How to Cite a Journal Article in MLA 9th Edition

Citing Journal Articles in MLA 9th Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide

In recent years, the Modern Language Association (MLA) has released a new edition of its formatting guidelines, known as the 9th edition. As a result, many students are now required to use the updated style in their academic writing. One aspect that may be unfamiliar to those transitioning from MLA 8th edition is how to cite journal articles correctly in the 9th edition format. This article aims to provide you with practical guidance on citing journal articles in MLA 9th edition, helping you navigate this change and ensure your writing meets the required standards.

Section 1: Understanding the Basics of In-Text Citations

In MLA 9th edition, in-text citations for journal articles follow a specific pattern. The author's last name and page number(s) are included in parentheses at the end of the quotation or paraphrase. For example:

"The study found that [Author Last Name] (page number)."

However, since journal articles do not have authors, this format is often adjusted to include only the publication title and page numbers:

"[Publication Title]. Print. Page number."

Section 2: In-Text Citations for Journal Articles Without a Title

If the article does not have a title, you can use the following format:

"[Publication Name], [Publisher], [Year of Publication]. Page number."

For example:

"Smith, 'The Effects of Climate Change,' [Journal Name] 20, no. 1 (2020): page number."

Section 3: Citing Journal Articles in a Works Cited Entry

A Works Cited entry for a journal article includes the publication title, publication information, and pagination details:

[Author Last Name, First Name]. "Article Title." [Publication Title], [Year of Publication], pp. page numbers.

For example:

Smith, John. "The Impact of Technology on Education." Journal of Educational Studies, vol. 10, no. 2 (2019), pp. page numbers.

Note the use of the title of the journal, publication year, volume and issue numbers, and pagination details in this format.

Section 4: Citing Journal Articles with No Page Numbers

If a journal article does not have page numbers or an author, you can omit these details from your citation:

[Publication Title], [Year of Publication].

For example:

"Journal of Environmental Studies," vol. 15, no. 3 (2018).

Section 5: Citing Journal Articles with Multiple Authors

When citing journal articles with multiple authors, list all the authors' names in alphabetical order, separated by commas:

[Author Last Name, First Name et al.]. "Article Title." [Publication Title], [Year of Publication], pp. page numbers.

For example:

Johnson, Jane, John Smith, and Emily Williams. "The Effects of Climate Change on Local Ecosystems." Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 10, no. 2 (2019), pp. page numbers.

Section 6: Final Tips for Citing Journal Articles in MLA 9th Edition

• Always check the journal article's copyright information to ensure you are using the correct citation format.
• Use online databases and academic journals' websites to find accurate citation information, as these sources often provide detailed guidelines on citing their content.

In conclusion, citing journal articles correctly is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your academic writing. By following these practical tips and examples, you will be well-equipped to navigate the MLA 9th edition formatting requirements and produce high-quality citations that showcase your research skills.