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Paraphrasing in MLA
Paraphrasing is a valuable skill. It allows you to seamlessly integrate another person’s ideas into your work, and it is the preferred way to integrate most research information into a paper.
In addition to writing a good paraphrase, you must also include a citation with the paraphrase. One effective way to do this is by using MLA in-text citations .
But first, let’s define paraphrasing.
What is a paraphrase? Why is it beneficial?
- A paraphrase is a piece of information written in a new way after reading and analyzing a source.
- A paraphrase translates the main ideas of a passage into a new passage that uses your own words and perspective.
- A paraphrase lets you control what point or information is highlighted.
- A paraphrase allows you turn a long passage into a condensed, focused passage.
- Direct quotes are helpful, but paraphrasing allows you show that you truly understand a work. Think about it: Is it easier to quote a source or paraphrase?
What does MLA have to do with it?
Academic integrity is extremely important, and a paraphrase allows you to use someone’s ideas efficiently in your work…but that is only part of the work. In order to stay ethical, you’ll also need include an in-text citation. That’s where MLA style comes in.
An MLA in-text citation gives appropriate credit to the original source. By following the guidelines of the MLA style and including an accurate citation, you can avoid accusations of plagiarism.
MLA stands for the Modern Language Association, which is a scholarly association dedicated to the study and advancement of languages. The MLA style comes from their published MLA Handbook , which provides rules and guidelines on research and writing. The latest update to the MLA style occurred in 2021, and careful consideration needs to be paid to these guidelines.
Although there are other styles of research and writing, MLA is the primary style guide for humanities, language, and literature in the United States.
How to paraphrase
Steps in paraphrasing.
- Read the original source material carefully. It is always a good idea to read it more than once so you can paraphrase accurately.
- Consider why the source was written, when it was written, who it was written by, and who the target audience was.
- What were the key ideas or points communicated?
- What is the key point you want to highlight from the source?
- What other contextual facts about the source do you think are important to include?
- Based on your notes, put together a paraphrase.
- Next, take a minute to double check your paraphrase against the original to ensure that you have used your own writing style.
- Finally, add an MLA in-text citation.
How to add an MLA in-text citation
In order to give credit for ideas that are not yours, citing is key. According the MLA, after you create a paraphrase, you should include an in-text citation with the paraphrase. In addition to the short, in-text citation, a full reference of the source should be included on your Works Cited page. This article will focus only on the in-text citation, but see this guide for more information on MLA works cited citations.
An MLA in-text citation can be done in two ways:
- Parenthetical
Both approaches require you to know the following:
- Last name of the author
- Page number
Parenthetical citation
One way to cite in the text is to use a parenthetical citation after the paraphrase. This includes putting the author’s last name and page number where you found the information at the end of the sentence, before the final period.
Using a website as a source? Note that if a source does not have page numbers, you do not have to include the page number in your parenthetical citation.
Parenthetical in-text citation structure:
Paraphrase (Author Last Name Page #)
Parenthetical example:
I kept pounding on the doors ’til my hands hurt and I woke up the dogs (Bronte 12).
Place that end punctuation carefully! Note that there is no period at the end of the sentence, but the period is outside the parentheses. Also, there is no comma between the author’s last name and the page number.
Citation in prose
A citation in prose means that you include the author’s last name within the page text and the page number at the end of the sentence in parentheses. A citation in prose would look like this:
Citation in prose citation structure:
Paraphrase with Author Last Name (Page #)
In-prose example:
Bronte explains how Lockwood kept pounding on the doors until his hands began to hurt and he woke up the dogs (12).
Example of how to paraphrase
Here is a piece of text taken from the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen:
“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Elizabeth’s astonishment was beyond expression. She stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient encouragement; and the avowal of all that he felt, and had long felt for her, immediately followed. He spoke well; but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed; and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority—of its being a degradation—of the family obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit.
A paraphrase of the above would go something like this:
Mr. Darcy had meant to communicate that he loved Elizabeth, but in the end all he managed to do was communicate all the reasons he had fought against his feelings for her (Austen 390).
Notice the benefits of paraphrasing here?
- The paraphrase is (thankfully) much shorter than the full excerpt.
- The paraphrase writer could have mentioned several different ideas and points. Instead, paraphrasing allowed the writer to focus on the main point they wanted to highlight.
- The paraphrase demonstrates the writer’s deep understanding of what was communicated in the original passage.
Also, as mentioned previously, every in-text citation needs to have a matching, full citation in the Works Cited page. Here is the full citation for the above example:
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice . 1813. Project Gutenberg , 2008, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42671.
How NOT to paraphrase
When you paraphrase, do not do the follow:
- Use most of the same words and switch out a few words for synonyms.
- Use most of the same words and change the sentence order a little.
- Take key phrases from the sentences and put them into a new paragraph without quoting them.
- Create a good paraphrase but forget to include an in-text citation.
- Create a good paraphrase but cite the wrong source.
Other MLA considerations
The Modern Language Association advises that summaries, paraphrases, and direct quotations can all be used to back up your argument. However, direct quotations should be used infrequently. Try to save them for experts who are speaking on the topic.
Although you are putting a paraphrase into your own words, you still need to cite it because the ideas are not your own. MLA style asks for the author’s last name and the page number where you found the information.
Key takeaways
- The ability to paraphrase is of the utmost importance in regard to academic integrity.
- To paraphrase well, read the original a few times, consider the context, jot down the key ideas, compose your paraphrase, compare your paraphrase to the original, and add an in-text citation.
- The MLA advises using in-text citations in order to give proper credit to a paraphrase’s original source.
Published October 28, 2020. Updated July 18, 2021.
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Tips on Paraphrasing
- Have you simply changed a few words to synonyms? Try again. Being handy with a thesaurus is not enough to make the sentence yours.
- Have you included exact sequences of words from the original? If so, make sure to put quotation marks around those phrases, or re-write until the entire paraphrase is your words.
- Have you retained the meaning of the original? Changing the author's meaning is not plagiarism, but academic honesty requires you to represent other's work accurately in your writing.
DeCandido, Graceanne A. "Bibliographic Good vs. Evil in Buffy the Vampire Slayer ." American Libraries Sept. 1999: 44-47.
MLA Style Guide, 8th & 9th Editions: How to Paraphrase and Quote
- Works Cited entries: What to Include
- Title of source
- Title of container
- Contributors
- Publication date
- Supplemental Elements
- Book with Personal Author(s)
- Book with Organization as Author
- Book with Editor(s)
- Parts of Books
- Government Publication
- Journal Article
- Magazine Article
- Multivolume Works
- Newspaper Article
- Other Formats
- Websites, Social Media, and Email
- About In-text Citations
- In-text Examples
How to Paraphrase and Quote
- Citing Poetry
- Formatting Your MLA Paper
- Formatting Your Works Cited List
- MLA Annotated Bibliography
- MLA 9th Edition Quick Guide
- Submit Your Paper for MLA Style Review
Block Quotes in MLA Style
Short quotations can be included as part of a larger sentence or within a paragraph in the body of your paper. For quotations longer than four lines, use a block quote. Press enter to start the quotation on a new line. Press Tab to indent the entire quotation 1/2 inch from the left margin. Continue double spacing for the quotation. Do not use double quotation marks. Place your in-text citation at the end after the closing punctuation mark.
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How To - Use the MLA Style Guide: How to Paraphrase and Quote
- Title of source
- Title of container
- Other contributors
- Publication date
- Optional Elements
- Book with Personal Author(s)
- Book with Editor(s)
- Book with Organization as Author
- Parts of Books
- Government Publication
- Journal Article
- Magazine Article
- Multivolume Works
- Newspaper Article
- Other Formats
- Websites, Social Media, and Email
- Works Cited Practice
- About In-text Citations
- In-text Examples
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How to paraphrase citations in mla format.
Image: freepik.com by @thanyakij-12
Paraphrasing in MLA is a necessary skill for academic writing, since the majority of students has the need to refer to another source in their works. This guide will give you clear examples and steps to make sure you accurately and ethically incorporate source material into your own paper.
What is Paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing in MLA involves rewording someone else’s ideas or information in your unique style while keeping the original meaning and ideas. It’s different from summarizing, which only focuses on the main ideas, and is more detailed.
Importance of Paraphrasing:
- đźš« Avoids Overquoting: It limits the use of direct quotes from unremarkable passages.
- đź’ˇ Enhances Understanding: It involves a deep analysis of the source material.
- ✍️ Maintains Originality: It helps in presenting information in a new form, showing your understanding and interpretation.
Examples of Paraphrasing
Keep Your Writing Problems at Bay with Our Free Paraphraser
6 steps to effective paraphrasing in mla.
Effective paraphrasing involves several key steps, if you want to be accurate in your work and also follow the necessary academic rules:
- đź“– Understand the Source: Read the original text thoroughly to grasp its meaning.
- ✏️ Rewrite Without Looking: Set the original text aside and write your version.
- đź“ť Note Key Points: Jot down key phrases to guide your paraphrase.
- 🔍 Compare with Original: Ensure your paraphrase accurately reflects the source’s ideas.
- đź“Ś Use Quotation Marks for Direct Quotes: Identify any exact phrases from the source.
- đź“‘ Cite the Source: Include an in-text citation with the author and page number.
Paraphrasing Examples with MLA Citation
See, it is practically a no-brainer if you know hor to do it. By following these tips and practicing with examples, you can integrate source materials into your work even better than before. This way, you will both keep your papers originality in check and respect the author you are referring to.
What is paraphrasing in the context of MLA style writing?
Paraphrasing, in the context of MLA style writing, refers to the practice of rephrasing someone else’s words or ideas in your own words while retaining the original meaning. It is a way to incorporate information from sources into your research paper without directly quoting them.
Why is paraphrasing important in academic writing?
Paraphrasing is essential in academic writing for several reasons. It allows you to integrate information from sources smoothly into your paper, providing support for your arguments. It also demonstrates your understanding of the source material and helps you avoid issues related to plagiarism.
How can I ensure that my paraphrase is effective and avoids plagiarism?
To avoid plagiarism in your paraphrasing, follow these steps:
- Understand the source material thoroughly.
- Write your paraphrase without looking at the original.
- Use your own vocabulary and sentence structures.
- Compare your paraphrase with the original to check for any similarities.
- If you find exact sequences of words from the original, enclose them in quotation marks (“) or rephrase them.
- Make sure your paraphrase retains the original meaning of the source while using your own words.
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Paraphrasing in MLA
Paraphrasing can be a useful tool to help you avoid relying too heavily on quotes. You should avoid using too many quotes in your writing.
That being said, you still need to cite your sources properly when paraphrasing. You are borrowing other people’s ideas, so it’s important to give credit where it’s due.
If your instructor wants you to use MLA-style citations, it’s important to know how this works in regard to paraphrasing.
What is MLA style?
MLA stands for “Modern Language Association.” This association was founded in 1983, and it’s the leading professional academic organization in the United States. The MLA style is frequently used by schools, instructors, and academic organizations. While many students use the MLA style when writing, it’s especially popular in humanities courses.
What is paraphrasing?
When you paraphrase a passage, you are putting it in your own words. In most cases, the result is that this passage becomes clearer and easier to understand. Paraphrases can be shorter, longer, or the same length as the original passage. Paraphrasing is useful because it shows that you actually understand the key ideas behind the passage.
Paraphrasing & citing in MLA style
Once you understand the system for citing your sources in MLA style, paraphrasing is easy. You can use this process to cite your sources when paraphrasing, summarizing, or using direct quotes.
1. Create a works cited page
Both a works cited page and a bibliography list sources that were used in the making of your paper. The main difference is that a works cited page only includes sources that were referenced in your work (via an in-text citation). On the other hand, a bibliography includes all sources consulted, even if they were not directly referenced in your work. Both are placed at the end of your research paper or essay and follow the same MLA guidelines. It is important to create a works cited page because your in-text citations will help your reader to identify the source you are referencing from that list.
To create a works cited page based on the MLA format, you need to follow a number of guidelines.
This is the basic structure for a book reference in MLA format:
Author Last, Author First, Middle Initial. Title of Work . Publisher, Year.
Here’s an example:
Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis . Modern Library, 1915.
For more help creating citations, visit the Citation Machine MLA citation generator .
2. In-text citations
When writing according to the MLA style citation guide, you will use in-text citations. The goal of in-text citations is to direct your reader to the appropriate citation in your works cited list. At the end of your paraphrase, you’ll write the last name of the author and the page number you’re referencing.
This is the basic structure for an in-text citation in MLA format:
(Author Last Name Page number).
For example:
Captain Montgomery forced Pendrick off his ship, claiming that Pendrick was in league with “beasts and cannibals” (Wells 26).
The period is always placed after the parentheses.
If there’s more than one author, you simply use both of their last names, followed by the page number.
(Smith and Jones 77).
If there are three or more authors, you simply use the first author’s last name and then write “et al.”
(Smith et al. 77).
If there is no page number, just use the author’s last name. You’ll likely need to do this if you’re citing a web page or another source where page numbers are not included.
If you’re repeatedly citing the same source, you can simply refer to the page number after the first time. Note that you can only do this if you’re not citing other sources in between and this shouldn’t be used if it will cause confusion.
Captain Montgomery forced Pendrick off his ship, claiming that Pendrick was in league with “beasts and cannibals” (Wells 26). After being stranded on a small dinghy, Pendrick begs God to end his suffering (30).
You can also use only the page number if you have included the author’s name within the test itself. This is called a narrative citation.
Basic structure:
Text that mentions the author’s last name (page number).
Wells writes that Captain Montgomery forced Pendrick off his ship, claiming that Pendrick was in league with “beasts and cannibals” (26).
Key takeaways
- When paraphrasing, you need to put the writing in your own words.
- Citing your sources is important when paraphrasing.
- The MLA style is used for academic writing, especially in the humanities.
- The first step is to create a works cited page.
- Next, you use in-text citations after your paraphrases to direct your reader to the source listed in your works cited page.
- You generally use the last name of the author and the page number in parentheses after your paraphrases.
Published October 29, 2020.
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MLA Style Guide: 8th Edition: Paraphrase/Summary
- Works Cited examples
- Direct Quote
- Block Quote
Paraphrase/Summary
- Indirect Quote
- Multiple Authors
- In-Text Exceptions
- Personal Communications
- MLA Handbook/Other Resources
- NoodleTools
IN-TEXT CITATIONS FOR A...
Paraphrasing is when you, as the researcher, put into your own words a passage or idea from another work. A paraphrased passage is generally shorter and more condensed than the original. Summarizing is very similar to paraphrasing, in that it also involves putting someone else’s ideas into your own words in order to condense the material (and to show that you understand the source material). A summary includes only the main points and/or ideas in a longer passage or entire work.
Paraphrasing is often used because it is easier to integrate into the text of a paper. Remember though, you must still cite your source using author name and page number:
Author Incorporated into Text
Kafka describes the insecurities of his youth, analyzing his social shortcomings in school and his rocky relationship with his father (44-46).
Author After Paraphrase
The insecurities of youth are described, as the author analyzes his social shortcomings in school and his rocky relationship with his father (Kafka 44-46).
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Paraphrasing
- Why Paraphrase?
- Paraphrasing Is a Process
- Step 1: Read
- Step 2: Take Notes
- Step 3: Think About What You Read
- Step 4: Write It In Your Own Words
- Step 5: Cite Your Source
- Citing in APA
Citing in MLA
- Paraphrasing Gone Bad Video
- What's Wrong With This Paraphrase? (A)
- What's Wrong With This Paraphrase? (B)
- What's Wrong With This Paraphrase? (C)
And here is how your article citation would look if you're using MLA.
In-text citation:
Parents should be concerned about online advertising. These advertisers are manipulative, and children are more vulnerable than most parents expect ( Cornish 454 ).
Works Cited page:
Cornish, Lara Spiteri. "'Mum, Can I Play On the Internet?' Parents' Understanding, Perception and Responses To Online Advertising Designed For Children." International Journal of Advertising , vol. 33, no.3, 2014, pp. 437-473.
As with APA, citations will have different formats d epending on what you're citing (a book, an article from a database, a video, etc.). Want to see more examples of MLA citations? Go to OWL at Purdue.
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- Works Quoted in Another Source
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When you write information or ideas from a source in your own words, cite the source by adding an in-text citation at the end of the paraphrased portion.
Paraphrasing from One Page
Include a full in-text citation with the author name and page number (if there is one). For example:
Mother-infant attachment became a leading topic of developmental research following the publication of John Bowlby's studies (Hunt 65).
Paraphrasing from Multiple Pages
If the paraphrased information/idea is from several pages, include them. For example:
Mother-infant attachment became a leading topic of developmental research following the publication of John Bowlby's studies (Hunt 50, 55, 65-71).
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Citations - MLA: In-Text Citations - Quotations & Paraphrasing
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- Images, Charts, Graphs, Maps & Tables
- Journal Articles
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- Newspaper Articles
- Pesonal Communication (Interviews, Emails, & Telephone)
- Religious Texts
- Social Media
- Videos & DVDs
- When Creating Digital Assignments
- When Information Is Missing
- Works in a Foreign Language
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- In-Text Citations - Quotations & Paraphrasing
- Formatting - Essay, Works Cited, Appendix, & Sample Paper
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On This Page
- About In-text Citations
Paraphrasing
- In-Text Citation for One, Two, or More Authors/Editors
Unknown Author
Repeated use of sources, long quotations.
- In-Text Citation for More Than One Source
Citing a Source that you Found in Another Source (Secondary Source)
Order of authors, physician credentials, about in-text citations.
In MLA, in-text citations are inserted in the body of your research paper to briefly document the source of your information. Brief in-text citations point the reader to the full citation on the works cited list at the end of the paper.
Create in-text citations for the following:
- Direct quotes
If you're using information from a single source more than once in succession (i.e., no other sources referred to in between), you can use a simplified in-text citation.
Cell biology is an area of science that focuses on the structure and function of cells (Smith 15). It revolves around the idea that the cell is a "fundamental unit of life" (17). Many important scientists have contributed to the evolution of cell biology. Mattias Jakob Schleiden and Theodor Schwann, for example, were scientists who formulated cell theory in 1838 (20).
Note: If using this simplified in-text citation creates ambiguity regarding the source being referred to, use the full in-text citation format.
What Is a Long Quotation?
If your quotation extends to more than four lines as you're typing your essay, it is a long quotation.
Rules for Long Quotations
There are 4 rules that apply to long quotations that are different from regular quotations:
- The line before your long quotation, when you're introducing the quote, usually ends with a colon.
- The long quotation is indented half an inch from the rest of the text, so it looks like a block of text.
- There are no quotation marks around the quotation.
- The period at the end of the quotation comes before your in-text citation as opposed to after , as it does with regular quotations.
Example of a Long Quotation
At the end of Lord of the Flies the boys are struck with the realization of their behaviour:
The tears began to flow and sobs shook him. He gave himself up to them now for the first time on the island; great, shuddering spasms of grief that seemed to wrench his whole body. His voice rose under the black smoke before the burning wreckage of the island; and infected by that emotion, the other little boys began to shake and sob too . (Golding 186)
Direct Quote - Add an in-text citation at the end of the quote with the author name and page number:
Mother-infant attachment has been a leading topic of developmental research since John Bowlby found that "children raised in institutions were deficient in emotional and personality development" (Hunt 358).
Authors Name in the Sentence & with a Direct Quote - If you refer to the author's name in a sentence you do not have to include the name in the in-text citation, instead include the page number (if there is one) at the end of the quotation or paraphrased section. For example:
Hunt explains that mother-infant attachment has been a leading topic of developmental research since John Bowlby found that "children raised in institutions were deficient in emotional and personality development" (358).
No Page Numbers & with a Direct Quote - When you quote from electronic sources that do not provide page numbers (like Web pages), cite the author name only.
"Three phases of the separation response: protest, despair, and detachment" (Garelli).
Note: The period goes outside the brackets, at the end of your in-text citation.
In-Text Citation For One, Two, or More Authors/Editors
Author Known:
- "Here's a direct quote" (Smith 8).
In-Text Citation For More Than One Source
If you would like to cite more than one source within the same in-text citation, simply record the in-text citations as normal and separate them with a semi-colon.
(Smith 42; Bennett 71).
( It Takes Two ; Brock 43).
Note: The sources within the in-text citation do not need to be in alphabetical order for MLA style.
When creating an in-text citation or full citation, the authors should be listed in the original order displayed on the item (book, article, ...).
Do not include academic credentials (e.g., MD, MPH, PhD,. DDS) when citing doctors in the in-text or full citation.
The writer may refer to the physician by Dr. (name), when writing a paraphrase or inserting a direct quotation, although, it is not required.
Using the medical credential in the sentence:
Dr. Higgins, said the reason behind the complication was "direct quote here" (257).
Dr. Price realized that nutrition was tied to health outcomes and encountered this observation in various regions of the world during his travels (390).
Omitting the medical credential from the sentence:
He sad the reason behind the complication was "direct quote here" (Higgins 257).
Price observed that nutrition was tied to health outcomes and encountered this in various regions of the world during his travels (390).
When you write information or ideas from a source in your own words, cite the source by adding an in-text citation at the end of the paraphrased portion.
Paraphrasing from One Page
Include a full in-text citation with the author name and page number (if there is one). For example:
Mother-infant attachment became a leading topic of developmental research following the publication of John Bowlby's studies (Hunt 65).
Hunt discussed mother-infant attachment becoming a leading topic of developmental research following the publication of John Bowlby's studies (65).
Paraphrasing from Multiple Pages
If the paraphrased information/idea is from several pages, include them. For example:
Mother-infant attachment became a leading topic of developmental research following the publication of John Bowlby's studies (Hunt 50, 55, 65-71).
Author Unknown:
- If the author's name is not given, then use the first word or words of the title. Follow the same formatting that was used in the works cited list, such as quotation marks. This is a paraphrase ("Trouble" 22).
- Where you'd normally put the author's last name, instead use the first one, two, or three words from the title. Don't count initial articles like "A", "An" or "The". You should provide enough words to make it clear which work you're referring to from your Works Cited list.
- If the title in the Works Cited list is in italics, italicize the words from the title in the in-text citation.
- If the title in the Works Cited list is in quotation marks, put quotation marks around the words from the title in the in-text citation.
( Cell Biology 12)
("Nursing" 12)
Sometimes an author of a book, article or website will mention another person’s work by using a quotation or paraphrased idea from that source. ( This may be called a secondary source.)
For example, the Kirkey article you are reading includes a quotation by Smith that you would like to include in your essay.
- The basic rule: in your Works Cited and in-text citation you will still cite Kirkey NOT Smith.
- A dd the words “qtd. in” to your in-text citation.
Examples of in-text citations :
According to a study by Smith (qtd. in Kirkey) 42% of doctors would refuse to perform legal euthanasia.
Smith (qtd. in Kirkey) states that “even if euthanasia was legal, 42% of doctors would be against this method of assisted dying” (A.10).
Example of Works Cited list citation:
Kirkey, Susan. "Euthanasia." The Montreal Gazette , 9 Feb. 2013, p. A.10. Canadian Newsstand Major Dailies.
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Table of Contents
Ai, ethics & human agency, collaboration, information literacy, writing process, examples of effective summaries and paraphrases (mla style).
- CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 by Joseph M. Moxley - University of South Florida
Sample Contextualizing for the Source
Being Fluent with Information Technology explores why people need to understand and utilize information technology. Published by The National Academies in 1997, the book is written by the Committee on Information Technology and Literacy, including Lawrence Snyder, University of Washington, Chair; Alfred V. Aho, Lucent Technologies, Inc.; Marcia Linn, University of California at Berkeley; Arnold Packer, Johns Hopkins University; Allen Tucker, Bowdoin College; Jeffrey Ullman, Stanford University; Andries Van Dam.
Sample Quote
In Chapter 1, the Committee explores why people need to understand and utilize information technology, arguing that technological knowledge is especially crucial in the ever-changing workforce: “If the nation is to obtain the maximum benefit from its investments in information technology, a labor pool capable of using it appropriately is necessary” (Committee 7).
Sample Paraphrase
In Chapter 1, the Committee explores why people need to understand and utilize information technology, arguing that technological knowledge is especially crucial in the ever-changing workforce. Interestingly, the Committee notes that the U.S. won’t benefit from revolutionary new technologies unless the labor force is better trained (Committee 7).
Sample of “Qtd. In” Convention (use when your source cites another source)
According to the Committee on Information Technology and Literacy, information technology is a fundamental tool in the work place because “in today’s labor market employees can no longer enjoy a job for life” (7). On the educational front, Papert describes it best when he states that “computers can be means for educators to support the development of new ways of thinking and learning” (qtd. in Committee p.xiv). A democratic society will be better off when the majority of its citizens are informed about the system they live in.
Explanation: The Committee on Information Technology and Literacy cites page xiv from Papert’s text as follows:
Papert, Seymour. Mindstorms: Children, Computers, and Powerful Ideas . 2nd ed. New York: Basic Books, 1999. Print.
However, it would be dishonest for the reader of Being Fluent with Information Technology to act as if he or she read Mindstorms: Children, Computers, and Powerful Ideas . As a result, by using the “qtd. in” convention, he or she can indicate that this is a secondary quote, not a primary source.
Sample of “ Paraphrased In” Convention (for use when your source paraphrases another source)
According to the Committee on Information Technology and Literacy, information technology is a fundamental tool in the work place because “in today’s labor market employees can no longer enjoy a job for life” (7). On the educational front, Papert argues that educators can empower students by showing them new ways to think and learn (para. in Committee p.xiv). A democratic society will be better off when the majority of its citizens are informed about the system they live in.
Summary of Entire Work
This book outlines some of the major personal and business uses of information technology. It also makes suggestions about how to gain knowledge in the field, as well as the main points of training employees in information technology to make the use of computers most effective.
Sample Citation :
Committee on Information Technology Literacy. Being Fluent with Information Technology . Washington, D.C.: National Academies P, 1999. Print.
Other Resources to Read Reviews About the Book
- National Academies Press Web site : Offers a complete online copy of the book as well as a brief description of its contents.
- Amazon.com review : Offers online reviews of the book
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MLA Citation Guide (9th Edition): Quoting vs. Paraphrasing
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Quoting vs Paraphrasing: What's the Difference?
There are two ways to integrate sources into your assignment: quoting directly or paraphrasing.
Quoting is copying a selection from someone else's work, phrasing it exactly as it was originally written. When quoting place quotation marks (" ") around the selected passage to show where the quote begins and where it ends. Make sure to include an in-text citation.
Paraphrasing is used to show that you understand what the author wrote. You must reword the passage, expressing the ideas in your own words, and not just change a few words here and there. Make sure to also include an in-text citation.
Quoting Examples
- Long Quotations
Modifying Quotations
Quoting - Example:
There are two basic formats that can be used when quoting a source:
Parenthetical Style:
Narrative Style:
Note: If there are no page numbers, as in a website, cite the author name only.
What is a Long or Block Quotation?
A long or block quotation is a quotation which is 4 lines or more.
Rules for Long Quotations
There are 4 rules that apply to long quotations that are different from regular quotations:
- The line before your long quotation, when you're introducing the quote, usually ends with a colon.
- The long quotation is indented half an inch from the rest of the text, so it looks like a block of text.
- There are no quotation marks around the quotation.
- The period at the end of the quotation comes before your in-text citation as opposed to after, as it does with regular quotations.
Example of a Long Quotation
At the end of Lord of the Flies the boys are struck with the realization of their behaviour:
The tears began to flow and sobs shook him. He gave himself up to them now for the first time on the island; great, shuddering spasms of grief that seemed to wrench his whole body. His voice rose under the black smoke before the burning wreckage of the island; and infected by that emotion, the other little boys began to shake and sob too. (Golding 186)
- Sometimes you may want to make some modifications to the quote to fit your writing. Here are some MLA rules when changing quotes:
Changing Quotations
Omitting parts of a quotation
- If you would like to exclude some words from a quotation, replace the words you are not including with an ellipsis - ...
Adding words to a quote
If you are adding words that are not part of the original quote, enclose the additional words in square brackets - [XYZ]
Paraphrasing
Correct vs. Incorrect Paraphrasing
Long Paraphrases
Paraphrasing - Examples:
When you write information from a source in your own words, cite the source by adding an in-text citation at the end of the paraphrased portion as follows:
If you refer to the author's name in a sentence you do not have to include the name again as part of your in-text citation, instead include the page number if there is one:
Original Source
Homeless individuals commonly come from families who are riddled with problems and marital disharmony, and are alienated from their parents. They have often been physically and even sexually abused, have relocated frequently, and many of them may be asked to leave home or are actually thrown out, or alternatively are placed in group homes or in foster care. They often have no one to care for them and no one knows them intimately.
Source from:
Rokach, Ami. "The Causes of Loneliness in Homeless Youth." The Journal of Psychology, 139, 2005, pp. 469-480. Academic Search Premier.
Example: Incorrect Paraphrasing
Example: Correct Paraphrasing
If you paraphrase a source more than once in a single paragraph and no other sources are mentioned in between, provide an in-text citation for the source at the end of each paraphrase. In the examples, the second in-text citation only includes the page number since it is clear that the same source is still being paraphrased.
If your paraphrase continues to another paragraph and/or you include paraphrases from other sources within the same paragraph, repeat the in-text citations for each.
In-Text Citation Tips
- Repeated Use of Sources
- Sources with Same Author and Publication Year
- Citing More Than One Source
- AI-Generated Text
If you are using information from a single source more than once in succession (i.e., no other sources referred to in between), you can use a simplified in-text citation.
When you are citing two different sources that share the same author, for the Works Cited List list the first title only, and for any subsequent titles by the same author list three dashes (---) in place of the author name.
For in-text citations, include a shortened version of the source title following the author name.
Example: In-text citations (Haynes, Noah's Curse 84) (Haynes, The Last Segregated Hour 57)
If you would like to cite more than one source within the same in-text citation, simply record the in-text citations as normal and separate them with a semi-colon (;).
In-text Citations & AI-generated Text
AI-generated content may not be considered as an acceptable source for your course work. Be sure to evaluate the content carefully and check with your instructor if you are permitted to use it as a source. See Citation Examples: Artificial Intelligence for more information. For in-text, include the shortened text of the prompt surrounded by quotation marks such as: ("Shortened text of prompt").
Direct Quote Example
Paraphrasing Example
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If my paraphrase consists of several sentences, should a citation for the original source appear after each sentence?
Note: This post relates to content in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook . For up-to-date guidance, see the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .
No. The citation should appear only after the final sentence of the paraphrase. If, however, it will be unclear to your reader where your source’s idea begins, include the author of the source in your prose rather than in a parenthetical citation.
For example, the following is a paraphrase from an essay by Naomi S. Baron:
Literacy consists of both reading and writing. The writing might take the form of marking up a text or making notes about it (Baron 194).
Here your reader might think that the first sentence is your idea and that Baron’s idea begins in the second sentence. For clarity, you might revise as follows:
Naomi S. Baron argues that literacy consists of both reading and writing. The writing might take the form of marking up a text or making notes about it (194).
Baron, Naomi S. “Redefining Reading: The Impact of Digital Communication Media.” PMLA , vol. 128, no. 1, Jan. 2013, pp. 193-200.
MLA Citation Guide (9th Edition): In-Text Citation
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About in-text citations, no known author, quoting directly, paraphrasing, no page numbers, repeated use of sources, in-text citation for more than one source, long quotations, quoting and paraphrasing: what's the difference, signal phrases, avoiding plagiarism when using sources.
T here are two ways to integrate others' research into your assignment: you can paraphrase or you can quote.
Paraphrasing is used to show that you understand what the author wrote. You must restate the meaning of the passage, expressing the ideas in your own words and voice, and not just change a few words here and there. Make sure to also include an in-text citation.
Quoting is copying the wording from someone else's work, keeping it exactly as it was originally written. When quoting, place quotation marks (" ") around the selected passage to show where the quote begins and where it ends. Make sure to include an in-text citation.
If you refer to the author's name in a sentence you do not have to include the name again as part of your in-text citation. Instead include the page number (if there is one) at the end of the quotation or paraphrased section.
Hunt explains that mother-infant attachment has been a leading topic of developmental research since John Bowlby found that "children raised in institutions were deficient in emotional and personality development" (358).
In MLA, in-text citations are inserted in the body of your research paper to briefly document the source of your information. Brief in-text citations point the reader to more complete information in the Works Cited list at the end of the paper.
When a source has no known author, use the first one, two, or three words from the title instead of the author's last name. Don't count initial articles like "A", "An" or "The". You should provide enough words to make it clear which work you're referring to from your Works Cited list.
If the title in the Works Cited list is in italics, italicize the words from the title in the in-text citation.
( Cell Biology 12)
If the title in the Works Cited list is in quotation marks, put quotation marks around the words from the title in the in-text citation.
("Nursing" 12)
When you quote directly from a source, enclose the quoted section in quotation marks. Add an in-text citation at the end of the quote with the author name and page number, like this:
"Here's a direct quote" (Smith 8).
"Here's a direct quote" ("Trouble" 22).
Note: The period goes outside the brackets, at the end of your in-text citation.
Mother-infant attachment has been a leading topic of developmental research since John Bowlby found that "children raised in institutions were deficient in emotional and personality development" (Hunt 358).
When you write information or ideas from a source in your own words, cite the source by adding an in-text citation at the end of the paraphrased portion, like this:
​This is a paraphrase (Smith 8).
This is a paraphrase ("Trouble" 22).
Mother-infant attachment became a leading topic of developmental research following the publication of John Bowlby's studies (Hunt 65).
Note: If the paraphrased information/idea summarizes several pages, include all of the page numbers.
Mother-infant attachment became a leading topic of developmental research following the publication of John Bowlby's studies (Hunt 50, 55, 65-71).
When you quote from electronic sources that do not provide page numbers (like webpages), cite the author name only. If there is no author, cite the first word or words from the title only.
"Three phases of the separation response: protest, despair, and detachment" (Garelli).
"Nutrition is a critical part of health and development" ("Nutrition").
Sources that are paraphrased or quoted in other sources are called indirect sources. MLA recommends you take information from the original source whenever possible.
If you must cite information from an indirect source, mention the author of the original source in the body of your text and place the name of the author of the source you actually consulted in your in-text citation. Begin your in-text citation with 'qtd. in.'
Kumashiro notes that lesbian and bisexual women of colour are often excluded from both queer communities and communities of colour (qtd. in Dua 188).
(You are reading an article by Dua that cites information from Kumashiro (the original source))
Note: In your Works Cited list, you only include a citation for the source you consulted, NOT the original source.
In the above example, your Works Cited list would include a citation for Dua's article, and NOT Kumashiro's.
If you're using information from a single source more than once in a row (with no other sources referred to in between), you can use a simplified in-text citation. The first time you use information from the source, use a full in-text citation. The second time, you only need to give the page number.
Cell biology is an area of science that focuses on the structure and function of cells (Smith 15). It revolves around the idea that the cell is a "fundamental unit of life" (17). Many important scientists have contributed to the evolution of cell biology. Mattias Jakob Schleiden and Theodor Schwann, for example, were scientists who formulated cell theory in 1838 (20).
Note: If using this simplified in-text citation creates ambiguity regarding the source being referred to, use the full in-text citation format.
If you would like to cite more than one source within the same in-text citation, simply record the in-text citations as normal and separate them with a semi-colon.
(Smith 42; Bennett 71).
( It Takes Two ; Brock 43).
Note: The sources within the in-text citation do not need to be in alphabetical order for MLA style.
What Is a Long Quotation?
If your quotation is longer than four lines, it is a considered a long quotation. This can also be referred to as a block quotation.
Rules for Long Quotations
There are 4 rules that apply to long quotations that are different from regular quotations:
- Place a colon at the end of the line that you write to introduce your long quotation.
- Indent the long quotation 0.5 inches from the rest of the text, so it looks like a block of text.
- Do not put quotation marks around the quotation.
- Place the period at the end of the quotation before your in-text citation instead of after , as with regular quotations.
Example of a Long Quotation
Vivian Gornick describes the process of maturing as a reader as a reckoning with human limitations:
Suddenly, literature, politics, and analysis came together, and I began to think more inclusively about the emotional
imprisonment of mind and spirit to which all human beings are heir. In the course of analytic time, it became apparent
that—with or without the burden of social justice—the effort required to attain any semblance of inner freedom was
extraordinary. Great literature, I then realized, is a record not of the achievement, but of the effort.
With this insight as my guiding light, I began to interpret the lives and work of women and men alike who had
spent their years making literature. (x-xi)
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Quoting vs Paraphrasing
Quoting vs paraphrasing: what's the difference.
There are two ways to integrate sources into your assignment: quoting directly or paraphrasing.
Quoting is copying a selection from someone else's work, phrasing it exactly as it was originally written. When quoting place quotation marks (" ") around the selected passage to show where the quote begins and where it ends. Make sure to include an in-text citation.
Paraphrasing is used to show that you understand what the author wrote. You must reword the passage, expressing the ideas in your own words, and not just change a few words here and there. Make sure to also include an in-text citation.
"The Basics of MLA In-text Citations." Video, 4:13. Posted by Scribbr, 2021. Accessed April 24, 2021. YouTube. YouTube, 2021.https://youtu.be/ypWxhhpGeyM
- Long quotations
- Modifying quotations
Quoting - Example:
There are two basic formats that can be used when quoting a source:
Parenthetical Style:
Narrative Style:
Note: If there are no page numbers, as in a website, cite the author name only.
What is a Long or Block Quotation?
A long or block quotation is a quotation which is 4 lines or more.
Rules for Long Quotations
There are 4 rules that apply to long quotations that are different from regular quotations:
- The line before your long quotation, when you're introducing the quote, usually ends with a colon.
- The long quotation is indented half an inch from the rest of the text, so it looks like a block of text.
- There are no quotation marks around the quotation.
- The period at the end of the quotation comes before your in-text citation as opposed to after , as it does with regular quotations.
Example of a Long Quotation
At the end of Lord of the Flies the boys are struck with the realization of their behaviour:
The tears began to flow and sobs shook him. He gave himself up to them now for the first time on the island; great, shuddering spasms of grief that seemed to wrench his whole body. His voice rose under the black smoke before the burning wreckage of the island; and infected by that emotion, the other little boys began to shake and sob too. (Golding 186)
Modifying Quotations
- Sometimes you may want to make some modifications to the quote to fit your writing. Here are some MLA rules when changing quotes:
Changing Quotations
Omitting parts of a quotation
- If you would like to exclude some words from a quotation, replace the words you are not including with an ellipsis - ...
Adding words to a quote
- If you are adding words that are not part of the original quote, enclose the additional words in square brackets - [XYZ]
Paraphrasing
- Correct vs. incorrect paraphrasing
- Long paraphrases
Paraphrasing - Examples:
When you write information from a source in your own words, cite the source by adding an in-text citation at the end of the paraphrased portion as follows:
If you refer to the author's name in a sentence you do not have to include the name again as part of your in-text citation, instead include the page number if there is one:
Correct vs. Incorrect Paraphrasing
Original Source
Homeless individuals commonly come from families who are riddled with problems and marital disharmony, and are alienated from their parents. They have often been physically and even sexually abused, have relocated frequently, and many of them may be asked to leave home or are actually thrown out, or alternatively are placed in group homes or in foster care. They often have no one to care for them and no one knows them intimately.
Source from:
Rokach, Ami. "The Causes of Loneliness in Homeless Youth." The Journal of Psychology, 139, 2005, pp. 469-480. Academic Search Premier.
Example: Incorrect Paraphrasing
Example: Correct Paraphrasing
Long Paraphrases
If you paraphrase a source more than once in a single paragraph and no other sources are mentioned in between, provide an in-text citation for the source at the end of each paraphrase. In the examples, the second in-text citation only includes the page number since it is clear that the same source is still being paraphrased.
If your paraphrase continues to another paragraph and/or you include paraphrases from other sources within the same paragraph, repeat the in-text citations for each.
In-text Citation Tips
- Repeated use of sources
- Sources with same author and publication year
- Citing more than one source
If you are using information from a single source more than once in succession (i.e., no other sources referred to in between), you can use a simplified in-text citation.
Note: If using this simplified in-text citation creates ambiguity regarding the source being referred to, use the full in-text citation format.
When you are citing two different sources that share the same author, for the Works Cited List list the first title only, and for any subsequent titles by the same author list three dashes (---) in place of the author name.
For in-text citations, include a shortened version of the source title following the author name.
If you would like to cite more than one source within the same in-text citation, simply record the in-text citations as normal and separate them with a semi-colon (;).
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Home — Blog — AI Hacks and Tips — How to Cite ChatGPT: Popular Citation Styles with Examples
How to Cite ChatGPT: Popular Citation Styles with Examples
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various aspects of our lives, including education. Tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly popular among students for generating ideas, answering questions, and even drafting parts of assignments. However, as with any source of information, it's crucial to how to cite ChatGPT to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism. This article will guide you through the process of citing ChatGPT, ensuring you adhere to ethical standards and give credit where it's due.
Why Cite ChatGPT?
Ethical Considerations: Using AI tools like ChatGPT in your academic work comes with ethical responsibilities. Proper citation is not just about following rules; it's about respecting the intellectual contributions of others, even if they are generated by a machine. By citing ChatGPT, you acknowledge the source of your information and contribute to a culture of honesty and integrity in academia.
Avoiding Plagiarism: Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that can have severe consequences. It involves presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own without proper acknowledgment. When you use ChatGPT to generate content, failing to cite it appropriately can be considered plagiarism. Proper citation helps you avoid this pitfall by clearly indicating which parts of your work were assisted by AI.
Acknowledging Sources: Just as you would cite a book, article, or website, citing ChatGPT is a way to acknowledge the tools and resources that contributed to your work. This not only adds credibility to your work but also helps others understand the origins of your ideas and findings.
General Guidelines for Citing AI Tools
Citing AI tools like ChatGPT is slightly different from citing traditional sources. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Identify the Tool: Clearly mention that you used ChatGPT, specifying the version if possible.
- Include the Source: Indicate that the tool is developed by OpenAI.
- Mention the Date: Provide the date when you accessed or generated the content using ChatGPT.
- Detail the Interaction: Briefly describe how you used ChatGPT in your work.
These elements ensure that your citation is clear and comprehensive, giving proper credit to the AI tool.
How to Cite Chat GPT as a Source : Citation Styles
Different academic disciplines follow different citation styles, and it's important to understand how to properly cite ChatGPT to maintain academic integrity. Here’s a guide on ChatGPT citation in the most commonly used styles: APA, MLA, and Chicago. Each style has specific guidelines for citing sources, including AI tools like ChatGPT. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you properly credit ChatGPT as a source in your academic work, thereby avoiding plagiarism and adhering to the ethical standards of your discipline. Let's explore how to cite ChatGPT in each of these citation styles.
How to Cite ChatGPT in APA
When learning how to cite AI in APA, it's essential to include all the necessary details to ensure your citation is complete and accurate. In APA style, the citation for ChatGPT should include the author, which is OpenAI, the year of publication, the name of the tool, and a retrieval statement that includes the URL. Properly citing AI tools like ChatGPT is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and giving appropriate credit to the sources that contribute to your work. Here’s an example to guide you on how to cite ChatGPT in APA style:
- Author : OpenAI
- Year : 2023
- Tool's Name: ChatGPT
- Version: May 24 version
- Retrieval Statement: URL where the tool can be accessed
How to Cite ChatGPT in MLA
When formatting a ChatGPT citation in MLA style, it’s important to include specific details to ensure your citation is complete and accurate. In MLA style, the citation should mention the author, which is OpenAI, the name of the tool, the publisher, and the date of access. Proper citation of AI tools like ChatGPT is essential for maintaining academic integrity and providing clear acknowledgment of the sources used in your work. Here’s how to cite ChatGPT in MLA style:
- Author: OpenAI
- Publisher: OpenAI
- Date of Access: 24 May 2023
- URL: The link to the tool
Chicago Style ChatGPT Citation
When citing ChatGPT in Chicago style, the citation can be included either in a footnote or in a bibliography. Properly citing ChatGPT is essential to maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that the contributions of AI tools are appropriately credited. Here’s how you can format a citing ChatGPT entry in Chicago style:
Example (footnote):
Example (bibliography):
- Date: May 24, 2023
Citing ChatGPT: P ractical Tips for Students
You should cite ChatGPT whenever you use it to generate significant content, ideas, or data that contribute to your work. This includes direct quotes, paraphrased information, and any substantial assistance in shaping your arguments or research.
How to integrate AI-generated content into your work:
- Direct Quotes: Use quotation marks and a citation when directly quoting text generated by ChatGPT.
- Paraphrasing: Even when paraphrasing, you must still provide a citation.
- Summarizing: If you summarize information from ChatGPT, make sure to cite it.
Best practices for using AI tools in academic writing:
- Verify Information: Always cross-check the information generated by AI tools for accuracy.
- Use Responsibly: AI should complement your own research and writing efforts, not replace them.
- Understand Limitations: Be aware of the limitations and potential biases in AI-generated content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Misrepresenting AI-Generated Content as Original Thought: Always clarify which parts of your work were assisted by AI to avoid giving a false impression of originality.
Incomplete or Incorrect Citations: Ensure your citations are complete and follow the correct format for your citation style. Incomplete or incorrect citations can lead to confusion and reduce the credibility of your work.
Over-Reliance on AI Tools: While AI tools are helpful, relying too heavily on them can undermine your learning and critical thinking skills. Use them as a supplement to your efforts, not a substitute.
Understanding how to cite ChatGPT and other AI tools is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. Proper citation not only acknowledges the use of these advanced technologies but also upholds the standards of ethical academic practices. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you can ensure that you properly credit the contributions of AI in your work. This includes understanding how to cite ChatGPT in different citation styles such as APA, MLA, and Chicago. Remember to use these tools responsibly, verify the information they provide, and integrate their contributions transparently into your research. Happy writing!
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MLA Formatting Quotations
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When you directly quote the works of others in your paper, you will format quotations differently depending on their length. Below are some basic guidelines for incorporating quotations into your paper. Please note that all pages in MLA should be double-spaced .
Short quotations
To indicate short quotations (four typed lines or fewer of prose or three lines of verse) in your text, enclose the quotation within double quotation marks. Provide the author and specific page number (in the case of verse, provide line numbers) in the in-text citation, and include a complete reference on the Works Cited page. Punctuation marks such as periods, commas, and semicolons should appear after the parenthetical citation.
Question marks and exclamation points should appear within the quotation marks if they are a part of the quoted passage, but after the parenthetical citation if they are a part of your text.
For example, when quoting short passages of prose, use the following examples:
When using short (fewer than three lines of verse) quotations from poetry, mark breaks in verse with a slash, ( / ), at the end of each line of verse (a space should precede and follow the slash). If a stanza break occurs during the quotation, use a double slash ( // ).
Long quotations
For quotations that are more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, place quotations in a free-standing block of text and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented 1/2 inch from the left margin while maintaining double-spacing. Your parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark . When quoting verse, maintain original line breaks. (You should maintain double-spacing throughout your essay.)
For example, when citing more than four lines of prose, use the following examples :
Nelly Dean treats Heathcliff poorly and dehumanizes him throughout her narration: They entirely refused to have it in bed with them, or even in their room, and I had no more sense, so, I put it on the landing of the stairs, hoping it would be gone on the morrow. By chance, or else attracted by hearing his voice, it crept to Mr. Earnshaw's door, and there he found it on quitting his chamber. Inquiries were made as to how it got there; I was obliged to confess, and in recompense for my cowardice and inhumanity was sent out of the house. (Bronte 78)
When citing long sections of poetry (four lines of verse or more), keep formatting as close to the original as possible.
In his poem "My Papa's Waltz," Theodore Roethke explores his childhood with his father:
The whiskey on your breath Could make a small boy dizzy; But I hung on like death: Such waltzing was not easy. We Romped until the pans Slid from the kitchen shelf; My mother's countenance Could not unfrown itself. (qtd. in Shrodes, Finestone, Shugrue 202)
When citing two or more paragraphs, use block quotation format, even if the passage from the paragraphs is less than four lines. If you cite more than one paragraph, the first line of the second paragraph should be indented an extra 1/4 inch to denote a new paragraph:
In "American Origins of the Writing-across-the-Curriculum Movement," David Russell argues,
Writing has been an issue in American secondary and higher education since papers and examinations came into wide use in the 1870s, eventually driving out formal recitation and oral examination. . . .
From its birth in the late nineteenth century, progressive education has wrestled with the conflict within industrial society between pressure to increase specialization of knowledge and of professional work (upholding disciplinary standards) and pressure to integrate more fully an ever-widening number of citizens into intellectually meaningful activity within mass society (promoting social equity). . . . (3)
Adding or omitting words in quotations
If you add a word or words in a quotation, you should put brackets around the words to indicate that they are not part of the original text:
If you omit a word or words from a quotation, you should indicate the deleted word or words by using ellipses, which are three periods ( . . . ) preceded and followed by a space. For example:
Please note that brackets are not needed around ellipses unless they would add clarity.
When omitting words from poetry quotations, use a standard three-period ellipses; however, when omitting one or more full lines of poetry, space several periods to about the length of a complete line in the poem:
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A paraphrase translates the main ideas of a passage into a new passage that uses your own words and perspective. A paraphrase lets you control what point or information is highlighted. A paraphrase allows you turn a long passage into a condensed, focused passage. Direct quotes are helpful, but paraphrasing allows you show that you truly ...
6 Steps to Effective Paraphrasing. Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning. Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase on a note card. Jot down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you envision using this material. At the top of the note card, write a key word or phrase to indicate the ...
Tips on Paraphrasing ... Here's an example of a paraphrase in Josie's paper: Original In the third season, Giles was officially relieved from his Watcher duties, but he ignores that and continues as Buffy's trainer, confidant, and father-figure. Paraphrase in Paper (MLA) Despite his termination by the Watcher's Council in season three, Giles ...
Learn how to paraphrase and quote sources correctly in MLA style with this guide. Find examples, tips, and exercises to improve your writing skills.
How To - Use the MLA Style Guide: How to Paraphrase and Quote. About MLA. Works Cited Practice. Formatting Your MLA Paper. Formatting Your Works Cited List. MLA Annotated Bibliography. Using Zotero. Using Mendeley.
6 Steps to Effective Paraphrasing in MLA. Effective paraphrasing involves several key steps, if you want to be accurate in your work and also follow the necessary academic rules: 📖 Understand the Source: Read the original text thoroughly to grasp its meaning. ️ Rewrite Without Looking: Set the original text aside and write your version.
Once you understand the system for citing your sources in MLA style, paraphrasing is easy. You can use this process to cite your sources when paraphrasing, summarizing, or using direct quotes. 1. Create a works cited page. Both a works cited page and a bibliography list sources that were used in the making of your paper.
Paraphrase/Summary. Paraphrasing is when you, as the researcher, put into your own words a passage or idea from another work. A paraphrased passage is generally shorter and more condensed than the original. Summarizing is very similar to paraphrasing, in that it also involves putting someone else's ideas into your own words in order to ...
Citing in MLA. And here is how your article citation would look if you're using MLA. In-text citation: Parents should be concerned about online advertising. These advertisers are manipulative, and children are more vulnerable than most parents expect (Cornish 454). Works Cited page:
Paraphrasing. When you write information or ideas from a source in your own words, cite the source by adding an in-text citation at the end of the paraphrased portion. Paraphrasing from One Page. Include a full in-text citation with the author name and page number (if there is one). For example: Mother-infant attachment became a leading topic ...
In MLA, in-text citations are inserted in the body of your research paper to briefly document the source of your information. ... Example: Cell biology is an area of science that focuses on the structure and function of cells (Smith 15). It revolves around the idea that the cell is a "fundamental unit of life" (17). ... Paraphrasing from One ...
Paraphrasing means putting someone else's ideas into your own words. Paraphrasing a source involves changing the wording while preserving the original meaning. Paraphrasing is an alternative to quoting (copying someone's exact words and putting them in quotation marks ). In academic writing, it's usually better to integrate sources by ...
Examples of Effective Summaries and Paraphrases (MLA Style) CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 by Joseph M. Moxley - University of South Florida. Sample Contextualizing for the Source. Being Fluent with Information Technology explores why people need to understand and utilize information technology. Published by The National Academies in 1997, the book is written ...
Long Paraphrases. If you paraphrase a source more than once in a single paragraph and no other sources are mentioned in between, provide an in-text citation for the source at the end of each paraphrase. In the examples, the second in-text citation only includes the page number since it is clear that the same source is still being paraphrased.
Example Summary, Paraphrase, and Quotation from the Essay: Example summary: Roger Sipher makes his case for getting rid of compulsory-attendance laws in primary and secondary schools with six arguments. These fall into three groups—first that education is for those who want to learn and by including those that don't want to learn, everyone ...
Paraphrasing Sources: When you paraphrase a source, you restate the source's ideas in your own words and sentence structure. Select what is relevant to your topic, and restate only that. Changing only a few words is not sufficient in paraphrasing/ summarizing. Instead, you need to completely rephrase the author's ideas in your own words.
Quoting, Paraphrasing & In-Text Video. Creating In-Text Citations Video (MLA Format) Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing, Signal Phrases and In-Text citation video tutorial.
No. The citation should appear only after the final sentence of the paraphrase. If, however, it will be unclear to your reader where your source's idea begins, include the author of the source in your prose rather than in a parenthetical citation. For example, the following is a paraphrase from an essay by Naomi S. …
MLA Handbook Plus features the full contents of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook, plus sample student papers, a grammar guide, and additional citation examples. You can quickly access ... Quoting and Paraphrasing in MLA Format. Helpful Resources Want help navigating the site or have questions about your access? Check out some of these sections
Indent the long quotation 0.5 inches from the rest of the text, so it looks like a block of text. Do not put quotation marks around the quotation. Place the period at the end of the quotation before your in-text citation instead of after, as with regular quotations. Example of a Long Quotation.
In the examples below, the author being cited is Jane Doe. The examples in the first section are adapted to APA, which recommends past-tense verbs in signal phrases. For MLA (as well as Chicago style), the same verbs can also be used in the present tense instead of the past tense, as the second section below shows. APA
MLA 8 MLA 9 For digital sources, cite the author, title, other contributors (if any), publisher, URL (if any), date published (if given), and date accessed. For digital sources, cite all the same information as before (in the same order), but at the end of the Works Cited entry, add the container. Some examples of containers include Spotify,
Long Paraphrases. If you paraphrase a source more than once in a single paragraph and no other sources are mentioned in between, provide an in-text citation for the source at the end of each paraphrase. In the examples, the second in-text citation only includes the page number since it is clear that the same source is still being paraphrased.
Citations by Format Entries in the works-cited list are created using the MLA template of core elements—facts common to most sources, like author, title, and publication date. To use the template, evaluate the work you're citing to see which elements apply to the source. Then, list each element relevant to your source in the order given on the template.
In-text citations: Author-page style. MLA format follows the author-page method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the page number (s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear on your Works Cited page. The author's name may appear either in the ...
The five most common types of plagiarism are: Global plagiarism: claiming an entire text by someone else as your own. Verbatim plagiarism: copying someone else's words without using quotation marks and a citation. Paraphrasing plagiarism: using someone else's ideas as if they were your own. Patchwork plagiarism: using various bits and ...
Here's an example to guide you on how to cite ChatGPT in APA style: OpenAI. (2023). ... In MLA style, the citation should mention the author, which is OpenAI, the name of the tool, the publisher, and the date of access. ... Paraphrasing: Even when paraphrasing, you must still provide a citation.
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. This resource, updated to reflect the MLA Handbook (8th ed.), offers examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page.