MLA citations involve two main parts: in-text citations and a Works Cited page. For in-text citations in MLA format, you typically include the author's last name and the page number from which the information is taken, placed in parentheses right after the quote or paraphrase. For example: (Wordsworth 263). If the author's name is mentioned in the sentence, you only need to include the page number in parentheses. This helps readers find the full citation on the Works Cited page.
The Works Cited page comes at the end of your paper and lists all sources you referenced. Rules for the Works Cited page include:
- Title the page "Works Cited," centered at the top.
- Entries are alphabetized by the author's last name.
- Use double spacing and a hanging indent for lines after the first in each entry.
- Entries generally include core elements in order: author, title of source, title of container (like a larger work), other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, and location (like pages or URL).
- For example, a book citation looks like: Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. Vintage International, 2007.
- URLs for online sources should omit "http://" and be followed by a period.
In summary, MLA citation requires brief parenthetical in-text citations paired with a detailed, alphabetized Works Cited list at the end of the document following the MLA formatting rules and structure.
