When you quote another writer’s words, it’s best to introduce or contextualize the quote. Don’t forget to include author’s last name and page number (MLA) or author, date, and page number (APA) in your citation….Examples:

General Tips:

1. Tell the audience your source before you use the information (the opposite of in-text citations).
2. Do not say, “quote, unquote” when you offer a direct quotation.
3. Provide enough information about each source so that your audience could, with a little effort, find them.

The in-text citation can be formatted to allow the reader to be able to find the reference in the Works Cited page. The basic parenthetical citation is (LastName page #); however, since there isn’t a page number for a live speech or lecture, use a shortened version of the title of the speech: (LastName “Title”).

In-text citations include the last name of the author followed by a page number enclosed in parentheses. “Here’s a direct quote” (Smith 8). If the author’s name is not given, then use the first word or words of the title. Follow the same formatting that was used in the Works Cited list, such as quotation marks.

An MLA website citation includes the author’s name, the title of the page (in quotation marks), the name of the website (in italics), the publication date, and the URL (without “https://”)….Citing an entire website.

1. According to Smith, “[W]riting is fun” (215).
2. In Smith’s words, ” . . .
3. In Smith’s view, ” . . .

APA (American Psychological Association) style is most frequently used within the social sciences, in order to cite various sources. This APA Citation Guide, revised according to the 6th edition of the APA manual, provides the general format for in-text citations and the reference page.

APA Style provides clarity to papers on often complex topics. It makes papers easier to read and understand. When sources are cited the same way each time and the paper is written in a uniform format, it gives it better flow and helps keep the focus on the content of the paper.