In-Text Citations MLA Format And why They’re Important (also conclusions because I couldn’t think of a better title so there)

What is an In-Text Citation? An in-text citation lets the reader know where you pulled the information you are basing your argument on. It gives your argument authority, by backing it up with expert opinion and/or textual evidence. It also lets the reader know where to read more about something if they are interested. Chipotle has been described as “the most important human achievement since the Snuggie” (Lincoln 125). An in-text citation must ALWAYS follow a direct quote from a source, and paraphrasing as well (for example, describing the events in a TV show episode). An in-text citation usually fits the template below (Author’s last name, page number)

3 Methods of Citation Your in-text citation can usually be written in one of the three ways below. There are fancier exceptions, but stick with these three variations for now. Chipotle has been described as “the most important human achievement since the Snuggie” (Lincoln 125). Abraham Lincoln has described Chipotle as “the most important human achievement since the Snuggie” (125). Abraham Lincoln considered Chipotle a pinnacle of human ingenuity, and often relied on it to refuel between his vampire hunting adventures and afternoon tea sessions with John Cena (125). Notice that whether you directly quote or paraphrase, the page number is ALWAYS included in the in- text citation. If you do not explicitly state in your sentence who authored the quote, then you must include the author’s last name in the in-text citation, as in citation 1.

Citing Non-Print Sources Many of you will be using non-print sources for your papers, and that’s excellent. I encourage you to use a variety of sources in your research. As long as you have the source cited correctly in MLA format in your Works Cited paper, there is no strict format regarding in- text citations of non-print or non-written works. Here are some suggestions below. Film: Include the title of the movie. Marvel’s modern Thor is much more heroic, in contrast to the ancient Norse God, and is very much concerned with justice and saving civilians (Avengers: Age of Ultron). Or The film Avengers: Age of Ultron depicts a much more heroic, selfless Thor than the myths of ancient Norse culture did. TV Series: Include the title of the television series, episode number, and season. The Green Arrow continues the tradition of Robin Hood, watching out for the underdog, though his motivations for doing so are entirely different (Arrow, Episode 3, Season 1). Website: If you can find the author of what you are citing, cite it like you would a print source. If not, include the article name or website name. You do not need to write out the entire URL. Aphrodite was worshipped by women not just hoping to be beautiful, but “gain some independence…And take control of their physical appearance” (ancientgreece.com)

In-Text Citations Now, in your essay outlines, look at your sources. They should be cited in correct MLA format. If not, this is a problem, and you must rectify it as soon as possible. Write an example of an in-text citation so you can have it for future reference. When you write your papers, you can simply plug in this in-text citation when you quote a source. You must have at least three in-text citations in the final draft of your paper. Do not cite the same source repeatedly; use each of your sources at least once.

To Cite or Not to Cite? To Cite When quoting a source. When paraphrasing a source. When introducing a source for the first time. To not Cite When discussing common knowledge (e.g. Greece is part of the Mediterranean). When you have recently cited the source you are discussing.

Conclusion Conclusions are simple. Many people overthink them. An effective conclusion synthesizes (not summarizes) the ideas in your paper, answers the “So What” question, and brings your paper to a close. Here are some simple do’s and don’ts.

Conclusion Do’s Return to your thesis. You don’t need to rewrite it word for word (you shouldn’t), but touch on the ideas again. Show the reader how all of your supporting arguments tie together to prove your thesis. Return to the themes from the beginning of your paper, maybe answering a question you asked or examining an example you used in a hook with the newfound information from your body paragraphs. Answer the “So What” question. Make it very obvious to the paper why your thesis matters. How does proving your thesis correct change their understanding of your topic?

Conclusion Don’ts Start with a transition like, “In conclusion,” or “In summary.” These work well for speeches, but come across as somewhat ham-fisted in writing. Try to transition as naturally to the ending of your paper as possible. Restate your thesis word-for-word. The reader has already read this! You don’t need to copy and paste the ideas they already know. Instead, demonstrate how they all come together. Introduce a new idea or piece of evidence. Your body paragraphs should contain everything you are using to argue for your thesis; your conclusion paragraph just ties it all together. DO NOT EVER EVER EVER EVER WRITE ANYTHING ALONG THE LINES OF “That’s how Thor and Marvel Thor are different.” Of course I know this, I JUST READ AN ENTIRE PAPER EXPLAINING HOW THEY ARE. This is the same issue as writing “I think,” or “I believe…” I already know this! Don’t waste time and space writing this.