Master the Art of Citing Sources

Master the Art of Citing Sources

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Citing Websites: Options and Methods 2.1. Option 1: Citing from the Site Itself 2.1.1. Method 1: Using the Site's Citation Button 2.1.2. Method 2: Manual Citation Formatting 2.2. Option 2: Using Citation Information Provided by the Site 2.3. Option 3: When the Site Doesn't Provide the Citation 2.3.1. Copying the URL 2.3.2. Using Citation Generators
3. Using EasyBib for Generating Citations
4. Formatting the Document and Adding Citations

Citing Websites: A Guide to Proper Citation in MLA Format

Introduction

Proper citation is essential when using information from websites for research or academic purposes. In this guide, we will walk you through the various options and methods for citing websites in MLA format. Whether a website provides the citation directly or requires additional steps, we will cover it all. We will also introduce EasyBib as a helpful tool for generating citations. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of how to cite websites accurately and format your document accordingly.

Citing Websites: Options and Methods

Option 1: Citing from the Site Itself

When visiting a website, there are two ways to obtain the citation information directly from the site.

Method 1: Using the Site's Citation Button

Some websites, like Encyclopedia Britannica, offer a citation button that provides the required citation in MLA format. By clicking on the site button, you can access the citation, which typically includes the author, page title, website name, publication date, URL, and access date. Simply copy the citation and paste it into your document.

Pros: This method provides a straightforward and accurate citation with all the necessary information.

Cons: Not all websites have a citation button, limiting its applicability.

Method 2: Manual Citation Formatting

If a website doesn't have a citation button, you can manually format the citation using the relevant information provided on the site. Typically, the required information includes the author, page title, website name, publication date, URL, and access date. Copy the information and paste it into your document, ensuring proper formatting based on MLA guidelines.

Pros: This method allows you to cite websites that don't have a citation button.

Cons: Manual formatting requires more effort and attention to detail.

Option 2: Using Citation Information Provided by the Site

In some cases, websites may provide the citation information at the bottom of the page. The specific location may vary, but it typically includes details about the author, related content, and citation styles like APA, Chicago, and MLA. Scroll to the bottom, locate the citation information, and copy it into your document.

Pros: This method offers a direct source for citation information, ensuring accuracy.

Cons: Not all websites provide the citation information at the bottom, making it less accessible.

Option 3: When the Site Doesn't Provide the Citation

If a website doesn't directly provide the citation information, you can still obtain it by following these steps.

Method 1: Copying the URL

When a website doesn't offer a citation, simply copy the URL of the webpage you want to cite. Then proceed to use citation generators or follow manual citation formatting methods.

Method 2: Using Citation Generators

Citation generators, such as EasyBib, can be a valuable resource when websites don't provide the citation. EasyBib allows you to input the URL of the webpage and generates the citation in MLA format. Copy the generated citation and paste it into your document.

Pros: Citation generators simplify the citation process and ensure accurate formatting.

Cons: Some citation generators may require viewing sponsored messages for access.

Using EasyBib for Generating Citations

EasyBib is a user-friendly citation generator that simplifies the process of generating citations for websites and other sources. Follow these steps to utilize EasyBib effectively:

1. Access EasyBib through the provided link in Moodle.
2. Choose the source type, specifically "website" in this case.
3. Paste the URL of the webpage into the designated field.
4. Initiate the search for the citation information.
5. Select the correct result from the search and proceed.
6. Verify and complete any additional required information.
7. Generate the citation and copy it for use in your document.

Formatting the Document and Adding Citations

To ensure proper citation formatting and organization, follow these guidelines:

1. Insert the copied citation in your document, aligning it with the left margin.
2. Repeat the process for each website you need to cite, maintaining a consistent format throughout the document.
3. Pay attention to margin alignment when using citation generators like EasyBib.
4. Once all citations are inserted, format the rest of the document according to MLA guidelines.
5. Add the necessary finishing touches, like including your name and finalizing the document.

By following these instructions, you will be able to accurately cite websites in MLA format and present your research or academic work professionally.

Highlights:

1. Proper citation is essential when using information from websites for research or academic purposes.
2. Two methods for citing from the site itself: using the site's citation button or manually formatting the citation.
3. Websites may provide citation information at the bottom of the page, including details about the author and related content.
4. When the site doesn't provide the citation, you can copy the URL or use citation generators like EasyBib.
5. EasyBib is a user-friendly citation generator that simplifies the process of generating accurate citations.
6. When formatting the document, ensure consistent alignment with the left margin for citations.
7. Follow MLA guidelines for proper document formatting and add finishing touches like including your name.

FAQ:

Q: How do I cite a website using the site's citation button? A: To cite a website using the site's citation button, click on the button provided on the webpage. This will display the citation information in MLA format. Simply copy the citation and paste it into your document.

Q: What should I do if the website doesn't have a citation button? A: If a website doesn't have a citation button, you can manually format the citation by including the author, page title, website name, publication date, URL, and access date. Copy the information and paste it into your document, ensuring proper MLA formatting.

Q: Can I still cite a website if it doesn't provide the citation information? A: Yes, even if a website doesn't provide the citation information, you can copy the URL of the webpage and use citation generators like EasyBib to generate the citation in MLA format. Simply paste the URL into the generator and follow the provided steps to obtain the citation.

Q: What is EasyBib, and how does it help with generating citations? A: EasyBib is a citation generator that simplifies the process of generating accurate citations. By inputting the URL of a webpage, EasyBib generates the citation information in MLA format. You can then copy the citation and paste it into your document.

Q: How should I format the document and add citations properly? A: To format the document, insert the copied citation with left margin alignment. Repeat this process for each website you need to cite, ensuring consistency. Once all citations are inserted, format the rest of the document according to MLA guidelines. Finally, add the necessary finishing touches like including your name.