Properly quoting sources is crucial for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in the humanities, and understanding how to quote in MLA format is essential for students and researchers. This guide will walk you through the process, covering various quoting scenarios and offering tips for clear and effective citation.
Understanding MLA In-Text Citations
The cornerstone of MLA style is the in-text citation, which provides brief information about your source directly within your writing. This allows readers to quickly identify the source of your quote and locate the full citation in your Works Cited page. A typical MLA in-text citation includes the author's last name and the page number (or other relevant locator, such as paragraph number for online sources without page numbers).
Example of a Short Quote:
Let's say you're quoting from page 123 of a book by Jane Doe, titled The Power of Words. Here's how you'd incorporate a short quote (under four lines):
"The power of language is undeniable," Doe argues (123).
Notice:
- The quote is integrated seamlessly into your sentence.
- The in-text citation is placed immediately after the quote, within the punctuation.
- There's no need for quotation marks around the parenthetical citation.
Example of a Long Quote (Block Quote):
For quotes exceeding four lines, use a block quote. Indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin, don't use quotation marks, and place the parenthetical citation after the final punctuation:
Doe elaborates on the impact of language:
Language shapes our perceptions, influences our behaviors, and ultimately determines how we interact with the world. It is a powerful tool that can be used for good or for evil. The responsibility of using it ethically cannot be overstated. (123-124)
Handling Different Types of Sources
MLA formatting adapts to various source types. Here's how to handle a few common scenarios:
Quoting from Websites:
When quoting from a website without page numbers, use paragraph numbers if available. If not, you can use a section heading or other identifying information. For instance:
"The impact of social media is vast and complex" ("Social Media's Influence," para. 3).
If the website doesn't have paragraphs, use the section title instead:
"Online privacy is a growing concern" ("Online Privacy Concerns," Section 1).
Quoting from Multiple Authors:
For works by two authors, list both last names. For three or more, use the first author's last name followed by "et al.":
Two authors: (Smith and Jones 42) Three or more authors: (Smith et al. 42)
Quoting Indirect Sources (Secondary Sources):
If you're quoting someone who is quoted in another source, indicate this using "qtd. in":
As Smith argues, "the impact of technology is profound" (qtd. in Jones 15).
Important Considerations
- Accuracy: Always double-check your quotes against the original source for accuracy. Even minor errors can compromise your credibility.
- Ellipses: Use ellipses (...) to indicate omitted words within a quote. However, avoid using ellipses at the beginning or end of a quote unless it's stylistically necessary.
- Brackets: Use brackets [ ] to add clarifying words or phrases within a quote.
- Italics: Italicize titles of books, journals, and websites. Use quotation marks for titles of articles, chapters, and poems.
- Consistency: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your paper.
Creating Your Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a separate page at the end of your paper that lists all the sources you've quoted or paraphrased. Each entry follows a specific format. The best way to ensure accuracy is to consult the latest MLA Handbook or an online MLA citation generator. These resources offer detailed guidance on how to cite different kinds of sources.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you'll master MLA quotation format and strengthen your academic writing. Remember to always cite your sources properly to avoid plagiarism and uphold ethical research practices. Consult updated MLA resources for the most current style guidelines.
