Depending on the instruction of your teacher, you may use either the MLA or the APA citation styles. Some teachers designate a particular documentation style. Some, however, allow their students to choose the citation style they would like to use for their academic paper.
The following table illustrates some of the basic differences between the APA and MLA citation styles:
Regardless of which style you are using, it would be an ideal practice to list down important information about who wrote the publication; what is the title of the publication; which publishing firm, agency, or website published it; and when it was published.
Nowadays, citing sources has been made easy through technological advancement. With the click of a button you can get the information you need, including the reference materials for your chosen topic. Still using technology, you can command the computer to create the citation for you, as well as the appropriate title for your list of sources—whether Bibliography, Works Cited or References. Access the links in the Equip section of this lesson for more information about referencing.
