Chapter 11-1: Basic In-Text Citation Rules
In MLA style, in-text citations (called parenthetical citations) are used to document any external sources used within a document (unless the material cited is considered general knowledge). The parenthetical citations direct readers to the full bibliographic citations listed in the Works Cited section, located at the end of the document. In most cases, the parenthetical citations include the author's last name and the specific page number—when there is one—for the information cited. Here are general guidelines for in-text citations, including use of authors' names, placement of citations, and treatment of electronic sources.