When it comes to formatting a research paper, one of the most critical aspects is the Works Cited page. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most widely used formatting styles in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. To ensure that your Works Cited page is accurate and well-formatted, here are 10 MLA Works Cited tips to keep in mind.
Understanding the Basics of MLA Style
The MLA style is designed to be simple and easy to use, with a focus on clarity and concision. When formatting your Works Cited page, it’s essential to understand the basics of MLA style, including font, spacing, and margins. The recommended font is 12-point Times New Roman, with double spacing and one-inch margins on all sides.
Formatting the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page should be a separate page at the end of your research paper, with the title “Works Cited” centered at the top of the page. The entries on the Works Cited page should be listed in alphabetical order by author’s last name, and each entry should have a hanging indent. A hanging indent is a formatting technique where the first line of each entry is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented.
| MLA Works Cited Element | Format |
|---|---|
| Author's Name | Lastname, Firstname |
| Title of Source | Title of Source: Subtitle |
| Publication Date | Day Month Year |
| Page Numbers | pp. xx-xx |
Citing Different Types of Sources
One of the most challenging aspects of formatting the Works Cited page is citing different types of sources. The MLA style has specific guidelines for citing books, articles, websites, and other types of sources. For example, when citing a book, you should include the author’s name, title of the book, publication date, and page numbers. When citing an article, you should include the author’s name, title of the article, title of the publication, publication date, and page numbers.
Citing Books
When citing a book, the general format is: Author’s Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Date. For example: Smith, John. The History of Literature. Random House, 2020.
Citing Articles
When citing an article, the general format is: Author’s Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Article.” Title of Publication, Publication Date, pp. xx-xx. For example: Johnson, Mary. “The Impact of Social Media.” Journal of Communication, 10 Jan. 2020, pp. 12-20.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When formatting the Works Cited page, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is inconsistent formatting, where the formatting is not consistent throughout the page. Another common mistake is missing or incorrect information, such as missing page numbers or incorrect publication dates.
Using Online Sources
When using online sources, it’s essential to include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) in the citation. The general format for citing online sources is: Author’s Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Article.” Title of Publication, Publication Date, URL or DOI. For example: Williams, David. “The Future of Education.” Journal of Education, 20 Feb. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1000⁄123456.
Conclusion
In conclusion, formatting the Works Cited page is a critical aspect of academic writing, and it’s essential to follow the MLA style guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. By following these 10 MLA Works Cited tips, you can ensure that your Works Cited page is well-formatted and accurate, and that you avoid common mistakes.
What is the purpose of the Works Cited page?
+The purpose of the Works Cited page is to provide a list of sources used in the research paper, allowing readers to locate and consult the sources.
How do I format the Works Cited page?
+The Works Cited page should be a separate page at the end of the research paper, with the title “Works Cited” centered at the top of the page. The entries should be listed in alphabetical order by author’s last name, with a hanging indent.
What is the difference between a Works Cited page and a bibliography?
+A Works Cited page is a list of sources used in the research paper, while a bibliography is a list of all sources consulted during the research process, regardless of whether they were used in the paper.
How do I cite online sources?
+When citing online sources, include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) in the citation, as well as the date of access.
Can I use a citation generator to format my Works Cited page?
+While citation generators can be helpful, it’s essential to review and edit the citations to ensure accuracy and consistency.
