How to Cite a Website: A Comprehensive Guide
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In the digital age, information is at our fingertips, and citing online sources accurately is paramount in both academic and professional writing. Websites are valuable resources, but citing them correctly is crucial for maintaining academic integrity. In this guide, we will explore how to cite a web page using three widely used citation styles: APA, MLA, and Harvard.
How to Cite a Website in APA Format
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is commonly used in the social sciences. When citing a web page in APA format, follow this structure:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month, Date of Publication). Title of webpage. Name of Website. Retrieved from URL
Example:
Bardan, R. (2023, November 28). NASA to Provide Live Coverage of Space Station Cargo Launch, Docking. Nasa. Retrieved from
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-to-provide-live-coverage-of-space-station-cargo-launch-docking-6/
In-text citation:
(Bardan, 2023)
How to Cite a Website in MLA Format
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in humanities disciplines. Citing a website in MLA format involves the following structure:
Author's Last name, First name. "Title of Webpage." Name of Website, Publication date day month abbreviation, URL.
Example:
Bardan, Roxana. "NASA to Provide Live Coverage of Space Station Cargo Launch, Docking." Nasa, 28 Nov. 2023, https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-to-provide-live-coverage-of-space-station-cargo-launch-docking-6/
In-text citation:
(Bardan)
How to Cite a Website in Harvard Format
The Harvard referencing system is versatile and widely used across various disciplines. Citing a website in Harvard format includes the following elements:
Author(s) Last name, First initial(s). (Year) Title of web page [Online], Name of Website, Available at: URL (Accessed: Day Month Year)
Example:
Bardan, R. (2023). NASA to Provide Live Coverage of Space Station Cargo Launch, Docking [Online], Nasa, Available at: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-to-provide-live-coverage-of-space-station-cargo-launch-docking-6/ (Accessed: 5 December 2023)
In-text citation:
(Bardan, 2023)
Tips for Citing Websites
- Check for Authorship: Look for the author's name on the website. If it's not available, use the organisation or website name as the author in your citation.
- Include the Publication Date: Whenever possible, include the publication or last updated date of the webpage. If the date is not available, use "n.d." (no date) in your citation.
- Provide the URL: Include the full URL in your citation to allow readers to access the source directly. Omit https:// or http:// if the URL starts with www.
- Use Proper Formatting: Pay attention to punctuation, capitalisation, and italics in your citations. Follow the specific guidelines of the citation style you are using.through the different sections seamlessly.
- Be Consistent: Consistency is key in academic writing. Ensure that your citations follow the same format throughout your document.
An Essential Skills for Academic Writing
Citing websites correctly is an essential skill in academic writing. Keep these guidelines always in mind when writing your essays to ensure your work reflects the integrity and precision expected in scholarly writing.
