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WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
You've learned why citations are important - to respect the intellectual property of the author. You've also learned about the most common forms of plagiarism and how to avoid it by using direct quotations and paraphrasing. It's time to put them all together using narrative and parenthetical citations! This section shows you how to insert direct quotations and paraphrased information into your paper properly.
WHAT TO DO:
WHAT TO DO:
Review the information.
Complete the self-check quiz.
Go to the Module Quiz and complete the Intellectual Property and Plagiarism Quiz. If your instructor has asked for it, make sure you save a copy of the certificate at the end of the quiz!
Citation Elements
Citation Elements
When you've identified the sources you want to use in your paper, whether it is a direct quotation or paraphrased information, you need to alert your readers to the fact that this information comes from other sources. In MLA and APA style, this is done with an in-text citation. In Chicago's Note/Bibliography style, it is done with a footnote. In either case, you must properly format both the information AND the in-text citation that goes along with it. Now that you know how to paraphrase or use direct quotations, it's time to learn how to incorporate the citation information.
Key Elements of the In-Text Citation
Key Elements of the In-Text Citation
There are a few key elements you need for an in-text citation and that varies according to which citation style your instructor requires. This module will focus on APA and MLA; Chicago formatting is covered in the Chicago Manual of Style module. Once you identify these for each source, you're ready to format the information in your paper!
APA
APA
Author last name
Year published
Page number (when applicable)
MLA
MLA
Author last name
Page number (when applicable)
Chicago
Chicago
The full citation information is formatted as a footnote.
In the body of your paper, after your direct quote or paraphrase, use a superscript number.
Formatting the Information
Formatting the Information
You have two ways you can format the information you're using, whether it is a direct quotation or a paraphrase: narrative (citation in prose) or parenthetical.
About Parenthetical Citations
About Parenthetical Citations
All citation information is placed at the end of the source information, in parentheses.
This is the most common method of in-text citations (but not always the best!)
About Narrative Citations
About Narrative Citations
The author is included in the body of the paper with the other citation elements set off by parentheses. (This is sometimes called "citation in prose" when using MLA.)
This style makes your paper more readable, so consider leveling up your citation game and giving it a try!
Let's go back to our example from the previous page:
“But the poem discloses more of Frodo's character; despite his fear of the known and dread of the unknown, Frodo still bravely chooses to continue his journey.”
Reynolds, W. (1977). Poetry as metaphor in The Lord of the Rings. Mythlore, 4(4), 12–16. https://doi.org/10.2307/26808288
PRO TIP: The examples below are in APA, but you can refer to the specific citation modules for more information:
Parenthetical vs Narrative Citations for a Direct Quote
Parenthetical vs Narrative Citations for a Direct Quote
Parenthetical
Parenthetical
Frodo continues his journey, laboring on "despite his fear of the known and dread of the unknown" (Reynolds, 1977, p. 12).
Narrative / Citation in Prose
Narrative / Citation in Prose
As Reynolds (1977) explains, Frodo continues his journey, laboring on "despite his fear of the known and dread of the unknown" (p. 12).
Parenthetical vs Narrative Citations for Paraphrases
Parenthetical vs Narrative Citations for Paraphrases
Parenthetical
Parenthetical
Tolkien often uses poetry and song to convey deep emotion. The poem Frodo sings as he departs Rivendell highlights his strength and his willingness to carry the ring to Mordor despite how scared he is (Reynolds, 1977, p. 12). Other songs, like Samwise Gamgee's Stone Troll Song, are a way to relieve the tension caused by a difficult situation.
Narrative
Narrative
Tolkien often uses poetry and song to convey deep emotion. As Reynolds (1977) explains, the poem Frodo sings as he departs Rivendell highlights his strength and his willingness to carry the ring to Mordor despite how scared he is (p. 12). Other songs, like Samwise Gamgee's Stone Troll Song, are a way to relieve the tension caused by a difficult situation.
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