English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Use intext citations with MLA formatting
Use intext citations with MLA formatting
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the purpose and components of MLA in-text citations.
Distinguish between proper and improper placement of in-text citations.
Construct accurate parenthetical citations for sources with a known author.
Formulate in-text citations for sources without a listed author.
Integrate signal phrases effectively to introduce quoted or paraphrased material.
Explain the connection between in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
Apply MLA in-text citation rules to avoid plagiarism in argumentative essays.
Ever wonder how writers prove their ideas aren't just made up? 🤔 It's all about giving credit where credit is due!
In this lesson, you'll learn the essential rules for using MLA in-text citations. Mastering this skill is crucial for your...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
In-text CitationA brief reference within the body of your essay that tells readers where you found specific information (quotes, paraphrases, summaries).The study showed significant results (Johnson 12).
Parenthetical CitationThe most common type of in-text citation, placed in parentheses, usually at the end of a sentence.The author noted the rapid changes (Smith 45).
Signal PhraseA phrase that introduces quoted or paraphrased material, often including the author's name, to smoothly integrate source material.According to Dr. Elena Rodriguez, '...'
PlagiarismPresenting someone else's words or ideas as your own without giving proper credit.Copying a paragraph from a website into your essay without a citation is plagiarism.
Works Cited PageA separat...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Author-Page Number Format
(Author's Last Name Page Number).
This is the most common MLA in-text citation format. Use it when you know the author and the page number of the source material. Place it before the final punctuation mark of the sentence.
No Author Format
('Shortened Title' Page Number) or ('Shortened Title').
If a source has no author, use a shortened version of the title (usually the first few words) in quotation marks. If there's no page number (like for many websites), just use the shortened title.
Signal Phrase Integration
Author's Last Name states/argues/explains that 'quoted material' (Page Number).
Introduce the source material with a signal phrase that includes the author's name. In this case, only...
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Challenging
A student is writing about the causes of the Civil War. They find a book by James McPherson and an article by Sarah Vowell. Which sentence best synthesizes and correctly cites both sources to support a claim?
A.While some historians emphasize economic factors (McPherson 88), others point to the moral debate over slavery as the primary cause (Vowell 150).
B.Some historians emphasize economic factors, and others point to the moral debate over slavery as the primary cause (McPherson 88 and Vowell 150).
C.McPherson (88) and Vowell (150) both agree that economic factors and the moral debate over slavery were the primary causes.
D.The Civil War was caused by economic factors (McPherson, page 88) and the moral debate over slavery (Vowell, page 150).
Challenging
You are quoting from an online article titled 'Global Warming's Unseen Effects' published on the NASA website. No individual author is listed. What is the best in-text citation and why?
A.(NASA), because the organization is the author.
B.('Global Warming's Unseen Effects'), because you must use the full title if there is no author.
C.('Global Warming's'), because the first few words of the title are used when there is no author.
D.('Unseen Effects'), because you should use the most important words from the title.
Challenging
A student writes: According to the article, 'solar power is becoming more affordable' ('The Rise of Renewable Energy'). The source is a web article with no author or page numbers. Evaluate this citation.
A.It is perfect; no changes are needed.
B.It is incorrect; the signal phrase 'According to the article' makes the parenthetical citation redundant.
C.It is weak; a better signal phrase would name the organization that published the article to add credibility.
D.It is incorrect; the full title should never be used in a citation.
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