Cite with Swagger: Mastering MLA in-Text Quotes from People!
Learn how to properly cite quotes from individuals in MLA format for your articles. Follow our guide for accurate and reliable citation.
When writing an article, it is essential to support your claims and arguments with credible sources. One effective way to do this is by including quotes from experts or individuals who have relevant insights on the topic. However, simply inserting a quote into your article is not enough; you must also know how to cite it correctly. In the modern world of academia and journalism, the MLA format is widely used for citing sources. So, if you want to master the art of citing a quote from a person in an article using MLA guidelines, read on.
Introduction
Welcome to our guide on how to effectively cite a quote from a person in an article using MLA format. As a journalist, it is crucial to accurately attribute quotes to their original sources. This not only gives credit where it is due but also adds credibility to your work. In this article, we will walk you through the process of citing quotes in MLA style, ensuring that your writing meets the highest journalistic standards.
Understanding MLA Format
Before diving into the specifics of citing quotes, it is essential to have a solid understanding of MLA format. MLA (Modern Language Association) is a widely used citation style in the humanities and liberal arts. It provides guidelines for citing various sources, including books, articles, websites, and interviews. Familiarizing yourself with MLA format will help you navigate the citation process smoothly.
Direct Quotes vs. Paraphrasing
When incorporating someone's words into your article, you have two options: using a direct quote or paraphrasing the information. A direct quote involves using the exact words spoken or written by the individual, enclosed in quotation marks. Paraphrasing, on the other hand, involves rephrasing the information in your own words while still attributing it to the original source.
Direct Quotes
When using a direct quote, it is crucial to indicate the precise words spoken or written by the individual. To do this in MLA format, you must enclose the quote in double quotation marks. Additionally, you need to provide a parenthetical citation that includes the source's last name and page number where the quote can be found.
Paraphrasing
If you choose to paraphrase instead of using a direct quote, you still need to attribute the information to its original source. However, since you are presenting the information in your own words, you do not need to use quotation marks. Instead, you can incorporate the author's name and the page number into your sentence or provide a parenthetical citation at the end of the paraphrased section.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing quotes from a person in an article, it is crucial to include an in-text citation to direct readers to the full reference in your works cited page. In MLA format, the in-text citation typically consists of the author's last name and the page number in parentheses. For example: (Smith 25). If the author's name is already mentioned in the sentence, you can simply include the page number in parentheses: (25).
Attributing Quotes in MLA Format
Now that you understand the basics of MLA formatting and in-text citations, let's explore how to attribute quotes correctly. When attributing a quote from a person in an article, you should first introduce the speaker and then provide the quote itself. You can use phrases such as According to, As stated by, or In the words of to introduce the speaker.
Example MLA Citations
Here are a few examples of how to cite quotes from people in an article using MLA format:
1. According to John Doe, The discovery opens up new possibilities for medical research (15).
2. In the words of Mary Johnson, We believe that education is the key to a brighter future (Johnson 42).
3. As stated by Dr. Robert Smith, The study's findings challenge previous assumptions (Smith 77).
Conclusion
Citing quotes from people in an article using MLA format is essential for journalistic integrity and maintaining credibility. Remember to differentiate between direct quotes and paraphrasing, always provide in-text citations, and accurately attribute the quotes to their original sources. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing adheres to the highest standards of journalism.
Posting Komentar untuk "Cite with Swagger: Mastering MLA in-Text Quotes from People!"