MLA Documentation Practice

Name MLA Documentation Practice

Using the information below, write correct parenthetical citations/documentations for each example in the parenthesis provided. Example of a works cited page: Donaldson, Sam. Bantering on Watergate. New York: Penguin Books, 1985. Jennings, Peter. Pushing the Limits of Political Journalism. Washington: Greater Politics Press, 1994. Smith, Charles. I Love Politics: A Guide to Discerning Reality. Chicago: Penn Press, 2001. Xavier, Jason, and Thomas Yater. Political Guide to the United States. New York: Ballantine, 2004. Xavier, Jason. Somewhere in the Political Realm. New York: Ballantine, 2002.

Questions: 1.) "He spoke to us in German and then left us behind" (Donaldson 85). --from Donaldson's Bantering on Watergate, page 85. 2.) "I never thought of myself as proud," says Jennings in his book Pushing the Limits of Political Journalism (Jennings 107). --This source was located on page 107. 3.) "Politics is such an interesting field" (Smith 451). --From Charles Smith's book, page 451. 4.) "Enraged is how he felt after the episode" (Xavier 233). --From Jason Xavier's book Somewhere in the Political Realm, page 233. 5.) In Political Guide to the United States, Xavier and Yater explore the idea that the U.S. is changing politically (Xavier and Yater 544). --From page 544 of this book.

Paper For Above instruction

The importance of accurate MLA citation practices cannot be overstated in academic writing. Proper documentation ensures that original authors receive appropriate credit for their ideas and words, and it provides readers with pathways to verify and explore sources further. This paper discusses key aspects of MLA citation practices, highlights common challenges, and offers guidance for correctly citing various sources to maintain academic integrity.

Introduction

MLA format, established by the Modern Language Association, provides a standardized method of documenting sources within the humanities. Proper MLA citation involves detailed referencing, including parenthetical citations and a corresponding Works Cited page. These practices lend credibility to scholarly work and prevent plagiarism. The following discussion explores core principles, typical pitfalls, and practical examples for effective MLA documentation.

Fundamentals of MLA Citation

MLA citations typically include the author's last name and the page number from which the quotation, paraphrase, or idea originates, enclosed in parentheses. For example, when quoting directly from a source, the citation follows the format: (Author page). If the author's name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number is required in parentheses. This approach helps to maintain fluidity in text while providing essential source information.

In-text Citations and Parentheses

Accurate parenthetical citations are critical in avoiding plagiarism. For direct quotations, quotation marks are used, and the citation appears immediately after the quotation. When paraphrasing or summarizing, the same citation format applies, though quotation marks are omitted. For example, a direct quote from Donaldson's book on page 85 would be cited as (Donaldson 85). Similarly, a paraphrase of Jennings’s idea, located on page 107, is cited as (Jennings 107).

Addressing Common Citation Challenges

Citations sometimes involve complex source details, such as multiple authors, edited collections, or indirect sources. In works with two authors, both last names should appear connected by "and" (e.g., Xavier and Yater 544). When citing a source with three or more authors, the first author's last name followed by "et al." is acceptable (e.g., Smith et al. 210). For sources without page numbers, such as some web sources, the author's name suffices or a paragraph number if available. Ensuring correct placement and formatting of citations prevents accidental plagiarism and upholds academic standards.

Specific Examples and Applications

Extracts from source texts illustrate practical citation. For instance, the quote "He spoke to us in German and then left us behind," from Donaldson's work, requires an MLA parenthetical citation with the author's last name and page number, such as (Donaldson 85). For paraphrased content, the same format applies, emphasizing consistency. When encountering citations within quotations, brackets are used to insert clarifications, and ellipses indicate omitted text, both conforming to MLA guidelines. Identifying the authors and their contributions helps maintain transparency and scholarly rigor.

Conclusion

Mastering MLA documentation is fundamental for scholarly integrity and effective communication. Careful adherence to citation rules prevents plagiarism, acknowledges original creators, and contributes to the credibility of academic work. By practicing accurate parenthetical citations, understanding citation formats, and overcoming common challenges, students and researchers foster a culture of integrity and scholarly excellence in their writing.

References

• Donaldson, Sam. Bantering on Watergate. New York: Penguin Books, 1985.
• Jennings, Peter. Pushing the Limits of Political Journalism. Washington: Greater Politics Press, 1994.
• Smith, Charles. I Love Politics: A Guide to Discerning Reality. Chicago: Penn Press, 2001.
• Xavier, Jason. Somewhere in the Political Realm. New York: Ballantine, 2002.
• Xavier, Jason, and Thomas Yater. Political Guide to the United States. New York: Ballantine, 2004.
• Carter, Emily. Critical Approaches to Medical Careers. Boston: Health Publications, 1998.
• Barton, Charles. Tongue Doctors of the West. Brooklyn: Compton and Jones, 1992.
• Flatbush, Edna. The Tantalizing Tongue. New York: Brewster and Company, 1987.
• Boom, Humphrey. Where the Tastebuds Grow: A Look at Amazing Surgeons. New Zealand, 1995.
• Rugged, Bart, and Ralph, Alex, eds. Tongue Diseases and Other Wild Stories from the Doctor’s Office. Georgia: University Press, 1988.