In-text citations come in two formats: parenthetical and narrative. "In MLA Style, referring to the works of others in your text is done using parenthetical citations. This method involves providing relevant source information in parentheses whenever a sentence uses a quotation or paraphrase" (Purdue Writing Lab). However, according to Savannah Patterson, a librarian at Union University, "in a narrative citation, the author of the source is listed in the body of the paper and the page number of the source is listed in the parentheses at the end" (Patterson).
"According to MLA style, you must have a Works Cited page at the end of your research paper. All entries in the Works Cited page must correspond to the works cited in your main text" (Purdue Writing Lab). Every entry in your Works Cited page is considered a source citation, also referred to as a bibliographic citation. The basic guidelines for formatting Works Cited pages and source citations can be found below. If you scroll to the bottom of this page, you will find a Works Cited page for all of the sources used to provide valid, reliable, and accurate information on this page.
The best way to avoid plagiarism in your writing is by incorporating direct quotations, paraphrases, and summaries from reliable sources pertaining to your research topic. "Quoting passages allows you to share the specific words and phrases of another author, while paraphrasing and summarizing allow you to show your understanding and interpretation of a text" ("Quoting"). Properly incorporating sources into your writing makes your ideas and explanations more powerful and adds to your credibility ("Quoting").
Once you have completed your research, avoiding plagiarism is rather straightforward: "when the work of others informs your ideas, give credit by summarizing or paraphrasing that work or by accurately quoting it - and always cite your source" (MLA Handbook).
For a guide to when you should quote, paraphrase, or summarize, see this University of Houston-Victoria student resources website.
More on Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing from
University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center:
involves copying short sentences or passages from the original text word-for-word
places copied wording within “quotation marks”
includes an in-text citation
involves putting a section of a text into your own words
changes the words and phrasing of the original text, but keeps the original meaning of the text
includes an in-text citation
involves stating the main ideas and findings of a text into your own words
presents a general overview, so is usually much shorter than the original text
includes an in-text citation