What Is the Correct Way to Cite an Article?

Articles are a key resource in research papers. An article, in many ways, is an extended version of an essay, but articles are also published in academic and peer-reviewed journals, newspapers or magazines. This publication validates the article so that you know it is a credible resource. Cite articles on a reference list and in the text of the paper to give accurate credit to the source. According to the Mira Costa College Library website, the two most common citation styles are the Modern Language Association style (MLA) and American Psychological Association (APA) style.
  1. In-Text MLA or APA

    • With in-text citations, you need the author's last name for both MLA and APA citation styles. MLA citations should also include the page number (or numbers) referenced while the APA in-text citations need the year the article was published. For example: MLA: "(Donovan, 23-84)" or APA: (Smith, 1993).

    Academic Articles

    • Cite the article on an MLA bibliography with the author, the title of the article and the journal it appeared in, the volume and issue number, the date, pages referenced and the publication medium. For example: James, Penelope. "Themes in Fairytales." Fairytale Journal 12.3 (2004): 23-87. Print.

      An APA style article should be cited with the author or authors, the year the article was published, the article and periodical title, issue and volume number and the page number. For example: Smith, W.J., Williams, C.B., & Davis, E. (1979). Darkness in Animation. Journal of Movie History, 12(43), 348-389.

    Magazine Articles

    • APA magazine article citations need the author of the article, the date it was published, the title of the article, the magazine it appeared in, the issue number (if applicable) and the magazine page numbers. For example: Hamilton, K. (2003, March 15). Interview with Sam Smith. People Magazine, 278, 38-42.

      For MLA magazine citations, use the magazine's title, the article title, the publication medium, the date, the page numbers and the author. For example: Ebert, Roger. "How To Make Pie." Southern Living 23 Aug. 1999: 45. Print.

    Newspaper Articles

    • Newspaper citations on an APA reference list include the author, publication date, newspaper title and article title and the page numbers. You also have to include the abbreviation "pp" for newspaper articles. For example: Williams, E. (1987, October 3). Idaho sports games. The Idaho Statesman, pp. 2A, 3A.

      With an MLA citation, include the same information as a magazine citation but include the letters that go with page numbers. For example: Edwards, J. "Traveling through Italy." Travel & Leisure 26 June 2001: B23, B24. Print.

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