For an essay I’m writing we were instructed to cite all sources directly in the text (no footnotes, no bibliography) an in MLA format.
I’ve had no trouble finding instructions for doing a bibliography in MLA format, I can’t find anything on in-text citations. Anyone know how to do it?
Well, it all depends on what kind of work you are citing. Generally you put the page or line number in parentheses after the quote. If you are only working with one quote then you can probably get away with just the page number. For example: “…It all depends on what kind of work you are citing.” (1). If you have multiple sources, you include the authors last name. I.e.: “…you put the page or line number in parentheses…” (Ashworth 1). If you don’t know the authors name, subsitute the title instead. If you are using an indirect source, film, poem or play…Well, I’d just consult a reference book for that. I’ve found “A Writer’s Reference” by Diana Hacker, is fairly comprehensive. This, or a book like it should be readily available at any library.
Ah, but I’m not using quotations. Its a technical report and the citations are for ideas and references as opposed to quotations.
Same thing.
Sentence in which you’re using idea from so and so (so-and-so 14).
Or you put it at the end of the paragraph, outside the last period if you want to cite the entire paragraph.
[Disclaimer: this is from memory, but i’m reasonably certain.]
So many students have problems using the MLA citation style.
I believe in-text citations are called “endnotes” in the index of the MLA handbook (5th ed).
It’s pretty buried, but it’s in the manual. I’m not at work or I’d look it up.
The Harbrace handbook that many undergrads have also includes a section on citing using MLA style that is more user friendly. : )
The MLA is publishing a new edition of their handbook in May and hopefully will clear up how to cite articles found in electronic databases and web sites and an odd half dozen other issues the 5th edition addresses none too well.
Just go to Google and type
MLA parenthetical documentation
and you can find resources to help you.
IIRC, in the MLA handbook the discussion of how to make parenthetical documentation is listed under endnotes section in the handbook and index.