In MLA format, how are in-text citations structured for a paraphrase versus a direct quote?

In MLA format, how are in-text citations structured for a paraphrase versus a direct quote?

• A. Paraphrase uses quotation marks; direct quote uses no quotation marks.
• B. No in-text citation is used for either.
• C. Paraphrase includes page number only; direct quote includes author only.
• D. Paraphrase uses author-page citation without quotation marks; direct quote uses quotation marks and page number; full citation appears in Works Cited.

Answer: (D)

In MLA style, you attribute sources in-text in a way that matches how you present the information. For a paraphrase, you restate the idea in your own words and attach an in-text parenthetical citation with the author's last name and the page number, without using quotation marks. For a direct quotation, you reproduce the exact words, place them inside quotation marks, and include the page number in the parenthetical citation right after the quote. In both cases, a full citation to the source appears on the Works Cited page at the end. If you mention the author’s name in the signal phrase, you can place the page number in the citation after the sentence; the quotation marks are required only for direct quotes.

In MLA style, you attribute sources in-text in a way that matches how you present the information. For a paraphrase, you restate the idea in your own words and attach an in-text parenthetical citation with the author's last name and the page number, without using quotation marks. For a direct quotation, you reproduce the exact words, place them inside quotation marks, and include the page number in the parenthetical citation right after the quote. In both cases, a full citation to the source appears on the Works Cited page at the end. If you mention the author’s name in the signal phrase, you can place the page number in the citation after the sentence; the quotation marks are required only for direct quotes.