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Format Papers & Cite Sources: Select Your Style

Learn to format your papers and cite your sources in MLA, APA, Chicago, and other styles.

Start by Selecting Your Style Below

What is MLA Style?

The citation style created by the Modern Language Association, MLA is most often used by the Humanities, which includes languages, literature, philosophy, visual & performing arts.

Learn how to format papers and cite sources using MLA Style

What is APA Style?

APA style was created by social and behavioral scientists to standardize scientific writing. APA style is most often used in the fields of psychology, social sciences (sociology, business), and nursing.

Learn how to format papers and cite sources using APA Style

What is Chicago Style?

The Chicago Manual of Style is a comprehensive reference for authors, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers in any field, though most often used in fields such as history, political science, and art.

Learn how to format papers and cite sources using Chicago Style

Not using APA, MLA, or Chicago styles?  Try one of these

Learn how to avoid plagiarism

Attributing Your Use of AI

All about attribution

Academic honesty requires that you cite (attribute) the original source of all materials that are not your own. This transparency allows others to understand where information comes from and evaluate its credibility. Plagiarism, a failure to properly attribute sources, is a serious breach of academic integrity. 

Follow instructions from your professors on how to cite the use of AI in an assignment. The rules may vary from class to class. The standards for AI attribution continue to evolve as new AI tools emerge and higher education adapts. 

Basic elements of AI attribution 

When you explain how AI was used in your work, specify these four elements: 

  • Name the specific AI tools used 
  • Explain the purpose of the use (brainstorming, data analysis, image generation, copyediting, etc.) 
  • Assess the extent of the AI influence (minimal, moderate or extensive) 
  • Declare the role of human oversight in reviewing and verifying the AI output 

Four ways to attribute the role of AI in your work 

  • List the use of AI in the acknowledgments section: “The authors acknowledge moderate use of ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2024) in reviewing initial drafts of this material and suggesting revisions for clarity. The final content was reviewed and edited by the authors, who take full responsibility for the work.”
  • Cite the AI like a source in footnotes, endnotes or bibliography, using APA, MLA or Chicago style: “OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Jan 2024 version) [Large language model]. Retrieved from https://openai.com/chatgpt”
  • Declare the use of AI in methodology: “AI-assisted data analysis using Python was used to a minimal level, identifying patterns and outlier test results which were then reviewed for accuracy by the authors.”
  • Inline attribution within the text: “According to a summary generated by ChatGPT (2025) and reviewed for accuracy by the author, the main themes of the series of essays on this topic…” 

Citing Generative AI

If you are allowed to use AI in an academic assignment, here are some guidelines for citing.

Use NoodleTools to make citing fast and easy

MJC has two ways you can use NoodleTools to create your citations with ease.

NoodleTools

NoodleTools is a complete research-management database that you need to login to

NoodleTools will help you:

  • Create bibliographies in MLA, APA, and Chicago styles then export them into your paper
  • Format your bibliography
  • Plan, gather, and organize your research using electronic note cards
  • Analyze, synthesize and incorporate your sources into your paper
  • Get immediate feedback from your instructor on your citations, sources, and papers
  • Work on group projects with your classmates using Google Docs

NoodleTools Express (No Login Required)

When you want to create a citation on the fly, use NoodleTools Express. 

Get help with Noodletools