In-text citations (MLA style) support academic integrity, and what is a correct parenthetical format for a direct quote?

• A. They credit sources and avoid plagiarism; a correct format for a direct quote includes the author's last name and page number in parentheses, e.g., (Smith 42).
• B. They are optional and decorative; page numbers are never included.
• C. They require the full bibliography entry after each quote.
• D. They should always be placed before the quote.

Answer: (D)

In MLA, in-text citations are about giving credit and helping readers find the exact source. For a direct quote, you place a parenthetical citation after the quoted material that includes the author’s last name and the page number, like (Smith 42). This immediately ties the quote to a precise source entry, which you'll list in your Works Cited at the end of the document. The citation should come after the quoted sentence, not before it, and you don’t attach a full bibliography after every quote. By following this format, you maintain academic integrity and provide a clear path for readers to verify your sources.