Understanding MLA Citation: Quoting and Citing Articles
Being able to effectively use the MLA citation style, including proper citation and quoting of articles, is an indispensable part of academic writing. It not only ensures that you give credit where credit is due but it also helps you avoid instances of plagiarism. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to cite an article MLA style, how to quote an article in MLA and how to cite articles in an essay MLA style.
What is MLA Citation?
MLA stands for Modern Language Association. It’s a style which lays down the guidelines for citing sources used in research papers and other academic writings. It has specific rules for in-text citations, works cited pages, and even the formatting of the essay itself.
How to Cite an Article MLA Style?
Let’s delve into how to cite an article in an essay MLA style. In MLA style, an in-text citation involves the authors last name and the page number from which the quotation or paraphrase was taken, enclosed in parentheses. No punctuation comes between the author’s name and the page number.
Single Author
Format: (Author’s Last Name, Page number)
Example: “…as Morrison (123) argued…”
Multiple Authors
Format: (First Author’s Last Name and Second Author’s Last Name Page number)
Example: “…as Smith and Johnson (78) pointed out…”
How to Quote an Article in MLA?
If you’ve been wondering how to quote an article in MLA, you’re in luck. Let’s explore how you can directly quote a source in your academic work.
Short Quotations
For a direct quotation that is four lines of text or fewer, incorporate the quotation directly into your text and place quotation marks around it.
Example: According to Smith and Johnson, “The sky is indeed blue” (78).
Long Quotations
Quotes longer than four lines should be formatted as a block quote, indented one inch from the left margin, double-spaced, without quotation marks.
Example:
According to Smith and Johnson:
The sky is indeed blue. We have tested this theory numerous times and concluded that at any given time, barring any external influences, the sky will remain blue. This is a fact that has been proven time and time and again throughout history. (78)
How to Cite Multiple Articles by an Author in MLA?
If you need to cite more than one article by the same author, distinguish the articles by their titles in the reference and in the in-text citation, using short form if necessary.
Example: (Smith, “The Sky” 67)
Conclusion
Understanding how to properly cite and quote articles in MLA format is an essential part of academic writing. It’s not just a formal requirement but a testament to ethical academic behavior. Remember that practice makes perfect, so keep practicing your MLA citations and you’ll soon master it. Dont hesitate to refer back to this guide whenever you need to.
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