How to Cite Website with No Author in Text MLA
Citing a website without an author in MLA format can be a bit tricky, but it’s certainly manageable. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for citing sources, including websites, in academic writing. When a website lacks an author, it’s important to include other relevant information in the citation to ensure proper attribution. In this article, we will discuss how to format your in-text citation and the Works Cited list for a website without an author in MLA style.
In-Text Citation
When citing a website without an author in MLA format, you should include the title of the web page or article in parentheses following the quotation or paraphrase. If the title is lengthy, you can use a shortened version that still adequately identifies the source. Here’s an example:
According to the article “The Impact of Social Media on Society,” social media has significantly changed the way people communicate and interact with each other (Social Media Impact).
In this example, “Social Media Impact” is a shortened version of the article’s title, which is included in parentheses after the quote.
Works Cited List
When listing the website in the Works Cited list, you should include the following information:
1. The title of the web page or article.
2. The name of the website or publisher.
3. The publication date or last updated date.
4. The URL of the website.
Here’s an example of how to format a Works Cited entry for a website without an author:
Social Media Impact. Website Name, Publication Date or Last Updated Date, URL.
For instance:
Social Media Impact. Website Name, 2021, www.websitename.com.
In this example, “Website Name” is the name of the website where the article is published, and “2021” is the publication date or last updated date. The URL is the web address where the article can be found.
Remember to follow MLA guidelines for punctuation and capitalization in your citations. If the website has a date, include it; if not, omit it. Additionally, be sure to check for any specific instructions from your instructor or academic institution regarding the format of your citations.
In conclusion, citing a website without an author in MLA format involves including the title of the web page or article in parentheses in your in-text citation and providing the necessary information in the Works Cited list. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and adhere to MLA standards.
