
Formatting In-Text Citations in MLA
To properly cite in-text, you’ll need to include the author’s last name and the page number your information came from. Typically, you place the author’s name before the page number. Parenthetical citations go inside the sentence’s closing punctuation.
Here’s an example of an in-text citation for a printed book: “Human beings have been described as “symbol-using animals” (Burke 3).
For online sources, the only difference is that instead of a page number you’ll need to use the paragraph number or section name.
Here’s an example from an online article: “The Great Barrier Reef is experiencing its third bleaching event in five years (Roberts, “Barrier Reef”).
Formatting the Works Cited Page in MLA
The works cited page should come at the end of your paper, after the last page of text. Here’s how to format it:
– Begin on a new page.
– Center the title “Works Cited” at the top of the page.
– Double space all citations on your page.
– Indent the second and subsequent lines of all citations five spaces from the left margin.
– Organize the list alphabetically by authors’ last names or by the first word from each source’s title (ignore articles like “the” and “a”).
Here’s an example of the format you should use for a printed book:
Author’s Surname, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year.
Doe, Jane. The Importance of Citing Sources. Penguin Press, 2021.
For online sources, provide the needful information of the source, followed by the date of the source.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in MLA Citation Format
While following the guidelines helps create proper citations, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
– Incorrect formatting: Failing to follow the guidelines for proper citation format might lead to errors that even prevent readers from finding the sources you used.
– Missing Information: Forgetting to include essential information, such as page numbers, author name, or publication date, makes your citations incomplete.
– Misrepresenting sources: You need to properly reflect the context of the cited source in your work.
Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes
To avoid errors in your citations:
– Double-check sources: This ensures that every citation corresponds to accurate and current information.
– Use online citation tools: More efficient and accurate citation makers automatically generate proper citations faster and thus reduce mistakes.
Best Practices for MLA Citation Format
Adopting the following best practices in MLA citation format can considerably help you streamline your citation process and increase accuracy.
– Keep track of sources: Start keeping a record of as many sources as possible in your research. It helps when creating your works cited page later.
– Organize your notes: Invest in a system that allows you to easily access your notes when writing a paper.
– Be consistent: Consistency in formatting makes your paper more professional and authoritative.
Tools for Generating MLA Citations
Several online and offline tools can help you generate accurate and correct citations.
The following are online citation machines:
– Citation Machine: This citation tool helps you quickly create bibliographies and works cited pages in the MLA style.
– BibMe: BibMe is an online tool providing reliable, fast, and accurate citation features for APA, MLA, and Chicago formats.
Comparing MLA Citation Style with Other Citation Styles
MLA citation format differs from other citation formats like APA and Chicago. While the differences may be subtle, they are worth noting.
APA citation uses the author-date format, while Chicago style uses both footnote-bibliography format and author-date citation format. Additionally, both APA and Chicago styles have different requirements for in-text citations and referencing lists.
Practical Examples of MLA Citations
Here are a few examples of different types of sources cited in the MLA style:
Book:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year.
Adams, Douglas. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Pan Books, 1979.
Online Journal Article:
Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, volume number, issue number, year, page range. Database Name, DOI or URL of the article.
Klein, Ethel S. “Do Bees Have Free Will?” American Scientist, vol. 92, no. 6, 2004, pp. 496-499.
Conclusion
Proper citation is a fundamental part of academic writing. It not only prevents plagiarism but also enhances the credibility of your work. In this guide, we’ve provided a comprehensive step-by-step tutorial on MLA citation format, common mistakes to avoid, and best practices. We’ve also shared various tools for generating citations and realistically illustrated examples to help guide you. By following the information presented here, you can improve your citation practices and avoid common errors.
