MLA Citation Question

[carsonshepherd]

Can anyone answer this quick question about MLA citations for me? I'm writing a paper, and can't be arsed to look it up.

When you paraphrase a source in the text, do you need a parenthetical citation as if it were a direct quote?

 

[MaeveoSliabh]

Nope. But it helps to say something like, "To paraphrase bla bla bla in moo moo moo, yadda yadda yadda"

 

[sr71plt]

Can anyone answer this quick question about MLA citations for me? I'm writing a paper, and can't be arsed to look it up.

When you paraphrase a source in the text, do you need a parenthetical citation as if it were a direct quote?

Yes, if you are citing a concept you are taking from another source, put a parenthetical citation in. (MLA 7.1)

 

[damppanties]

Can anyone answer this quick question about MLA citations for me? I'm writing a paper, and can't be arsed to look it up.

When you paraphrase a source in the text, do you need a parenthetical citation as if it were a direct quote?

Yes, you do.

From the MLA style citation guide at The OWL, Purdue.

In MLA style, referring to the works of others in your text is done by using what's known as parenthetical citation. Immediately following a quotation from a source or a paraphrase of a source's ideas, you place the author's name followed by a space and the relevant page number(s).

Human beings have been described as "symbol-using animals" (Burke 3).​

 

[MaeveoSliabh]

OK, I was wrong. LOL...

Forgive me. It's been... -cough- a few years.

 

[carsonshepherd]

What about biographical information that comes from several sources? Do I just pick one?

 

[sr71plt]

What about biographical information that comes from several sources? Do I just pick one?

If you're not directly quoting or paraphrasing a specific source, and essentially the same information is available from multiple sources, no you don't need to provide a parenthetical citation in the text--but you would best include that source in your biography/references list. (Unless the source is something like an encyclopedia, which traditionally don't require bibliographical citation).

 

[carsonshepherd]

If you're not directly quoting or paraphrasing a specific source, and essentially the same information is available from multiple sources, no you don't need to provide a parenthetical citation in the text--but you would best include that source in your biography/references list. (Unless the source is something like an encyclopedia, which traditionally don't require bibliographical citation).

Exactly what I needed to know, thank you.

 

[FrecklesAllOver]

Definitely. If you're referencing an idea found in a source, it needs to be cited, whether or not it's a direct quote. The whole idea with the citation system is to give authors credit not only for their words, but for the ideas they put forth.

 

[gwenrider]

I've been using for structuring my bibliography Chicago style. It was complicated at first, but than I found this http://kingcitation.com/chicago/ online citation generator and I managed all my references for free and making no efforts. I guess you'll find it helpful too.