In-Text Citation

An In-Text Citation is used to give credit for a direct quote, summary, or paraphrasing of someone else’s words in your essay. In-Text Citations always refer to a source that is referenced in your Works Cited page. For Example:

One author claims that “no one is concerned with this issue, you dork” (Jones 45).

In the body of your paper

Leroy predicted in 1998 that eBay would become the most lucrative Internet business, surpassing most businesses even during tough economic times (45).

Or,

Founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, Jeff Skoll and Meg Whitman, eBay has become the most lucrative Internet business (Leroy 45).

In your works cited pageLeroy, Jonathan G. eBay: Stunning Success. New York: Dover

Publishing, 2001.

A book with two or more authorsAccording to Franklin and Moss,

“Approximately a half-million African Americans saw service overseas during World War II” (440).

A significant number of African Americans served in World War II (Franklin and Moss 440).

In your works cited pageFranklin, John Hope and Alfred A. Moss. From

Slavery to Freedom. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1994.

TIP: When there are two authors, cite both of them. Three or more, use et al. Write the first name and et al. follows.

No Author associated with the magazine articleThe American Academy of Dermatology suggests using a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has a SPF of at least 15 (“Shining the Light on Sunscreen” 21). The higher the number, the more your skin will be protected.

In your works cited page“Shining the Light on Sunscreen.” A Brighter Society. 5 Dec. 1998:21.

MLA In-text citationMLA In-text citation

TIP: When the author is unknown, use the title of the book, article or

organization. If the title is long, you can always shorten it.

Using the entire webpage, not just a document

The Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged is a National Historic Landmark. Today, it is owned and operated by the AME Zion Church (“Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged”). 

In your works cited page"Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged." NRHP Travel Itinerary. 1998. National Park Service. 13 Dec 2008 <http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/pwwmh/ny13.htm>.

TIP: If no author is available, then use the title of the webpage in quotes.

MLA In-text citationMLA In-text citation

How to use quotes: In-Text Citation Sandwich

Setup: Explain who is saying the quote, and set up how you plan to use it.

Quote: Make sure that you’re quoting enough of the passage so that you don’t take it out of context – don’t cut off sentences, or misquote anyone.

Analysis: It is important that you:

-justify why you are using the quote.

-explain how the quote connects to the thesis.

Which quotes to use or avoid

• Quotes have to be chosen purposefully that support your argument.

• Pick quotes that further your point, not restate your argument.

• Take a risk: choose a quote that may be complicated, one that you may disagree with, or interpreted in an unusual way.

In this example please identify the set-up, quote, and analysis

• Social historian Richard Sennett names the tendency to come to terms with difficult experiences a "purification process" whereby "threatening or painful dissonances are warded off to preserve intact a clear and articulated image of oneself and one’s place in the world" (11). Sennett argues that humans need to “purify” there past trauma through the way they project themselves to the outside world.

In this example please identify the set-up, quote, and analysis

• Social historian Richard Sennett names the tendency to come to terms with difficult experiences a "purification process" whereby "threatening or painful dissonances are warded off to preserve intact a clear and articulated image of oneself and one’s place in the world" (11). Sennett argues that humans need to “purify” there past trauma through the way they project themselves to the outside world.

Remember the importance of Transitions

• Transitions are like gears in a car, they help you shift from one paragraph to the next.

• Here is a list of common transition words: And, in addition to, furthermore, moreover, besides, than, too, also, both-and, another, equally important, first, second, etc

When transitioning from one paragraph to the next read the last sentence of paragraph 1, add your transition, and connect it to the topic sentence in

paragraph 2. EXAMPLE: Paragraph 1: The football incident is important in the story

because it demonstrates the major conflict between Lucy and Charlie Brown.

Transition: Like the conflict about the football, another literary device that is important in Peanut’s cartoon is the refrain of “Good Grief.”

Paragraph 2: One of the famous lines uttered by Charlie Brown is the phrase “Good Grief.” Whenever he is frustrated or feels he is cheated in life he utters “Good Grief.”

Summary

Set-Up the Quote: What is the context of the quote?

Evidence: The Quote Itself.

Analysis: How does the quote connect to your thesis?

Transition: Connecting one paragraph to the next.