I. Introduction
Citing sources is an important part of academic writing. It allows readers to verify the accuracy of your claims, and it gives credit to the original author for their work. With the rise of the internet, more sources are becoming available online, including websites. In this article, we will explore how to properly cite a website in MLA style. We will cover the basics of MLA formatting, provide tips and tricks for citing tricky sources, and discuss common mistakes to avoid.
II. The Complete Guide to Citing Websites in MLA Style
MLA stands for Modern Language Association, and it is one of the most commonly used citation styles in the humanities. When citing a website in MLA style, there are several pieces of information that you will need to provide, including:
– Author’s name (if available)
– Title of the page or article
– Title of the website
– Publisher or sponsor of the website
– Date of publication or last update
– URL (without https://)
One important thing to note is that MLA style does not require you to include the date you accessed the website, unless the content may change over time (such as in a social media post).
If you are citing a tricky source, such as a social media post, there are a few additional pieces of information you will need to include, such as the username or handle of the author, and the date and time of the post.
III. Five Simple Steps to Properly Cite a Website in MLA
Citing a website in MLA style can seem daunting at first, but it can be broken down into five simple steps:
1. Start with the author’s name. If the author is a person, list their last name first, followed by a comma and their first name. For example: Smith, John.
If the author is an organization, use the full name of the organization. For example: American Heart Association.
If the author is unknown, begin the citation with the title of the page.
2. Provide the title of the page or article in quotation marks. Capitalize the first word and any other words that would normally be capitalized in a title.
3. Give the title of the website in italics. If the website is sponsored by a larger organization, list the name of that organization before the website title.
4. Include information about the publisher or sponsor of the website, followed by the date of publication or last update in day-month-year format.
5. Finish with the URL, without https://.
Here is an example of a properly formatted website citation:
Stern, Mike. “10 Best Foods for Heart Health.” American Heart Association, 3 November 2020, www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations.
IV. Avoiding Plagiarism: The Importance of Citing Sources in MLA Style
One of the ethical reasons for citing sources is to avoid plagiarizing someone else’s work. Plagiarism is using someone else’s ideas or words without giving them proper credit. Accidentally or intentionally plagiarizing someone else’s work can result in consequences such as a failing grade, expulsion from school, or even legal action.
By citing sources properly in MLA style, you show that you value the work of other writers and researchers, and you demonstrate your own academic honesty.
V. Tips and Tricks for Citing Websites in MLA Style
There are several strategies you can use to make citing websites in MLA style easier and more efficient. One of the most useful strategies is to use online citation tools, such as EasyBib or Zotero. These tools allow you to enter the information for a website source, and they generate a properly formatted citation for you.
Another tip is to make sure you have all the necessary information before you start citing. Be sure to identify the author’s name, the date of publication or last update, and the title of the page or article before you begin.
It can also be helpful to format your Works Cited page as you go, rather than waiting until the end of your paper to add your citations. This way, you can stay organized and avoid missing important information.
VI. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Citing a Website in MLA Style
A common mistake people make when citing website sources is leaving out important pieces of information, such as the author’s name or the date of publication. Make sure you have all the necessary information before you begin citing, and double-check your citation to make sure you haven’t left anything out.
Another common mistake is misformatting the citation. Be sure to follow the correct order of information and use proper punctuation and formatting, such as italics for website titles.
VII. Mastering MLA Citation: How to Get it Right Every Time
To become a master of MLA citation, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the style. In addition to citing websites, it is also important to know how to properly format in-text citations and Works Cited pages.
In-text citations are brief references to a source within the body of your paper. They usually include the author’s last name and the page number where the information can be found. Works Cited pages are lists of all the sources you cited in your paper, and they should be formatted according to MLA guidelines.
To achieve accuracy and consistency when citing sources, be sure to follow the guidelines closely and pay attention to details. Proofread your citations carefully to avoid errors.
VIII. Everything You Need to Know About MLA Citation for Websites
MLA citation style has been around since the 1950s, and it has undergone several updates over the years. The most recent update, the 8th edition, was released in 2016.
In addition to citing websites, MLA style can be used for a wide range of sources, including books, journal articles, and multimedia sources. The style emphasizes clarity, brevity, and consistency, and it is widely used in the humanities.
IX. Conclusion
Citing website sources in MLA style doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the simple steps we outlined in this article, you can properly cite your sources and avoid plagiarism. Remember to pay attention to details, use online citation tools when appropriate, and proofread your citations carefully. By citing sources accurately and consistently, you demonstrate your academic integrity and contribute to the scholarly conversation.