Evaluating Web Resources

Citing a website in APA or MLA format

It can be tricky to locate the information you need to cite a website. There isn't a standard format that websites follow, but there are some common places to look. 

Diagram description

• The author is usually just before the beginning of the article, or at the very end.
• The date is usually found very near the author's name. Sometimes it's simply not there. In these cases you might consider whether this is a good information source to use in your research since you can't verify how current the information is.
• The article title or page title is also usually found just before the beginning of the article. Look for a title that describes this specific page, not the whole website.
• The title of the website is often at the very top left corner of the page. If you're not sure, check the URL, and also get back to the homepage, where it might be more clear.
• The URL is often required. You will usually copy and paste the whole URL from the text box at the very top of the browser window. Sometimes the URL can be shortened, especially if it take up more than 1 or 2 lines in your citation. Check the complete MLA or APA guide (linked below) for details. 

APA Format Example 

Author (Year, Month Day). Page or article title. Website Title. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL

Phillips, T. (2008). Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): transgenic crops and recombinant DNA technology. Scitable. Retrieved October 28, 2025 from http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732

MLA Format Example 

Author. "Title of Page or Article." Title of Website, Publisher of website, Date published, URL.

Phillips, Theresa. “Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Transgenic Crops and Recombinant DNA Technology.” Scitable, Nature Education, 2008, www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732.