The Modern Language Association (MLA) offers two main methods for citing sources in your work: parenthetical citations and end notes.
1. Parenthetical Citations
* Placement: These citations appear within the text itself, usually at the end of the sentence containing the borrowed information.
* Format: The basic format includes the author's last name and page number separated by a comma, enclosed in parentheses.
* Example: (Smith 21).
* Multiple authors: For two authors, list both names separated by "and." For three or more, use the first author's name followed by "et al."
* Example: (Smith and Jones 15). (Brown et al. 27).
* No author: If the source lacks an author, use the title (shortened if necessary) instead.
* Example: ("The Great Gatsby" 125).
* Direct quotes: Include the page number and enclose the quote in quotation marks.
* Example: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" (Brown 45).
* Multiple citations: If you cite multiple sources in the same sentence, separate the citations with semicolons.
* Example: (Smith 21; Brown 45).
2. End Notes
* Placement: These citations appear at the end of your paper, in a numbered list titled "Notes" or "Endnotes."
* Format: Each end note includes a superscript number within the text, corresponding to a numbered entry at the end of the paper.
* Content: End notes contain more detailed information than parenthetical citations, including author, title, publisher, publication date, and page number.
* Example:
1. John Smith, *The History of Literature*, (New York: Penguin Books, 2005), p. 123.
Choosing the right method:
* Parenthetical citations: Most common, especially in shorter works or for citing specific details.
* End notes: More appropriate for longer papers, extended discussions, or adding commentary on sources.
Important Notes:
* Consistency: Be consistent with the chosen method throughout your paper.
* Accurate Information: Ensure all necessary information is included in your citations.
* MLA Handbook: Consult the latest edition of the *MLA Handbook* for the most up-to-date guidelines.
By understanding the differences and appropriate uses of parenthetical citations and end notes, you can effectively cite your sources in an MLA-compliant manner, ensuring proper attribution and academic integrity in your work.