Understanding Scholarly Articles and How to Cite Them in MLA

Introduction

If you’ve ever had to write a research paper, you’ve probably heard the term scholarly articles more times than you can count. But what exactly are they? Why do professors insist that you use them instead of blogs or news stories?

Simply put, scholarly articles are research papers written by experts for other experts, researchers, and students. They share new findings, theories, and evidence in a field of study. Unlike casual internet posts, scholarly articles are peer-reviewed, meaning other professionals check them for accuracy and quality before they’re published.

Understanding how to find, read, and cite scholarly articles—especially in MLA format—is an essential skill for any student or researcher. Let’s break it down step by step.

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What Is a Scholarly Article?

Think of a scholarly article as a serious conversation between researchers. When an expert studies a topic—say, the effects of climate change on coral reefs—they write a paper describing what they did, what they found, and why it matters. This paper gets submitted to an academic journal, where other experts review it. Once approved, it becomes a scholarly article.

These articles are not like what you find in magazines or blogs. Here’s how they differ:

• Audience: Scholarly articles are written for researchers and students, not the general public.

• Purpose: They present original research or deep analysis, not opinions or trending topics.

• Evidence: They include detailed references and data to support claims.

• Tone: The writing is formal, precise, and objective.

For example, an article titled “The Impact of Microplastics on Marine Ecosystems” published in Environmental Science Journal is scholarly. A BuzzFeed listicle titled “10 Ways to Save the Ocean”—not so much.

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Key Features of Scholarly Articles

Now that we know what they are, let’s look at the key features that make scholarly articles stand out:

1. Credible Authors:
   The authors are usually professors, scientists, or professionals with advanced degrees. Their qualifications and institutional affiliations (like Harvard University or the World Health Organization) are often listed under their names.

2. Abstract:
   This short paragraph at the beginning gives an overview of the study—what it’s about, how it was done, and what was discovered. It helps readers decide whether the article is relevant to their research.

3. Introduction and Research Question:
   The introduction explains the background and defines the research problem or hypothesis.

4. Methodology:
   This section describes how the research was conducted—whether through experiments, surveys, case studies, or data analysis.

5. Results and Discussion:
   Here, the authors present their findings and interpret what those results mean in a broader context.

6. References or Bibliography:
   A list of all the sources the author cited throughout the article. This allows readers to verify facts and explore further reading.

7. Peer Review:
   Before publication, the article is reviewed by other scholars in the field to ensure accuracy, validity, and originality.

These features give scholarly articles their strength—they’re reliable, structured, and fact-checked.

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How to Identify Scholarly Articles

Not every article you find online is scholarly. Here’s a quick checklist to help you spot the real deal:

• ✅ Author Credentials: Look for the author’s academic qualifications or research affiliation.

• ✅ Journal Type: Check if the article comes from an academic or peer-reviewed journal. You can find these on databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, or PubMed.

• ✅ Abstract & Structure: Scholarly articles follow a predictable structure—Abstract, Introduction, Methodology, Results, and References.

• ✅ Language & Tone: The writing is formal, focused, and free from personal opinions or advertising.

• ✅ Citations: The article should have in-text citations and a detailed reference list.

If you’re ever unsure, search for the journal name. If it’s well-known in academic circles (like Nature or The Journal of Education Research), you’re on the right track.

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MLA Citation Guide

Now comes the part that gives many students a headache—MLA citations. Don’t worry; it’s easier than it looks once you understand the basics.

1. In-Text Citations

In MLA, you include a brief reference right in your text whenever you use someone’s idea or words.

Here’s the format:
(Author’s Last Name Page Number)

Examples:

• One author: (Smith 45)

• Two authors: (Johnson and Lee 102)

• Three or more authors: (Brown et al.)

If the article has no page number, just include the author’s last name.

2. Works Cited Page

At the end of your paper, list all the sources you cited. Each entry should include all the details so someone else can find the original article.

Format:
Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Article.” Journal Name, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages. DOI or URL.

Example:
Gahan, Courtney. “How to Cite a Journal Article in MLA | Format & Examples.” Scribbr, vol. 3, no. 2, 2019, https://www.scribbr.com/mla/journal-citation/.

That’s it! Remember: every in-text citation must have a matching Works Cited entry, and vice versa.

If you’ve ever found yourself formatting citations at 2 a.m. before a deadline, you’re not alone. The good news? Once you master the MLA basics, it becomes second nature.

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Why Scholarly Articles Matter

In academic research, credibility is everything. Scholarly articles are the gold standard because they’re backed by research, evidence, and expert review. Here’s why they’re so valuable:

• Reliable Information: They’re written by professionals and vetted by other experts, ensuring accuracy.

• Evidence for Arguments: They strengthen your research papers with verified data and credible analysis.

• Avoiding Misinformation: With so much unreliable content online, scholarly articles help separate fact from fiction.

• Staying Updated: Academic journals publish the latest discoveries and trends in a field, keeping your knowledge current.

• Academic Integrity: Citing scholarly sources shows respect for others’ work and demonstrates honesty in research.

By learning to identify and cite scholarly articles correctly, you not only improve your grades—you build habits that will serve you in your professional and academic journey for years to come.

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Conclusion

Scholarly articles are the foundation of solid academic writing. They bring credibility, structure, and depth to your research. Understanding how to identify them—and how to cite them in MLA format—can transform your papers from “good” to “professional.”

Here’s a quick recap:

• Definition: Scholarly articles are written by experts and published in peer-reviewed journals.

• Features: Abstracts, methods, results, and references make them credible.

• Identification: Check author credentials, structure, tone, and citations.

• MLA Citation: Use proper in-text and Works Cited formatting to give credit.

• Value: Scholarly articles make your research stronger, accurate, and trustworthy.

So next time you dive into research, don’t just grab the first Google result—dig deeper into academic journals. Citing the right sources not only builds trust but also shows your dedication as a thoughtful scholar.

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FAQs

1. What makes an article scholarly?
It’s written by experts, published in peer-reviewed journals, and supported by evidence and citations.

2. Can I use magazine or blog articles for research?
Usually not. They aren’t peer-reviewed and often lack reliable data.

3. How do I cite a scholarly article in MLA?
Include the author’s name, article title, journal name (italicized), volume, issue, year, pages, and DOI or URL.

4. Where can I find scholarly articles?
Try databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed, or your university library.

5. Why are citations important?
They credit original authors, help readers verify information, and maintain your academic integrity.