Introduction
When writing academic papers, it is important to properly cite sources to avoid issues with plagiarism and academic dishonesty. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for formatting papers and citing sources. In this article, we will explore how to cite an article in MLA format.
Step-by-Step Guide on Citing an Article in MLA Format
There are two main components to citing an article in MLA format: in-text citations and references.
In-Text Citations
When using information from an article in your paper, you must give credit to the author by including an in-text citation within the text of your paper. The basic format for an in-text citation includes the author’s last name and the page number of the information cited, in parentheses.
For example:
“According to Smith, ‘The sky is blue'” (12).
If the author’s name is already mentioned within the text of your paper, you can simply include the page number in the parentheses.
For example:
Smith states that “the sky is blue” (12).
References
The second component to citing an article in MLA format is including a reference list at the end of your paper. The reference list provides all the necessary information for readers to locate the article you used as a source. The basic format for a reference list includes the author’s name, the title of the article, the container (the journal or website where the article was published), and the publication date.
For example:
Smith, John. “The Color of the Sky.” The Journal of Meteorology, vol. 10, no. 2, 2010, pp. 30-35.
Examples and Templates for Different Types of Articles
Different types of articles require slightly different citation formats. Here are examples and templates for citing online articles, scholarly articles, and magazine articles in MLA format.
Online Articles
Author. “Title of Article.” Title of Container, Day Month Year, URL.
For example:
Doe, Jane. “The Importance of Sleep.” Huffington Post, 3 May 2021, www.huffingtonpost.com/the-importance-of-sleep.
Scholarly Articles
Author. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, volume, issue, year, page range.
For example:
Johnson, Michael. “The Benefits of Exercise.” Journal of Health and Fitness, vol. 5, no. 3, 2020, pp. 12-18.
Magazine Articles
Author. “Title of Article.” Title of Magazine, Day Month Year, pages.
For example:
Smith, Sarah. “The Best Vacation Spots in Europe.” Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2021, pp. 20-25.
Why Proper Citations are Important
Proper citations are important for several reasons. One of the most important reasons is to avoid issues with plagiarism and academic dishonesty. When you use someone else’s ideas or words without proper citation, you are taking credit for their work and passing it off as your own. This can have serious consequences in academic settings or in the professional world.
Proper citations also give credit to the original author and show readers that you have done your research. They allow others to find and use the same sources you have used and build upon your work.
Tips and Tricks for Citing Sources More Efficiently
Citing sources can be time-consuming, but there are ways to do it more efficiently.
Citation Software
Citation software such as EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley can help you manage your sources and create citations more easily. They allow you to enter information about your sources and then generate citations in the appropriate format.
Organizing Sources in a Citation Manager
You can also save time by organizing your sources in a citation manager. Citation managers allow you to store all your sources in one place and then use them to create citations as needed. This saves time and helps you stay organized.
Common Mistakes When Citing Articles in MLA Format
There are several common mistakes to avoid when citing articles in MLA format.
Citing the Wrong Information
Make sure you are citing the correct author, title, publication date, and other necessary information. Double-check your sources and make sure you have all the necessary information before creating your citations.
Formatting Errors
There are specific formatting guidelines for MLA citations. Make sure you are following the correct format for each type of source and check for errors such as incorrect spacing or punctuation.
Ethical Considerations of Accurately Citing Sources
Accurately citing sources is not only important for avoiding plagiarism and academic dishonesty, it is also an ethical consideration. Giving proper credit to other authors shows respect for their work and contributions to your field of study. It also helps to uphold the integrity and credibility of scholarly research.
FAQ Section on Citing Articles in MLA Format
How to Cite Articles Without an Author
If the article does not have an author, start with the title of the article instead.
For example:
“The Benefits of Yoga.” Yoga Journal, vol. 8, no. 4, 2019, pp. 25-28.
Including Multiple Authors in a Citation
If the article has two authors, include both names in the citation with “and” in between. If the article has three or more authors, use the first author’s name followed by “et al.”
For example:
Johnson, Michael and Smith, Jane. “The Importance of Nutrition.” Journal of Health, vol. 10, no. 2, 2018, pp. 40-45.
Conclusion
Accurate citations are essential for academic and professional writing. They give credit to other authors, prevent plagiarism, and help build credibility. This step-by-step guide has outlined how to cite an article in MLA format, with examples and templates for different types of articles. Remember to avoid common mistakes, use tips and tricks for efficient citation, and uphold ethical considerations.
