Citing Sources in MLA Style: What You Need to Know
What are the two parts to citing sources, according to MLA style?
Answer: In-text citations and the works cited list.
Explanation:
When working on a research paper, you use different sources you base your research on. All of these sources need to be cited. The MLA (Modern Language Association) style is only one of many citation formats. It's usually used in works related to languages and literature. We can say that there are two parts of this citation format:
In-text citations - brief parenthetical notations that appear each time you use material from different sources. Just like the name says, they are encountered within the text.
Works cited - a list of sources you cited. It's found at the end of your research paper. In-text citations correspond to their entries in this list.
When writing a research paper or any academic work, it is essential to properly cite all the sources you have used in your research. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the commonly used citation formats, particularly in the fields of languages and literature. Understanding the two main parts of citing sources in MLA style is crucial.
In-text Citations
In-text citations are short references that direct readers to the complete citation in the works cited list. They are placed within the text of your paper and include the author's last name and the page number where the information was found. For example, (Smith 45). In-text citations allow readers to easily locate the full source details in the works cited list.
Works Cited List
The works cited list is a separate page at the end of your research paper that provides detailed information about each source you cited in your paper. This list includes the author's name, the title of the source, publication information, and other essential details. The works cited list allows readers to find and verify the sources you used in your research.
By including both in-text citations and a works cited list in your research paper, you demonstrate proper attribution to the original sources and avoid plagiarism. Following MLA style guidelines for citing sources ensures academic integrity and acknowledges the contributions of other researchers and scholars to your work.