Quoting Articles in MLA? Master the Art with our Expert Tips!

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Learn how to properly quote an article in MLA format with our easy-to-follow guide. Avoid plagiarism and cite sources correctly.

Are you struggling with how to correctly quote an article in MLA format? Look no further! In this informative guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of citing articles in MLA style, ensuring that your academic papers meet the highest standards. Whether you are a student working on a research paper or a journalist crafting an article, knowing how to properly quote sources is essential for establishing credibility and avoiding plagiarism. So, let's dive right in and master the art of quoting articles in MLA style!


Introduction

As a journalist, it is crucial to accurately quote and cite sources when writing articles in order to maintain the highest standards of integrity and credibility. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in the humanities, including journalism, as a standardized way to format citations. In this article, we will guide you through the process of quoting an article in MLA format, providing you with essential tips and examples.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics of quoting an article in MLA, it is important to grasp the basic guidelines:

1. Purpose of Quoting

The purpose of quoting an article is to give credit to the original author and provide evidence or support for the points being made in your own writing. It adds credibility and strengthens your arguments by referencing reliable sources.

2. Importance of MLA Format

MLA format is extensively used in academic settings, including journalism, to provide uniformity and consistency in citing sources. It includes specific rules for formatting quotations, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page.


Quoting an Article in MLA

Now that we have covered the basics, let's delve into the step-by-step process of quoting an article in MLA format.

3. Choose the Right Quotation

Identify the specific quote from the article that is relevant to your writing. Ensure it supports your argument and adds value to your work.

4. Introduce the Quote

Begin the quote by providing some context or introducing the author in a concise and clear manner. This helps readers understand the relevance of the quote and its connection to your article.

5. Insert the Quote

Place the quoted text within quotation marks () to indicate that it is taken directly from the source. Make sure to reproduce the quote accurately, including any punctuation or grammatical errors present in the original article.

6. Include In-Text Citation

Immediately after the quote, include an in-text citation to acknowledge the source. This typically consists of the author's last name and page number within parentheses. For example: (Smith 42).


7. Add the Author's Name in the Sentence

If you mention the author's name in the sentence preceding the quote, you can exclude it from the in-text citation. Only include the page number in parentheses at the end of the quote. For example: According to Smith, quote (42).

8. Citing Online Articles

When quoting an article sourced online, include the author's name, the title of the article in quotation marks, the title of the website in italics, the publication date, and the URL. For example:

Last, First. Title of Article. Title of Website, Day Month Year, URL.


9. Quoting Multiple Authors

If the article has multiple authors, include all their names in the same order as listed in the source. For example: (Smith and Johnson 56).

10. Include a Works Cited Page

Finally, ensure that you have a Works Cited page at the end of your article to provide a complete list of all the sources you have quoted or referenced. Follow the MLA guidelines for formatting this page.


Conclusion

Quoting an article in MLA format is an essential skill for journalists to master. By following these guidelines, you can accurately attribute quotes, provide proper citations, and maintain the integrity of your work. Remember to always double-check your formatting and citations to ensure they comply with MLA standards and enhance the credibility of your writing.