Citing sources in academic papers and articles is an essential practice to provide credibility and ensure proper attribution. Among the numerous sources available, Wikipedia has become an increasingly popular resource due to its ease of access and wealth of information on various subjects. This article will guide you through the best way to cite a Wikipedia article in Modern Language Association (MLA) format.

The proper way to cite a Wikipedia article in MLA format involves including specific information such as the title of the article, date of retrieval, and website details. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a correct citation for your bibliography or works cited page:

1. Start with the Article Title:

Write the title of the Wikipedia article in double quotation marks. If the article has a subtitle, include it along with the main title. Make sure to capitalize all major words in the title.

Example: “Climate Change: Understanding and Addressing Global Warming.”

2. Add “Wikipedia” as the Site Name:

After adding the title, follow it by writing “Wikipedia” as it acts as an indication that you are citing an online encyclopedia.

Example: “Climate Change: Understanding and Addressing Global Warming.” Wikipedia.

3. Include Publication Date (if available):

Not all Wikipedia articles will mention a publication date, but if it’s present, add it after “Wikipedia.” Use “n.d.” (no date) if there is no publication date available.

Example: “Climate Change: Understanding and Addressing Global Warming.” Wikipedia, 15 Mar. 2021.

4. Add Date of Retrieval (optional):

Although it’s not compulsory according to MLA guidelines, it is recommended to include retrieval date since Wikipedia content can change frequently. Write “Accessed” followed by the day, month, and year you retrieved the information.

Example: “Climate Change: Understanding and Addressing Global Warming.” Wikipedia, 15 Mar. 2021. Accessed 1 June 2021.

5. Provide the URL:

Lastly, include the URL of the Wikipedia article you are citing. Omit “https://” and write the full website address without any brackets or angled brackets.

Example: “Climate Change: Understanding and Addressing Global Warming.” Wikipedia, 15 Mar. 2021. Accessed 1 June 2021. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change

Keep in mind that the citation should be formatted with hanging indents on your works cited page, with each line subsequently indented after the first line.

By following this guide, you will ensure that your citations for Wikipedia articles in MLA format are accurate, consistent, and properly formatted. Always remember to give credit to cited sources to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism.