How to Cite a Website in an Essay

An essential ingredient of an essay is the notation of sources used to compile the information used to create the composition. Information gleaned from the Internet can be a valuable addition to your sources, provided that the websites used are properly cited. Citation of website sources under the Modern Language Association (MLA) standard are required to be listed within a works cited section of your essay. Reference to your source website is also required within the text of the essay.

Cite the website by placing the name of the website's editor or author in parenthesis at the end of the sentence containing information from the cited website source.

Include a works cited page to be included after the last page of the essay. The works cited will contain the list of all sources used to compile the information used in the essay.

Alphabetize the list on the works cited page. For websites, use the website author or editor's last name to list the source. Separate the last and first name with a comma. Italicize the website name. Example: Brooks, Jason. Basket Weaving Made Easy (in italics).

Cite the publishing date of the website followed by a period. Type "Web," then a period followed by an "as of" date (the date you accessed the information from the website).

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