Citing Quotations and Paraphrases in MLA Format

Citing Quotations and Paraphrases in MLA Format

As you work on your research paper, you'll inevitably come across quotations or paraphrased ideas from online sources that aren't cited properly. Proper citation is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and giving credit to the original authors of your sources. In this guide, we'll cover how to cite quotations and paraphrases in MLA format.

Understanding Quotations and Paraphrasing

When you take a phrase or sentence directly from an online source without modifying it, you're using a quotation. On the other hand, when you rephrase someone else's ideas or words in your own words, that's a paraphrase. Both quotations and paraphrases require proper citation to avoid plagiarism.

Citing Quotations

Here are the steps for citing a quotation:

1. Include the page number: If you're citing a print source, make sure to include the page number(s) where the quote appears.
2. Use the in-text citation: For online sources, use the author's last name and the page number (if available), separated by a comma.

Example: (Smith 24)

If the source doesn't have an author or page numbers, you can omit them:

In addition to its economic benefits, tourism also has social impacts. (Smith)

Citing Paraphrases

When paraphrasing someone else's ideas, it's essential to provide credit by citing the original source. Here are some steps for citing a paraphrase:

1. Use quotation marks: Surround the paraphrased text with quotation marks.
2. Include the page number or URL: Make sure to include the page number(s) from the original source (if available) or the URL of the online source.

Example: The author argues that "tourism can have negative impacts on local cultures" (Smith 23). Similarly, a recent study found that tourism can lead to increased unemployment in rural areas.

Examples of Quotations and Paraphrases

Here are some examples of how to cite quotations and paraphrases:

Quotation: In addition to its economic benefits, "tourism can have negative social impacts" (Smith 24). Paraphrase: The author states that tourism has both positive and negative effects on local economies. While it brings in revenue, it also leads to increased costs for infrastructure and services.

In-Text Citations

Here are some examples of how to write an in-text citation for a quotation or paraphrase:

Quotation: According to Smith, "tourism can have negative social impacts" (24).

Paraphrase: As noted by Smith, tourism has both positive and negative effects on local economies.