Can Wikipedia Be Used as a Source in MLA Format? How to Cite It Correctly

In the realm of academic writing, the Wikipedia platform is often seen as a valuable resource for getting an overview of a topic. However, it is not considered a reliable source in formal academic writing, and there are specific guidelines to follow when using it as a reference. This article provides detailed instructions on how to cite Wikipedia articles correctly in the MLA format, ensuring that your research adheres to academic standards.

Mechanics of Citations in MLA Format

The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides a set of guidelines for formatting citations. These guidelines are crucial in ensuring that academic work is properly attributed and referenced. One key aspect of using Wikipedia as a source in MLA format is adhering to the prescribed citation guidelines, which can vary depending on the method you choose—handwritten citations or the use of the Wikipedia Citation Tool.

Method 1: Using a Handwritten Citation

Handwriting your citations in MLA format involves multiple steps:

Identify the necessary information: Name of the article Name of the publication (in this case, Wikipedia) Name of the publisher (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia) Date of last edit Date of retrieval URL (without the https://) Access the article: Open your web browser and type the topic you're researching into the Wikipedia search box at the bottom of the page. Determine the article name: The main heading at the top of the page will give you the title of the article you are citing. Find the last edit date: Scroll to the bottom of the article to locate the date next to the edit history. Note the current date: Record the date on which you accessed the article. Obtain the specific URL: Go to the top of the article page, click the most recent date, and copy the URL from the browser address bar. Ensure to remove the https:// part of the URL. Format the citation: The MLA format requires the citation to be structured as follows: Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia Web. [Access Date] [Article Title]. [URL]

Example:

Plagiarism - Wikipedia

Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia Web. 16 May 2018.

Method 2: Using the Wikipedia Citation Tool

Alternatively, you can use the built-in citation tool provided by Wikipedia for a more streamlined process:

Open Wikipedia: Visit in your preferred web browser. Find your article: Type the topic you're researching into the search box at the bottom of the page and press Enter. Select the article you want to cite. Locate the citation option: This option is found on the far-left side of the article page, beneath the Wikipedia logo. Click 'Cite this page': This option appears near the bottom of the article page. Click it to generate the citation. Review the generated citation: The citation will be in the following format: Wikipedia contributors. "Plagiarism." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, June 5, 2023. Copy the citation: Highlight the citation and press Ctrl C (Windows) or Command C (Mac) to copy it. Paste it into your Works Cited page using Ctrl V (Windows) or Command V (Mac).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Wikipedia can be a valuable starting point for research, it is essential to use it responsibly and cite it appropriately in MLA format. Whether you opt for the traditional handwritten method or use the Wikipedia Citation Tool, following these guidelines ensures that your work is both accurate and scholarly. By adhering to these steps, you can provide the necessary attribution and enhance the credibility of your academic writing.