Current Events Project
Writing your Research Paper
How to Cite Your Sources
In-Text Citations: the Basics
HOW DO YOU CITE THE SOURCES YOU HAVE FOUND?
 MLA uses parenthetical citations, also called
parenthetical notations
using parenthesis to cite sources
 Parenthetical citations depend on the medium of the
source
Print or Electronic Sources
 Parenthetical citations also depend on the source’s
entry on the Works Cited page
 Signal word (how you identify the source) in the text
is the first piece of information in the corresponding
entry on the Works Cited page.
This is the piece of information that goes inside of your
parenthesis.
How to quote Print Sources:
Author-Page Style
For print sources with authors, both the name of the author
and the page number should appear in your notation.
In-text Example #1:
1. Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a
"spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (263).
2. Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of
powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263). Wordsworth extensively explored
the role of emotion in the creative process (263).
Corresponding Works Cited Entry:
Wordsworth, William. Lyrical Ballads. London: Oxford
U.P., 1967. Print.
Signal Word = Wordsworth
How to Quote Print Sources:
With Unknown Author
When there is no author known for a print article, use
the title of the article, which is the first entry on the
Bibliography, as your signal word.
In-text Example #3:
We see so many global warming hotspots in North America
likely because this region has “more readily accessible climatic
data and more comprehensive programs to monitor and study
environmental change . . .” (“Impact of Global Warming” 6).
Corresponding Works Cited Entry:
“The Impact of Global Warming in North America.”
Global Warming: Early Signs. 23 March
2009. Print.
signal words =
“The Impact of Global Warming in North America”
Other In-Text Citations:
Electronic Sources
Electronic Sources- Electronic sources have no page
numbers. Sometimes there is an author and article title.
Sometimes there is only an article title. When you have
both, use both. When you only have an article title, use
it as your signal word.
In-text Example 1:
One online film critic stated that Fitzcarraldo is "...a beautiful
and terrifying critique of obsession and colonialism" (Garcia,
“Herzog: a Life”).
Corresponding Works Cited Entry:
Garcia, Elizabeth. "Herzog: a Life." Online Film Critics
Corner. The Film School of New Hampshire, 2 May
2002. Web. 8 Jan. 2009.
Signal Words =
Garcia, “Herzog: a Life”
How to Quote:
Formatting Short Quotations
Short quotations are simply incorporated into a
sentence, in the least intrusive way. Pay attention to
punctuation and your parenthetical notations.
In-text Examples:
1. According to some, dreams express "profound aspects of
personality,” though others disagree (Foulkes 184).
What makes this example a proper citation?
2. According to Foulkes's study, dreams may express
"profound aspects of personality" (184).
What makes this example a proper citation?
How are the punctuation marks different in #1 and in #2? Why?
How to Quote:
Formatting Long Quotations
In-text Example:
Nelly Dean treats Heathcliff poorly and dehumanizes him
throughout her narration:
They entirely refused to have it in bed with them, or even
in their room, and I had no more sense, so, I put it on the
landing of the stairs, hoping it would be gone on the
morrow. By chance, or else attracted by hearing his voice,
it crept to Mr. Earnshaw's door, and there he found it on
quitting his chamber. Inquiries were made as to how it got
there; I was obliged to confess, and in recompense for my
cowardice and inhumanity was sent out of the house.
(Bronte 78)
A quote of longer than 5 lines typed is double indented to set it away from
the rest of the paper. In this type of citation, the punctuation is before the
parenthetical citation. Long quotes like this are used in extensive research
papers. You will not need to use this type of quote for your assignment.
How to Quote:
Adding/Omitting Words
Sometimes you need to insert or delete the author’s
original words to make your writing flow.
In-text Example for Adding Words:
Jan Harold Brunvand, in an essay on urban legends, states:
"some individuals [who retell urban legends] make a point
of learning every rumor or tale" (78).
Which words were added? How can you tell?
In-text example for Omitting Words:
In an essay on urban legends, Jan Harold Brunvand notes
that "some individuals make a point of learning every
recent rumor or tale . . . and in a short time a lively
exchange of details occurs" (78).
Where were words deleted? How can you tell?
For More Information
Purdue OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/