Cite While You Write: MLA

As soon as you use the ideas, words or other intellectual property from an outside source, acknowledge the original work by citing it. In-text citations distinguish other people's words and thoughts from your own and direct your reader to the complete citation in the Works Cited.

In MLA style the in-text citation consists of the author's name and the page number. The same format works for quotations, summaries, paraphrases, etc., but how it looks depends on whether you mention the author in the sentence.

Author included in the sentence:

Format: include page number(s) in parentheses at the end of the sentence

In-Text Example: According to DeCandido, Buffy "relies on Giles not only for adult support and coaching, but also for the research necessary to do that for which the Vampire Slayer has been chosen" (44).

Corresponding Works Cited Entry:
DeCandido, Graceanne A. "Bibliographic Good vs. Evil in Buffy the Vampire Slayer." American Libraries Sept. 1999: 44-47. Print.
Author not included in the sentence:

Format: include author's last name and page number(s) in parentheses at the end of the sentence

In-Text Example: To help her fulfill her Slayer duties, Buffy can always turn to Giles (DeCandido 44).

Corresponding Works Cited Entry:
DeCandido, Graceanne A. "Bibliographic Good vs. Evil in Buffy the Vampire Slayer." American Libraries Sept. 1999: 44-47. Print.
Source doesn't have an author

Format: Use the complete title of the work in the sentence or a shortened version of the title in parentheses, as well as the page number if available. If shortening the title, make sure to use the first word of the corresponding works cited entry so that your reader can find the full citation.

In-Text Example: Jac Bayles wrote her MA dissertation in English Literature analyzing the monstrosity of the female characters in Buffy the Vampire Slayer ("Buffy Slays Academics").

Corresponding Works Cited Entry:
"Buffy Slays Academics." BBC News Education. 7 Nov. 2001. BBC. Web. 8 July 2008 <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/1642829.stm>.
Source doesn't have page numbers

Format: Omit the page number. If it has paragraph numbers use abbreviation par. or pars. to indicate the paragraph.

In-Text Example: "Buffy's tragic flaw, in the tradition of Sophocles, et al, would be her feelings, her emotions" (Masquerade).

Corresponding Works Cited Entry:
Masquerade. "Moral Ambiguities." All Things Philosophical on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel: The Series. 7 March 2005. Web. 9 July 2008 < http://www.atpobtvs.com/moram.html>.

See sample MLA research papers at Diana Hacker's Research and Documentation Online.

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