How to Cite a Quote MLA
What is MLA Citation?
MLA citation is a style of referencing used in the humanities, particularly in language and literature studies. It is based on the Modern Language Association’s publication manual, which provides guidelines for how to present different types of sources, including books, articles, and websites. MLA citation is most often used when citing sources in academic papers, such as essays and research projects.
Why Cite Quotes?
Citing quotes is important for several reasons. First, it shows that you’ve done your research and are familiar with the material. Second, it gives credit to the original author for their work, which is a sign of respect. Finally, by citing quotes, you can provide evidence to support your own arguments or points.
When to Cite Quotes?
You should always cite quotes when you are summarizing, paraphrasing, or directly quoting someone else’s words or ideas. This includes quotes from books, articles, websites, and other sources. It’s also important to cite any images or other visual media that you use in your work.
How to Cite Quotes in MLA
When citing a quote in MLA, you need to include the author’s last name and the page number. For example, if you were citing a quote from William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, you would include the author’s last name (Shakespeare) and the page number (3.4.27-28).
In-Text Citation
In-text citations should be placed within the text of your paper, either at the end of the sentence or in parentheses. If you’re citing a quote from a book, you should also include the author’s last name and the page number. For example: “It is the east, and Juliet is the sun” (Shakespeare 3.4.27-28). If you’re citing a quote from a website, you should include the author’s last name, the page title, and the date the page was last updated. For example: “It is the east, and Juliet is the sun” (Shakespeare, “Romeo and Juliet”, 2017).
Works Cited Page
In addition to the in-text citation, you’ll need to include the full citation on your Works Cited page. For a book, you’ll need to include the author’s last name, the title of the book, the publisher, and the year it was published. For a website, you’ll need the author’s last name, the title of the page, the website’s name, the date the page was last updated, and the URL. For example: Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Oxford University Press, 2005. Shakespeare, William. “Romeo and Juliet.” Shakespeare Online, 2017, www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/romeo_juliet_play.html. By following these simple steps, you can easily cite a quote in MLA format and give credit to the original author.