You've got a good understanding of the citation styles! Here's a quick overview to clarify and expand on the differences between MLA and APA styles in terms of in-text citations and the source lists:
MLA Style (Modern Language Association)
- In-text Citations: Typically include the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the information was taken, in parentheses (e.g., Smith 23).
- Works Cited Page: This is the list of all works referenced in your paper. It is titled "Works Cited" and should be formatted with hanging indents. Each entry typically includes the author's name, title of the work, publication details, and other relevant information, depending on the type of source.
APA Style (American Psychological Association)
- In-text Citations: Typically include the author's last name and the year of publication (e.g., Smith, 2020). If directly quoting, a page number or paragraph number is also included (e.g., Smith, 2020, p. 23).
- Reference List: This is the list of all sources cited in your work. It is titled "References" and should also be formatted with hanging indents. Each entry usually includes the author's name, publication year, title of the work (in italics for books), and additional details like the publisher and DOI or URL for electronic sources.
Key Differences
- Title of the List: "Works Cited" in MLA vs. "References" in APA.
- In-text Citation Format: MLA uses page numbers directly, while APA uses the year of publication.
- Formatting of Entries: MLA emphasizes a more literary focus (title details), while APA has a focus on dates and publication details, suitable for scientific writing.
If you need any more specific examples or details on either style, feel free to ask!
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