There are 3 parts to every citation. For a citation to be complete, all 3 parts must be present and formatted correctly.
The 3 parts are:
1. the quote or paraphrase that you are using from the source in the body of your paper (highlighted in yellow below);
2. the in-text citation (highlighted in blue below);
3. the full citation on the "Works Cited" page at the end of your paper (highlighted in green below).
Example 1
Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).
Works Cited
Wordsworth, William. Lyrical Ballads. Oxford UP, 1967.
Example 2
Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263).
Works Cited
Wordsworth, William. Lyrical Ballads. Oxford UP, 1967.
It is very important to always cite any information that you use in your papers that comes from another source. Not only does this keep you from plagiarizing (which is a very serious offense that could result in you being expelled from the University), but it also tells readers where you found that information and it gives your writing and work more credibility. When you use other people's words and ideas to support your writing and opinions, it shows readers that you have read what other researchers have discovered about your topic, and it gives your writing and opinions more validity.
In order to properly cite information, you need to use both in-text citations and a reference list at the end of your paper. In-text citations tell the reader immediately where the quote or paraphrase used in your paper came from. The reader can then use your reference list to look up that original work for themselves to read what else that particular author had to say about your topic.
Please watch this short video about Why Citations Matter.
For more information about citations and how they impact academic integrity, visit the Academic Integrity guide.
Q. How do I format my paper according to MLA style? What spacing and font should I use? What should my title page look like?
A. General MLA Formatting Info
Q. How do I cite information in the body of my paper? What should a quote or paraphrase look like in my paper?
A. In-Text Citation Basics
Q. What should my Works Cited list at the end of the paper look like? What should the header for this page look like? In what order should my sources be listed?
A. Works Cited Basics
Q. How do I cite a book, article, website, etc. on my Works Cited page?
A. Books | Articles | Websites and Other Electronic Resources
Why Citations Matter (tutorial)
Academic Integrity (video)