How to Cite a Primary Source in MLA Style: Tips and Examples
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Citing Primary Sources in MLA Style: A Guide for Students
Citing primary sources is an essential part of creating a credible and well-researched paper in MLA format. In this article, we'll cover the basics of citing primary sources, including books, articles, websites, and more.
Tip 1: Understand What Constitutes a Primary Source
Before you start citing, it's essential to understand what constitutes a primary source. A primary source is an original work that provides firsthand information or data. Examples include:
- Original books, manuscripts, and letters
- Newspaper articles and editorials from the time of publication
- Audio and video recordings
- Online archives and historical documents
Citing Primary Sources in MLA Style
| Type of Source | Citation |
|---|---|
| Book | Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. Print. |
| Article | Lastname, Firstname. "Article Title." Journal Name Volume. Issue (Year): Page Numbers. Print. |
Here's an example:
Lastname, Firstname. "Book Title." Publisher, Year of Publication. Print.
For instance: Smith, John. The History of America. Random House, 2010. Print.
Citing Online Sources
When citing online sources, you'll need to include the URL and the date of access. Here are some examples:
- Website: Lastname, Firstname. "Article Title." Website Name. Date of Publication, Date of Access. Web. https://www.website.com/article-title
- Blog Post: Lastname, Firstname. "Blog Post Title." Blog Name. Date of Publication, Date of Access. Web. https://www.blogname.com/blogposttitle
Here's an example:
Brown, Jane. "The Impact of Climate Change." The Guardian. 10 Jan. 2020, 14:30 UTC, www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/10/climate-change-impact.
Citing Audio and Video Sources
When citing audio or video sources, you'll need to include the title of the source, the name of the speaker or performer, and the date of publication. Here are some examples:
- Audiobook: Lastname, Firstname. "Audiobook Title." Speaker's Name. Publisher, Year of Publication. Audiobook.
For instance: Smith, John. The History of America. Narrated by Jane Smith. Random House, 2010. Audiobook.
Citing Sources in Works Cited
When listing sources in your Works Cited page, be sure to follow the MLA format guidelines. Use hanging indents and list each source in alphabetical order.
Here's an example:
Lastname, Firstname. "Article Title." Journal Name Volume. Issue (Year): Page Numbers. Print.
For instance: Brown, Jane. "The Impact of Climate Change." The Guardian. 10 Jan. 2020, 14:30 UTC, www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/10/climate-change-impact.
By following these tips and guidelines, you'll be able to properly cite primary sources in MLA style and create a well-researched and credible paper.