Properly quoting sources is crucial for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in humanities disciplines, and understanding how to correctly quote within your MLA papers is essential. This guide will walk you through the different types of MLA quotes and how to format them correctly.
Understanding MLA In-Text Citations
Before diving into the mechanics of quoting, let's understand the core principle of MLA in-text citations. Every quote, paraphrase, or summary needs an in-text citation that directly corresponds to an entry on your "Works Cited" page. This allows your reader to easily verify your sources. The basic format for an in-text citation is usually the author's last name and the page number (e.g., (Smith 123)).
Types of MLA Quotes
There are several ways to incorporate quotes into your writing, each with specific formatting rules.
1. Short Quotes (Fewer than 4 lines of prose or 3 lines of verse)
Short quotes are integrated directly into your sentence, enclosed in double quotation marks.
Example:
As Smith argues, "The impact of social media on politics is undeniable" (Smith 123).
Key points:
- Punctuation goes after the parenthetical citation.
- If your sentence ends with the quote, the period goes inside the closing quotation mark.
2. Long Quotes (4 or more lines of prose or 3 or more lines of verse)
Long quotes are set off from your text as a block quote. There are distinct formatting rules for this:
- Indentation: Indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin.
- Quotation Marks: Do not use quotation marks around a block quote.
- Citation: The parenthetical citation goes after the final punctuation mark of the block quote.
Example:
The impact of social media on politics is undeniable. Social media platforms have become essential tools for political campaigns, influencing public opinion and shaping election outcomes. The spread of misinformation and the potential for manipulation are serious concerns, demanding careful consideration and responsible use. Ultimately, it's a complex issue with both benefits and drawbacks. (Smith 123-124)
3. Quoting Poetry
Quoting poetry requires specific attention to line breaks and stanza structure.
- Short Quotes: Use slashes (/) to indicate line breaks within a short quote integrated into your sentence.
Example:
Wordsworth describes the beauty of nature as "a host, / of golden daffodils" (Wordsworth 15).
- Long Quotes: For longer passages, maintain the original line breaks and indent the entire quote as a block quote.
Example:
I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. (Wordsworth 15-20)
4. Adding or Omitting Words
Sometimes you need to add or omit words from a quote to clarify its meaning or make it fit your sentence structure.
- Adding words: Use brackets [ ] to indicate words you’ve added.
- Omitting words: Use ellipses (...) to indicate words you've omitted.
Example:
Original Quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
Modified Quote: "The quick brown fox [allegedly] jumps over the lazy dog." (Smith 123)
Modified Quote: "The quick brown fox...jumps over the lazy dog." (Smith 123)
Creating Your Works Cited Page
The "Works Cited" page is essential and must list all the sources cited in your paper. Each entry follows a specific format. The precise format depends on the source type (book, journal article, website, etc.). Consult the official MLA Handbook for detailed instructions on formatting various source types. Remember, consistency is crucial. Use a consistent citation style throughout your paper.
Key Takeaways for Mastering MLA Quotes
- Accuracy: Always double-check your quotes for accuracy.
- Context: Provide sufficient context for your quotes. Don't just drop them into your paper without explanation.
- Integration: Integrate quotes smoothly into your own writing, avoiding choppy transitions.
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in your citation style throughout your paper.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate quotes into your MLA-style papers, demonstrating academic integrity and showcasing your research. Remember to consult the latest edition of the MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines.
