How to Cite an Article in Writing: Master the Art of Academic Referencing
Citing an article in writing is a crucial skill for any student or professional, as it allows you to acknowledge the work of others and avoid plagiarism. Whether you're writing a research paper, a blog post, or a professional report, knowing how to cite an article properly is essential.
Why is it important to cite an article in writing?
Citing an article in writing serves several important purposes:
- It gives credit to the original author: Citing an article acknowledges the author's work and gives them credit for their ideas.
- It avoids plagiarism: Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that can result in failing grades, suspension, or even expulsion. Citing an article properly ensures that you are not claiming someone else's work as your own.
- It allows readers to find the original source: By providing a citation, you make it easy for readers to find the original article and verify the information you have presented.
- It adds credibility to your work: Citing credible sources shows that you have done your research and that your work is well-supported.
Different ways to cite an article in writing
There are many different ways to cite an article in writing, depending on the style guide you are using. Some of the most common style guides include:
- MLA (Modern Language Association)
- APA (American Psychological Association)
- Chicago/Turabian
- CSE (Council of Science Editors)
Each style guide has its own specific rules for citing an article. It is important to consult the appropriate style guide for your field of study or publication.
How to cite an article in writing using MLA style
Here is an example of how to cite an article in writing using MLA style:
In-text citation:
(Author's last name, year of publication, page number)
Works Cited entry:
Author's last name, First name. "Title of Article." Journal Title, volume number, issue number, publication date, page numbers.
For example:
Smith, John. "The Importance of Citing Sources." Journal of Writing Research, vol. 5, no. 2, 2023, pp. 1-10.
How to cite an article in writing using APA style
Here is an example of how to cite an article in writing using APA style:
In-text citation:
(Author's last name, year of publication)
References entry:
Author, A.A. (Year of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page numbers. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/xxxxx
For example:
Smith, J. (2023). The importance of citing sources. Journal of Writing Research, 5(2), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1000/0000
How to cite an article in writing using Chicago/Turabian style
Here is an example of how to cite an article in writing using Chicago/Turabian style:
In-text citation:
(Author's last name, year of publication, page number)
Bibliography entry:
Author's last name, First name. "Title of Article." Journal Title volume number, no. issue number (publication date): page numbers.
For example:
Smith, John. "The Importance of Citing Sources." Journal of Writing Research 5, no. 2 (2023): 1-10.
How to cite an article in writing using CSE style
Here is an example of how to cite an article in writing using CSE style:
In-text citation:
(Author's last name, year of publication)
References entry:
Author, A.A. (Year of publication). Title of article. Journal Title volume number(issue number):page numbers.
For example:
Smith, J. (2023). The importance of citing sources. Journal of Writing Research 5(2):1-10.
Tips for citing an article in writing
Here are some tips for citing an article in writing:
- Be consistent: Once you choose a style guide, be consistent with its rules throughout your paper.
- Double-check your citations: Before submitting your paper, double-check all of your citations to make sure they are accurate and complete.
- Use a citation management tool: Citation management tools can help you keep track of your sources and generate citations automatically.
- Ask for help: If you are unsure about how to cite an article, ask your professor, a librarian, or a writing center tutor for help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a citation and a reference?
A citation is a brief reference to a source that is included within the body of your paper. A reference is a complete list of all the sources you have cited in your paper.
Do I need to cite everything I read?
No, you only need to cite sources that you have directly quoted or paraphrased in your paper.
How do I cite an article that I found online?
To cite an article that you found online, you will need to find the article's URL (web address). Include the URL in your citation, along with the author's name, title of the article, and date of publication.
What if I can't find the author's name?
If you can't find the author's name, you can use the title of the article instead.
Key Takeaways
- Citing an article in writing is a crucial skill for any student or professional.
- There are many different ways to cite an article, depending on the style guide you are using.
- It is important to be consistent with the style guide you choose.
- Double-check your citations before submitting your paper.
- Use a citation management tool to help you keep track of your sources.
- Ask for help if you are unsure about how to cite an article.
Table of Common Citation Styles
| Style Guide | In-text Citation | References Entry |
|---|---|---|
| MLA | (Author's last name, year of publication, page number) | Author's last name, First name. "Title of Article." Journal Title, volume number, issue number, publication date, page numbers. |
| APA | (Author's last name, year of publication) | Author, A.A. (Year of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page numbers. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/xxxxx |
| Chicago/Turabian | (Author's last name, year of publication, page number) | Author's last name, First name. "Title of Article." Journal Title volume number, no. issue number (publication date): page numbers. |
| CSE | (Author's last name, year of publication) | Author, A.A. (Year of publication). Title of article. Journal Title volume number(issue number):page numbers.