Mla citation

Definition

MLA citation refers to a specific format for citing sources in academic writing, developed by the Modern Language Association. This style emphasizes the author's name and page number for in-text citations, while providing a comprehensive works cited page at the end of the document. Proper MLA citation is essential for giving credit to original authors, avoiding plagiarism, and providing readers with a clear path to locate the referenced materials.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. MLA citations typically include the author's last name and the page number where the information can be found in parentheses following the quoted or paraphrased material.
2. The works cited page should be double-spaced with entries listed alphabetically by the author's last name, using a hanging indent format.
3. For online sources, MLA citation often requires the inclusion of the URL and the date of access if the content is subject to change.
4. In cases where a source has multiple authors, MLA citation allows for listing up to three authors in the in-text citation, while four or more can be shortened using 'et al.'
5. Using MLA citations not only enhances credibility but also aids in research integrity, ensuring that readers can trace the origins of information and arguments presented.

Review Questions

• How does MLA citation enhance the credibility of academic writing?
  • MLA citation enhances credibility by providing a standardized method for giving credit to original authors and sources. This practice not only acknowledges the contributions of others but also helps readers verify information by following citations back to their sources. By adhering to this format, writers show they respect intellectual property and uphold academic integrity, which builds trust with their audience.
• Discuss the key differences between in-text citations and the works cited page in MLA format.
  • In-text citations in MLA format provide brief references within the text that indicate where specific information is sourced, typically including the author's last name and page number. In contrast, the works cited page presents full bibliographic details for each source cited throughout the document. This structured approach ensures that readers can easily find comprehensive information about each source while keeping in-text references concise.
• Evaluate how correctly implementing MLA citation can impact a student's academic success.
  • Correctly implementing MLA citation can significantly impact a student's academic success by preventing plagiarism and promoting research integrity. When students accurately cite their sources, they demonstrate critical thinking and respect for intellectual property, which can lead to higher grades and positive feedback from instructors. Furthermore, mastering citation styles prepares students for future academic endeavors, where proper sourcing is crucial in scholarly communication and professional writing.

Related terms

in-text citation: A brief reference within the text of an essay that directs readers to the full citation in the works cited list.

works cited: A list at the end of a document that provides full details of all sources referenced in the text, formatted according to MLA guidelines.

plagiarism:

The act of using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution, which MLA citations help to prevent.