Question: What is an MLA in-text citation and how should it be formatted?

Answer: An MLA in-text citation is used to credit a source in formal writing by including the author's last name and the page number(s) of the text being quoted inside parentheses followed by a period. In-text citations must be used following a direct quote or a paraphrase of information. When directly quoting a source, the words must be enclosed in quotation marks. If paraphrasing information, no quotation marks are used, but a citation is still required to acknowledge the source.

Which answer contains proper in-text MLA citation?

09 Aug 2022

Explanation:

Direct Quote Example: Jones argues that people "must go to the shop in order to understand the meaning behind the idea" (Smith 16).

Paraphrase Example: One of the ideas he discusses involves individuals visiting the shop owner to comprehend his concepts, implying they need to heed his words (Smith 16).

Option A is not a proper MLA in-text citation as it lacks the citation within parentheses and does not include the author's name or title of the work. Option B also fails to present a correct MLA in-text citation as it lacks any citation following the quote.

Option C, "Frances Hodgson Burnett was described as 'a stubborn, obstinate child' (Robertson 9)," is the correct MLA in-text citation since it includes the author's last name and the page number within parentheses, followed by a period. Option D is incorrect as it does not mention the author's name or the title of the work, only providing the page number within parentheses, which should be followed by a period.

Thus, the proper MLA in-text citation format should include the author's last name and the page number within parentheses after a direct quote or paraphrased information, followed by a period to signify the end of the citation.

Explanation:

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