How to Cite Internet Sources in MLA Style
Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation
Before diving into the specifics of citing internet sources in MLA style, it’s essential to understand the basics of MLA citation. MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a widely used citation style in the humanities, including literature, language, and cultural studies. In MLA style, sources are cited in a specific format to indicate their origin and credibility.
The Basics of MLA Citation
In MLA style, sources are cited in the following format:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publication Date. Publisher.
- Example: Smith, John. The Great Gatsby. 1925. Random House.
Types of Sources
In MLA style, sources can be categorized into several types:
- Books: Books are cited in the following format:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
- Articles: Articles are cited in the following format:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." Title of the Magazine or Journal, Volume Number, Issue Number, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
- Web Pages: Web pages are cited in the following format:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Web Page." Title of the Web Page, Day Month Year of Publication, https://www.url.com.
Citing Internet Sources
When citing internet sources, it’s essential to note that the website’s URL is not included in the citation. Instead, the URL is included in the citation as a reference to the source.
Example of Citing an Internet Source
Let’s say you want to cite an article on a website. Here’s an example:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." Title of the Magazine or Journal, Volume Number, Issue Number, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. https://www.url.com
In this example, the URL is included in the citation as a reference to the source.
Citing Multiple Sources
When citing multiple sources, it’s essential to include all the sources in the citation. Here’s an example:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." Title of the Magazine or Journal, Volume Number, Issue Number, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. https://www.url.com
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Web Page." Title of the Web Page, Day Month Year of Publication, https://www.url.com
In this example, the URL is included in the citation for both the article and the web page.
Citing Multiple Sources in a Single Citation
When citing multiple sources in a single citation, it’s essential to include all the sources in the citation. Here’s an example:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." Title of the Magazine or Journal, Volume Number, Issue Number, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. https://www.url.com
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Web Page." Title of the Web Page, Day Month Year of Publication, https://www.url.com
In this example, the URL is included in the citation for both the article and the web page.
In-Text Citations
In-text citations are used to indicate the source of a quote or paraphrased information. Here’s an example:
- "According to Smith, ‘the Great Gatsby’ is a classic novel that explores themes of love and greed’ (Smith 23)."
In this example, the author’s last name and first name are included in the in-text citation.
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a separate page that lists all the sources cited in the MLA style. Here’s an example:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." Title of the Magazine or Journal, Volume Number, Issue Number, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. https://www.url.com
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Web Page." Title of the Web Page, Day Month Year of Publication, https://www.url.com
In this example, the URL is listed on the Works Cited page.
Tips and Tricks
- Always include the author’s last name and first name in the citation.
- Use the title of the source in the citation.
- Use the URL in the citation, but not in the Works Cited page.
- Use the date of publication in the citation, but not in the Works Cited page.
- Use the page numbers in the citation, but not in the Works Cited page.
Conclusion
Citing internet sources in MLA style requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of the citation format. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your sources are properly cited and your citations are accurate. Remember to always include the author’s last name and first name in the citation, and use the URL in the citation, but not in the Works Cited page. With practice, you’ll become a pro at citing internet sources in MLA style!