Current Events Project

Writing your Research Paper

How to Cite Your Sources

In-Text Citations: the BasicsHOW DO YOU CITE THE SOURCES YOU HAVE FOUND? MLA uses parenthetical citations, also called

parenthetical notationsusing 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/