When you write a research paper or other academic piece, it’s important to know how to cite sources correctly. A mistake in this area can have serious consequences, so it’s critical to follow the proper format for your particular style.
There are many different styles that you can use to reference materials, but the most common are APA, MLA and CMS. While APA is most commonly used in social sciences, MLA and CMS are also popular among students and scholars who study the humanities.
How to Cite an Article
Most of the time, when you want to cite an article or other work of non-fiction, you should follow the same rules that apply to citing books, magazines and journals. However, you may sometimes encounter a source or author category that the MLA Handbook does not describe, which can make it difficult to decide what to do.
Fortunately, MLA has a flexible citation system that makes it possible to cite a variety of types of works, even if the source does not fit the standard template for MLA style. That’s why it’s so important to check with your campus library or writing center to determine what to do if you find a type of source that the MLA handbook does not cover.
The MLA Handbook contains instructions for a wide range of sources, including newspapers, journals, websites and books. For most other sources, such as email, online videos and photographs, you will need to refer to the specific guidelines in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 8th ed. The book also provides extensive examples of how to cite sources, so it’s a good resource for getting familiar with the MLA format.
If you’re not sure what to do, try checking the MLA bibliography builder or consult chapter 7 of the MLA Style Manual for more information on how to cite your source.
To cite an article in MLA, use the author’s last name and the year of publication. You should also include the page number if the source has one. In addition, include the title of the article in quotation marks if it’s a short work (e.g. an article), or italicize the title if the source is a longer work (e.g. a book, movie or play).
For books, list the authors in alphabetical order by last name. If you have more than three authors, use the Latin term “et al.” to identify the additional writers.
How to Cite a Journal Entry
In MLA 8, periodical citations are listed in a container that includes the journal name, the date of publication and the page number. When using a database, it’s important to list the container in italics.
This will help your reader easily locate the journal or database you’re referring to. It will also make it easier for you to cite the article in your text and in the Works Cited section of your essay.
The most important thing to remember is that the best way to cite something is to always do your research and follow the MLA guidelines. If you don’t, your essay may not be properly formatted or your professor might give you a lower grade for the work.
