Mastering MLA In-Text Citations- Navigating References Without an Author’s Name

by liuqiyue

How to Do In-Text Citations MLA with No Author

In-text citations are an essential part of academic writing, as they help readers locate the sources of the information you have used. When citing a source in MLA format without an author, it is crucial to follow the proper guidelines to ensure accuracy and credibility. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to do in-text citations MLA with no author.

1. Identify the Source

Before you can create an in-text citation, you must first identify the source you are referencing. This includes the title of the source, the publication date, and any other relevant information. If the source is an online article, note the URL or DOI number.

2. Use the Title as the Author

In MLA format, if there is no author listed for a source, you should use the title of the source in place of the author’s name. Place the title in quotation marks and capitalize the first word of each major word in the title.

3. Include the Page Number

Even without an author, it is still important to include the page number where the information you are citing can be found. This helps readers locate the specific information you have used in your paper.

4. Format the In-Text Citation

To format the in-text citation, follow this structure:

– For a direct quote: (Title, page number)
– For paraphrased information: (Title)

For example, if you are quoting a sentence from an article titled “The Impact of Climate Change,” your in-text citation would be:

(The Impact of Climate Change, 23)

If you are paraphrasing a point from the same article, your in-text citation would be:

(The Impact of Climate Change)

5. Cite the Source in the Works Cited List

In addition to in-text citations, you must also include the full citation for the source in your Works Cited list. Follow the MLA format guidelines for citing the source, including the author’s name, if available, the title of the source, the publication date, and any other relevant information.

By following these steps, you can effectively cite sources in MLA format with no author. Remember to always double-check your citations for accuracy and to ensure that you are adhering to the guidelines provided by your instructor or academic institution.

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