Citing Textual Evidence Using MLA Format By Mrs. Baker, Media Specialist

What is MLA? MLA refers to the Modern Language Association. Several different formats exist for citing research within a paper, such as MLA and APA. The MLA citation method is most commonly used in English classes.

Citing a Book For printed sources (books, magazines etc.) with a single named author, the in-text citation would appear as follows: This is my example sentence (last name page number). “Kids today live in a super-saturated media environment” (Copps 108). Note: there is a single space between the name and page number

General Guidelines: MLA In-text Citations If the author’s name is introduced in the sentence before the quotation, then it does not need to be included in the parenthesis. Example of author’s name in lead-in: Anna Lappe, the author of “The Myth of Choice: How Junk-Food Marketers Target Our Kids,” stated that marketers will use bright colors to attract youth’s attention. Example of author’s name included in the parentheses: The film demonstrates that marketers will “pay millions of dollars to researchers to find out what colors children will respond to best” (Lappe 2018).

Altering Quotes to Meet Grammatical Rules Use brackets to alter a quote so that it meets standard grammatical rules and your needs. Example: According to Susan Linn, director of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, “[advertisers] have new avenues for targeting children that parents might miss” (Linn 116-120).

Quotations as Textual Evidence Quotations should be used when . . 1. the exact wording is important. 2. the quoted material helps make or support the point of the paragraph. Example: Advertisers have been studying the habits of teens and have found out that they “are spending less time watching tv and more time on computers or smartphones” (New American Dream 92).

Paraphrasing Textual Evidence Paraphrasing should be used when . . . 1. The exact wording is not necessary to make your point. 2. You can more thoroughly explain the quote by using your own words. Example: Advertisers have been studying the habits of teens and have found out that they are spending less time in front of the television screen and more screen time in front of their computers or smartphones (New American Dream 92).

Works Cited A Works Cited features the works (books, websites, newspapers etc.) you have cited (taken information from) in your paper. Example of a website with film: “The Myth of Choice: How Junk-Food Marketers Target Our Kids.” Anna Lappé, annalappe.com/portfolio/the-myth-of-choice-how-junk-food-marketers-target-our-kids/.

Works Cited The Center for a New American Dream. “Facts About Marketing to Children.” SpringBoard English Language Arts, The College Board, 2018, pp. 92–94.

Works Cited You may visit this website to help with citing sources: www.citationmachine.net