Greetings, Asensio! Welcome to Your Ultimate Guide on How to Cite a Website MLA
As a writer or researcher, it is crucial to cite correctly in any written work. One of the most commonly used citation styles is MLA (Modern Language Association). With the growth of the internet, websites have become an essential source of information in research papers and essays. However, citing a website in MLA format can be tricky and confusing, especially for beginners.
In this article, you will learn the essential components of citing a website MLA. From proper in-text citations to Works Cited page entries, you will be able to master the art of citing online sources. So, let’s begin by defining what MLA citation is.
What is MLA Citation?
MLA citation is a style developed by the Modern Language Association. It is used to credit sources used in a research paper or essay. The citation provides essential information about the source used, including the author’s name, title, publication date, and website address. Proper citation is critical because it avoids plagiarism and gives credit to the original source.
The Importance of Citing a Website MLA
When using information from websites in research papers or essays, it is essential to cite the source. Failing to cite accurately can lead to plagiarism, which can result in severe consequences, including expulsion from school. Additionally, citing a website MLA provides a clear trail for readers to follow when they want to verify your sources.
How to Cite a Website MLA
The following guide will show you how to cite a website MLA step by step. So, grab a pen and paper and let’s dive in!
1. Author’s Last Name, First Name
The first step in citing a website MLA is to identify the author(s). Begin your citation with the author’s last name followed by a comma, then the first name. If there is no author, begin with the title of the webpage.
2. Title of the Webpage
After the author’s name, include the title of the webpage in quotation marks. Capitalize the first letter of the first word and any proper nouns.
3. Title of the Website
Next, include the title of the website in italics. If the website’s homepage and the webpage you are citing are the same, omit the website title.
4. Publisher or Sponsor
Include the publisher or sponsor of the website, followed by a comma. If the publisher/sponsor is the same as the website title, omit this step.
5. Date of Publication or Last Update
Include the date of publication or last update of the webpage. It should be in the day-month-year format. If the date is not available, use n.d. instead.
6. Web Address or URL
Finally, include the website address (URL) in angle brackets. If the website address is too long, break it after a forward slash.
| Components of a Website MLA Citation |
|---|
| Author’s Last Name, First Name. |
| “Title of the Webpage.” |
| Title of the Website, Publisher or Sponsor, |
| Publication Date or Last Update, URL. |
FAQs
1. What does MLA stand for?
MLA stands for Modern Language Association.
2. Why is MLA citation important?
MLA citation is important because it gives credit to the original source and avoids plagiarism.
3. What information is needed to cite a website MLA?
To cite a website MLA, you need the author’s name, title of the webpage, title of the website, publisher or sponsor, date of publication or last update, and website address.
If the webpage has no author, begin with the title of the webpage.
5. How do I cite a webpage with no date?
If the webpage has no date, use n.d. instead.
If the webpage has two authors, list them in the order they appear on the webpage. If there are three or more authors, list the first author, followed by “et al.”
7. How do I cite a webpage with no page numbers?
If the webpage has no page numbers, omit this step.
8. How do I cite a webpage with no publisher or sponsor?
If the webpage has no publisher or sponsor, omit this step.
9. How do I cite a blog post?
To cite a blog post, follow the same format as a webpage citation, but include the name of the blog and the date you accessed the post.
10. How do I cite a website in-text MLA?
To cite a website in-text MLA, include the author’s last name and the page number (if available) in parentheses after the quoted or paraphrased information.
If the webpage has no author, use the title of the webpage.
12. How do I cite a webpage in-text MLA with no page numbers?
If the webpage has no page numbers, omit this step.
If the webpage has two authors, list them in the order they appear on the webpage. If there are three or more authors, list the first author, followed by “et al.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, citing a website MLA is an essential aspect of any research paper or essay. It gives credit to the original sources used and avoids plagiarism. In this article, we have covered the critical components of citing a website MLA, including the author’s name, title of the webpage, title of the website, publisher or sponsor, date of publication or last update, and website address. We also provided some FAQs to help you understand the intricacies of MLA citation. So, next time you are writing a research paper or essay, remember to cite your sources correctly using the MLA style.
Thank you for reading this article, Asensio. We hope it has been helpful in your research endeavors. Remember to always cite your sources correctly and take pride in your work. Happy writing!
DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. While we endeavor to keep the information up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the article for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.