Conquer the Citation Jungle: Mastering the New York Times in MLA Style
Ever felt like research papers are a wild safari through the jungle of citations? You're not alone! But fear not, intrepid scholars, for this guide will equip you to navigate the murky waters of MLA citations, specifically for that esteemed source of journalistic wisdom - The New York Times.
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| How To Mla Cite New York Times Article |
Facing the Facts: Author or No Author?
First things first, is your article sporting a byline like a fancy nametag?
- The All-Knowing Author is Present: Lucky you! Just follow this format:
Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article: Subtitle (if any)." The New York Times, Date of Publication, URL.
- The Mysterious Author is Missing: Don't fret! The title becomes your captain:
"Title of Article: Subtitle (if any)." The New York Times, Date of Publication, URL.
Remember: Put quotation marks around the article title, and italicize the newspaper name (The New York Times, that is).
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
Paging Through the Paper (or lack thereof)
Did you unearth this gem in the dusty stacks of the library or the bright abyss of your computer screen?
- The Glorious Grip of Print: Newspapers may not have page numbers like textbooks, but fear not! Include the section name (usually in brackets) after the date:
Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article: Subtitle (if any)." The New York Times, Date of Publication, [Section Name].
- The Digital Dominion of the Web: The online world is your oyster! Just include the URL after the date:
Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article: Subtitle (if any)." The New York Times, Date of Publication, URL.
Heads up: Since webpages can change, including the date you accessed the article is optional in MLA 8th edition, but some instructors might prefer it.
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
In-Text Citations: The Tiny Terrors
Don't let these little guys intimidate you! Here's how to weave them into your writing:
- For articles with an author: (Last Name, Page number)
- For articles without an author: ("Title Word(s)," Page number) (Use the first few words of the title, excluding articles like "a," "an," or "the.")
Remember: MLA uses parentheses, not brackets, for in-text citations.
You've Got This!
Now you've got the key to conquering The New York Times in MLA style. Go forth and research with confidence!
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Bonus Round: How-To FAQ
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
How to find the author of a New York Times article?
Look at the top of the article. If there's a name, that's your author!
How to find the date of a New York Times article?
It's usually listed near the title or at the very beginning of the article.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
How to find the section name of a New York Times print article?
Look at the top of the page where the article is located. There should be a section name in brackets or a heading.
How to find the URL of a New York Times article?
Copy the web address from your browser's address bar.
How to deal with a New York Times article that has multiple authors?
List the last names and initials of all the authors, separated by commas and a "and" before the last author. (e.g., Smith, J.R., and B.L. Jones)
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