College Composition / Unit 27 CMP 0664 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Three Styles Compared
The idea
MLA, APA and Chicago all credit sources, but each signals them differently, and a citation's form shows its style.
In practice
Compare them in order. First, the in-text signal: MLA uses the author and page in parentheses; APA uses the author and year, with a page when available; Chicago notes use a raised number. Second, the list title: Works Cited for MLA, References for APA, Bibliography for Chicago. Third, names: MLA and Chicago bibliographies give full first names; APA gives initials. Fourth, the date's position: APA puts it directly after the author; MLA and Chicago put it near the end. Fifth, disciplines: MLA for languages and literature, APA for the social sciences, Chicago notes for history and the arts.
Where people slip
Recognizing a style from one citation is a practical skill: a raised number points to Chicago notes; a year directly after the author points to APA; an author and page alone point to MLA.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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