I. Introduction
Academic writing involves more than just formulating compelling arguments and presenting them in an organized fashion. It also entails using evidence from credible sources to support those arguments. This is where proper citation comes into play. Citing sources is a critical component of academic writing, as it not only gives credit to the authors whose work you’ve used but also facilitates the verification and credibility of your arguments.
The Modern Language Association (MLA) is a widely used citation style in humanities disciplines. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to citing sources using MLA format. We’ll take you through a detailed step-by-step tutorial, common mistakes to avoid, the benefits of using MLA citation, the history and evolution of MLA citation format, how to cite unusual sources, and ethical considerations of MLA citation.
II. A Step-by-Step Tutorial on Citing Sources Using MLA Format
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of MLA citation formatting, it’s essential to understand what a citation is. A citation is a reference to a source that you consulted when writing your paper. In MLA citation, a citation typically includes the author name(s), title of the work, publication date, and other publication information.
To complete the citation, you need to follow a specific format for each component. Failure to do so may result in poorly formatted citations that will confuse readers and lower the credibility of your work. Below is a breakdown of each component and the correct formatting in MLA citation:
Author name:
In MLA citation, the author’s name should be written in a specific order depending on the number of authors. For one author, write the last name followed by a comma and then the first name. For two authors, write the first name of the first author, followed by “and” and then the first name of the second author. Follow the same approach for three or more authors.
Title of the work:
In MLA citation, italicize the titles of books, journals, and magazines. Use quotation marks for shorter works like articles and poems.
Publication date:
In MLA citation, include the year of publication after the title. For books, include the year of the original publication date, followed by the year of the reprint publication date, separated by a forward slash.
Publication information:
In MLA citation, the publication information component depends on the type of source you’re citing. For books, include the publisher’s name and the publication location. For articles, include the journal or magazine’s name, volume, and issue number.
Keeping track of sources is an essential part of the citation process. Using a citation management tool like Mendeley, Zotero, or EndNote can help you streamline the process.
Here are some examples of correctly formatted citations using MLA citation:
Book:
McPherson, James M. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press, 1988.
Journal article:
Barnes, Timothy D. “The Date of Herod’s Death.” Journal of Theological Studies, vol. 19, no. 1, 1968, pp. 204–213.
Website:
Wadhwa, Vivek. “Our Big Problem That Democrats and Republicans Must Address.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 29 Mar. 2016, www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2016/03/29/our-big-problem-that-democrats-and-republicans-must-address/.
III. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Citing Sources in MLA Format
The process of citing sources using MLA citation can be tricky, and you may make some common errors despite your best efforts. Understanding these common errors and how to avoid them can save you from losing valuable marks. Below are some of the most common errors to avoid:
Incorrect Formatting:
A common error when citing sources is incorrect formatting. Students often fail to understand the correct use of italics, quotation marks, and spaces between commas. Always double-check your formatting to ensure that it meets MLA citation guidelines.
Incomplete Information:
Another common mistake is leaving out crucial information, such as page numbers, volume, issue numbers, and publication dates. Such omissions may make it challenging for readers to locate the sources you used, and your paper may be deemed less credible.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work and presenting it as your own. Failure to give credit to the original authors, intentional or unintentional, may result in plagiarism. Always ensure that you properly cite all the sources you use in your work to avoid any ethical issues.
Here are examples of citations with these common errors:
Incorrect Formatting:
Kassenbaum, D. G., D.V. Olson, and W. Y. Fang. “Gross nitrous oxide and methane fluxes from Malaysian rain forest and oil palm plantation.” Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, vol. 106, no.3, 2005, pp. 285-295.
The proper MLA citation for the above source should look like this:
Kassenbaum, D. G., et al. “Gross nitrous oxide and methane fluxes from Malaysian rainforest and oil palm plantation.” Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, vol. 106, no.3, 2005, pp. 285-295.
Incomplete Information:
Lambert, Jimmie, and Lou Cannon. “The Jackson-Kennedy Connection.” Time, 22 May 1989.
In this citation, there’s no page number on the article. The correct MLA citation should include the page number, as follows:
Lambert, Jimmie, and Lou Cannon. “The Jackson-Kennedy Connection.” Time, 22 May 1989, p. 42.
Plagiarism:
Original sentence: “A recent survey conducted among university students showed that over 70% engage in some form of academic dishonesty.”
Plagiarized sentence: “Over 70% of university students admit to engaging in academic dishonesty,” without providing a source.
To avoid plagiarism, use the proper citation format and always give credit to the sources you use.
IV. The Benefits of Using MLA Citation Format
Proper citation is not just about following academic guidelines; it also has several benefits. Understanding these benefits can help you appreciate the importance of using MLA citation format. Below are some of the key benefits:
Academic Integrity:
MLA citation helps promote academic integrity by ensuring that you give credit to the sources that informed your work. This respect for intellectual property helps to build credibility and trust in the academic community.
Easy Source Tracking:
MLA citation makes it easier to track down sources, especially when you need to go back to them later on. Since you’ve provided all the necessary information about the source in the citation, you can easily find the source and verify its credibility.
Clear Framework:
MLA citation provides a clear framework for understanding the sources you are using. This framework helps you to organize your thoughts and arguments, making it easier for readers to follow your ideas.
V. The History and Evolution of MLA Citation Format
The MLA citation style has come a long way since its inception. It was first introduced by the Modern Language Association in 1951, and since then, it has undergone many transformations. Its main objective has always been to provide a consistent and uniform approach to citing sources in academic writing.
In 1985, the MLA introduced a new citation format to accommodate changing publishing practices. The new format emphasized the author’s name and publication date, making it possible to cite electronic sources, which were not covered in the initial guidelines.
Since then, the MLA citation format has undergone numerous updates and revisions to fit the ever-evolving publishing industry. For example, the current guidelines encourage the use of URLs and DOIs to help readers locate digital sources with ease.
VI. How to Cite Unusual Sources in MLA Format
MLA citation guidelines do not cover all sources, especially newer sources like social media posts, podcasts, and interviews. Citing such sources can be challenging, but it’s essential to give credit where it’s due. Here’s how to cite such unusual sources using MLA citation format:
Social Media Posts:
To cite a social media post, you need to include the author’s name, title, the word “Tweet,” and the date. Add the URL of the individual post if possible, or the URL of the author’s profile.
Podcasts:
To cite a podcast, include the name of the host, the title of the podcast episode, the podcast name, and, if relevant, the production company and date.
Personal Interviews:
When citing personal interviews, include the name of the interviewee, the type of interview, the date of the interview, and the location.
Here are some examples of correctly formatted citations for unusual sources:
Social Media Post:
Khan, Sarah. “Making a great meal during lockdown.” Tweet, 6 Apr. 2020, 11:30 a.m., twitter.com/sarahkhan/status/1247102842212625921.
Podcast:
Ezra Klein. “Is political violence ever justified.” The Ezra Klein Show. Vox Media, 11 Dec. 2020.
Personal Interview:
Smith, John. Personal interview, 1 July 2021, Austin, TX.
VII. The Ethical Considerations of MLA Citation
Proper citation supports academic integrity, but it also has ethical implications. Citation fudging, for example, involves changing the words of a source to make it seem like part of your argument. This practice is unethical, as it’s intellectual theft. Similarly, plagiarism is an ethical violation that can have severe consequences, including expulsion from school or revocation of professional licenses.
MLA citation helps ensure ethical and responsible research practices by emphasizing the importance of giving credit where it’s due. By citing your sources properly, you’re affirming their contribution to your work and giving them the proper recognition.
VIII. Conclusion
Proper citation is essential in academic writing. This guide has provided a comprehensive breakdown of MLA citation format, including a step-by-step tutorial, common mistakes to avoid, benefits of MLA citation, history and evolution of MLA citation format, how to cite unusual sources, and ethical considerations of MLA citation.
Follow the guidelines outlined here, and you’ll be well on your way to producing credible and well-supported academic work. Remember, proper citation is not just about following guidelines. It’s about building trust, promoting integrity, and respecting the work of others.