MLA Citation Lesson

Learning Goal: Students will be able to:

  • Create citations for a Webpage and a journal article from a database.

  • Create a "Works Cited" page.

Introduction:

AASL Learning Standard

Q: Why is it important to cite your sources?

A: So you don't plagiarize!

You plagiarize when you use someone else's idea (intellectual property) without giving them credit.

You can get in trouble for plagiarizing! You could:

  • Fail your class

  • Be disciplined

Citing your sources is an ethical use of technology. Practice the GLOs!

Directions:

Citation for a Source in a Single Container

  1. Introduce the "Works Cited: A Quick Guide" for a source in a single container from The MLA Style Center (style.mla.com).

  2. Fill out the MLA Practice Template for a source in a single container using Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer? Probably, but It's Complicated.

  3. Open a Google Doc, start a "Works Cited" page, and type the MLA citation for this source.

Citation for a Source in Two Containers

  1. Introduce the "Works Cited: A Quick Guide" for a source in two containers from The MLA Style Center.

  2. Fill out the MLA Practice Template for a source in two containers using The Cell-Phone-Cancer Link.

  3. Open your "Works Cited" page and add the MLA citation for this source.

MLA Citation Format Examples from the HCC Library Website.

In-Text Citations

The in-text citation unobtrusively lets the reader know the source of a specific idea in your text.

The Citation-In-Text-Citation Link

The citation on your "Works Cited" page, is like an address that anyone can use to find a destination. Anyone can find your source from a well-written citation.

The in-text citation is like a street sign pointing to a destination. If someone only saw the street sign, they would not be able to find the destination. If someone only saw your in-text citation, they would not be able to find your source; but if it correctly points to the citation on your "Works Cited" page, then anyone can find your source!

This is why the first part of your in-text citation must match the beginning of the citation on your "Works Cited" page.

Citation-In-Text-Citation Link

1.1.8 Demonstrate mastery of technology tools to access information and pursue inquiry.

1.3.1 Respect copyright/intellectual property rights of creators and producers.

1.3.3 Follow ethical and legal guidelines in gathering and using information.

1.3.5 Use information technology responsibly.

3.1.6 Use information and technology ethically and responsibly.

Common Core Standards

CC.9-10.W.8 Research to Build and Present Knowledge:

Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

General Learner Outcomes

  • Complex Thinker

  • Quality Producer

  • Effective Communicator

  • Effective & Ethical User of Technology

Habits of Mind

  • Striving for Accuracy

  • Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations

  • Thinking & Communicating with Clarity & Precision

  • Remaining Open to Continuous Learning

In-Text Citation Basics

Insert the in-text citation after your quote or paraphrase and before the final punctuation.

With signal phrase:

Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263).

Without signal phrase:

The role of emotion in the creative process was extensively explored (Wordsworth 263).

For more information, see MLA Style In-Text Citations.