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English Research Basics

Learn to research with ease using credible, college-appropriate resources to frame, guide, and inform your projects

NoodleTools

Use NoodleTools to help you create your citations.

It's easy; it's a form you fill out with the information about your source; it helps you catch mistakes.

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NoodleTools Help:

Cite Successfully

To cite sources successfully, it's crucial you have a clear understanding of:

  1. The TYPE of source you're using (magazine article vs. book vs. reference book article)
  2. The PLACE where you found that source (in print at the library vs. online via a database vs. online via a Web site). 
  3. The source's full "bibliographic information" (authors/editors, title, edition, publisher, pages, etc.)

The citation style you use will affect your paper in three places:

  • The general format of the paper. This includes margins, font, page numbers, line spacing, titles, headings, etc.
     
  • The bibliography. The bibliography is the cumulative list of all sources used in your research. In MLA, this is called the Works Cited list; in APA it's called References, and in Chicago it's called Reference List. 
     
  • In-text citation. Citing sources within the body of your paper let's your reader know you are incorporating someone else's words/research/ideas.

MLA Style

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