How to Cite Quotes in MLA
What is MLA Citation?
MLA (Modern Language Association) citation is a style of referencing used in the humanities. It involves listing the author's name, the title of the work, the publication information, and other relevant information, such as page numbers, when citing a quote. MLA citation is usually used in research papers, journal articles, and other forms of academic writing.
Why Cite Quotes?
Citing quotes is important for several reasons. Citing quotes gives credit to the original author, which is important for academic integrity. It also helps to avoid plagiarism, as readers can easily verify the source of the quote. In addition, citing quotes allows readers to locate the original source and read more about the subject.
How to Cite Quotes in MLA
There are two main ways to cite quotes in MLA: in-text citations and full citations. In-text citations are used when directly quoting a source, while full citations are used in the Works Cited list at the end of the document.
In-Text Citations
In-text citations are used when directly quoting a source. The citation should appear within the text, usually in parentheses, and include the author's name, the title of the work, and the page number (if applicable). For example: "It is clear that 'there is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise' (Davis, The Power of a Woman, p. 13)."
Full Citations
Full citations are used in the Works Cited list at the end of the document. This list should include all sources cited in the text, as well as any other sources used in the research. The full citation should include the author's name, the title of the work, the publication information, and other relevant information, such as page numbers. For example: Davis, Mary. The Power of a Woman. New York: Penguin Books, 2021.
Conclusion
Citing quotes is an important part of academic writing. By using in-text citations and full citations in the Works Cited list, readers can easily locate the original source and read more about the subject. By citing quotes, writers can also give credit to the original author and avoid plagiarism.