Final answer:
An in-text citation provides a brief reference within the text, includes author's name and a locater like a page number, and is essential in academic writing. The correct answer is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of an in-text citation in academic writing include providing a brief reference to the source within the text, and not the full publication details. This citation normally features the author's name and a locater, such as a page number or a date of publication, depending on the citation style being used.
For example, in APA style, an in-text citation includes the author's name, the date of publication, and page numbers, whereas in MLA style, it usually consists of the author's name and page number. In-text citations are essential to academic writing and are never optional, as they give credit to the original sources and allow readers to locate the original material.