Conquer the Citation Jungle: How to MLA The New York Times Like a Boss
Ever felt like research papers are a secret language designed to confuse normal humans? Fear not, brave student, for this guide will have you citing The New York Times in MLA format like a seasoned academic ninja.
First Things First: You Got This!
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, take a deep breath and banish those citation anxieties. MLA, while it has its quirks, is a pretty straightforward system. With a little know-how, you'll be dropping those citations like they're hot (or, well, at least properly formatted).
The MLA Breakdown:
Here's the basic structure for citing a New York Times article in MLA format:
- Author(s) Last Name, First Name. (If no author is listed, start with the title of the article in quotation marks)
- "Title of the Article: Subtitle if any." (Titles and subtitles go in quotation marks)
- The New York Times (Italicize the newspaper title)
- [City], (Include the city name only if it's not already in the newspaper title)
- Date of Publication.
- URL (Optional, but helpful for online access)
For Example:
- Goodman, Jenna. "Why Your Cat Steals Your Stuff (and How to Make Them Stop)."The New York Times, (Notice the comma after Times)
- 29 March 2024. https://www.nytimes.com/
Super Easy, Right? (Almost)
There's a few other things to keep in mind:
- Page Numbers: If you're referencing a print copy, include the page number(s) after the publication date.
- No Author? No Problem! If the article doesn't have an author listed, just start your citation with the title of the article in quotation marks.
- Database Darling: If you found the article through a library database, you can usually find the permalink URL there. Include the database name after the URL if you want to be extra thorough.
Remember: MLA format is all about clarity and consistency. As long as your citation provides all the necessary information for someone to find the same source, you're golden.
## You're Practically a Citation Master Now!
But wait, there's more! Here are some bonus tips to make your citation life even smoother:
- Embrace the Online Citation Generators: There are plenty of online citation generators out there that can help you format your citations correctly. Just be sure to double-check their work before submitting your paper.
- Get Friendly with Your Style Guide: Most universities or colleges will have a style guide available online or in the library. This is your ultimate resource for any citation questions you might have.
## FAQ: Citation Dojo Wisdom
How to cite a New York Times article with no author?
Start your citation with the title of the article in quotation marks, followed by the rest of the information like normal.
How to cite a New York Times article from a database?
Include the name of the database after the URL in your citation.
How to find the permalink URL for a New York Times article?
Look for the "Share" or "Permalink" option on the article page.
How to cite a New York Times editorial?
Follow the same format as a regular article, but you can mention "Editorial" after the title if you want to be specific.
How to punctuate a long title in an MLA citation?
A colon separates the main title from the subtitle.
There you have it, folks! With this guide, you're well on your way to conquering the citation jungle and leaving those research paper anxieties behind. Now go forth and cite with confidence!
