Final answer:
The number in a statement within an academic paper typically refers to an in-text citation, which leads to a corresponding entry on the Works Cited page.
This correct answer c) An in- citation
Step-by-step explanation:
The number in the statement typically refers the reader to an in-text citation, which is a brief reference within the body of the text that directly corresponds to a more detailed entry in the Works Cited page at the end of the paper. In MLA formatting, in-text citations provide author names and page numbers if available, or other identifying information if page numbers are not applicable.
The purpose of the in-text citation is to allow readers to locate the source in the Works Cited list, wherein each entry contains complete information such as the author, title, publisher, and publication date necessary for a reader to find and consult the source.
The Works Cited page serves as a comprehensive list of all sources quoted, paraphrased, or summarized in the text of the paper, and every source listed must correspond to at least one in-text citation within the paper to prevent plagiarism and ensure proper academic integrity.
While numbers can also refer to footnotes or endnotes, these annotations provide additional commentary or explanatory information that is not included in the body of the text and are generally not used to provide citation information in MLA style. Instead, footnotes and endnotes often complement the in-text citation, offering readers further insights or clarifications without cluttering the main text.
Therefore, when one encounters a number in the text of an academic paper, it mostly aligns with the citation practices, directing the reader to a citation either in the in-text or at the end in the Works Cited page.