How to Cite a Source with Different Types of Headings (MLA)

Citing Sources with Different Types of Headings in MLA Format

When working on an MLA format essay, it's essential to properly cite sources using the correct headings and formatting. This article will guide you through how to cite sources with different types of headings in MLA format.

General Guidelines for Citing Headings

Before we dive into specific examples, here are some general guidelines:

• Use title case for headings, including titles of larger works like books and movies.
• Use lowercase letters for headings within a larger work (e.g., chapter titles, section headings).
• Indent headings 0.5 inches from the left margin.

Citing Sources with Headings in a Book

When citing sources with headings in a book, include the following information:

• Author's last name and page number(s) for direct quotes or paraphrasing
• Title of chapter (if applicable)
• Author's last name and page number(s) for indirect quotes or paraphrasing

Here's an example:

Lastname, Firstname. Book Title. Publisher, Year. Chapter Title Page Number.

Example: Smith, John. The History of America. New York: Random House, 2020. 23-25.

Citing Sources with Headings in a Magazine Article

When citing sources with headings in a magazine article, include the following information:

• Author's last name and page number(s) for direct quotes or paraphrasing
• Title of article (if not included in the heading)
• Editor's last name and page number(s) for indirect quotes or paraphrasing

Here's an example:

Author's Lastname. "Article Title." Magazine Name Date: Page Number.

Example: Johnson, Jane. "The Impact of Climate Change." Environmental Studies Quarterly 2022: 12-15.

Citing Sources with Headings in a Website

When citing sources with headings on a website, include the following information:

• Author's last name (if provided)
• Title of webpage or article
• URL (if applicable)

Here are some examples:

• If no author is provided: Lastname, Firstname. "Webpage Title." Website Name Date. Web. URL. Example: Smith, John. "The Benefits of Meditation." Mindful Magazine 2022. Web. https://www.mindfulmag.com/benefits-of-meditation/

• If an author is provided but no date is available: Lastname, Firstname. "Webpage Title." Website Name Date of Publication. Example: Johnson, Jane. "The Future of Technology." TechReview Magazine 2022.

Citing Sources with Headings in a Movie or Documentary

When citing sources with headings on a movie or documentary, include the following information:

• Director's last name
• Title of film (if applicable)
• Release year and runtime (if applicable)

Here are some examples:

• For a feature-length film: Director's Lastname. Film Title. Year. Runtime. Example: Kurosawa, Akira. The Hidden Fortress. 1958. 91 minutes.

• For a documentary: Director's Lastname. Documentary Title. Year. Runtime. Example: Morgan, Werner. The Cove. 2009. 85 minutes.

Conclusion

Properly citing sources with headings in MLA format is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and credibility. By following these guidelines and examples, you'll be able to accurately cite sources using the correct headings and formatting.