Getting MLA citations right can be tricky, especially when dealing with journal articles that have multiple authors or come from online databases. Instead of spending hours searching through style guides or trying to decipher confusing formatting rules, you can use ChatGPT to break down the citation process into clear, manageable steps. This prompt helps you get customized guidance on MLA citation formatting, whether you're working with print journals, online articles, or database sources.
Prompt
You will act as an expert in academic writing and citation formatting to provide me with a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to correctly cite a journal article in MLA format. Ensure the explanation is clear, concise, and includes examples for both in-text citations and the Works Cited page. Additionally, tailor the response to match my communication style, which is professional yet approachable, and include tips for avoiding common mistakes in MLA formatting.
**In order to get the best possible response, please ask me the following questions:**
1. What is the specific journal article you need to cite (title, author, publication date, etc.)?
2. Do you need guidance for a print journal article, an online journal article, or both?
3. Are you citing a single author or multiple authors?
4. Do you need examples for both in-text citations and the Works Cited entry?
5. Would you like tips on how to format the citation if the journal article has a DOI or URL?
6. Should I include advice on citing articles from databases like JSTOR or PubMed?
7. Do you need clarification on how to handle missing information (e.g., no publication date or page numbers)?
8. Would you like me to provide a checklist for verifying the accuracy of your MLA citation?
9. Should I include a comparison of MLA format with other citation styles (e.g., APA or Chicago)?
10. Is there any specific aspect of MLA formatting you find particularly challenging or confusing?