When it comes to citing sources in academic writing, one of the most widely used formatting styles is the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. A Works Cited page is a crucial component of any research paper, as it provides a comprehensive list of all the sources that have been referenced in the paper. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a Works Cited page in MLA style, making it easy for you to properly credit your sources and avoid plagiarism.
Understanding the Basics of MLA Works Cited
The MLA Works Cited page is typically placed at the end of a research paper and is double-spaced, with a legible font (usually 12-point Times New Roman). The page should have a hanging indent, which means that the first line of each entry is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches. The list of sources should be arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name.
Elements of a Works Cited Entry
A typical Works Cited entry in MLA style includes the following elements: author’s name, title of the source, title of the container, version, number, publisher, publication date, and location. These elements may vary depending on the type of source being cited. For example, a book citation would include the author’s name, title of the book, publisher, and publication year, while a journal article would include the author’s name, title of the article, title of the journal, volume and issue number, publication date, and page numbers.
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Author's Name | The name of the author, listed in the format "Last Name, First Name." |
| Title of the Source | The title of the source, such as a book, article, or website. |
| Title of the Container | The title of the container that holds the source, such as a journal or a website. |
| Version | The version of the source, if applicable (e.g., "2nd ed."). |
| Number | The volume and issue number of a journal or magazine. |
| Publisher | The name of the publisher of the source. |
| Publication Date | The date of publication of the source. |
| Location | The location of publication or the URL of a website. |
Citing Common Sources in MLA Style
Citing sources in MLA style can be challenging, especially when dealing with different types of sources. Here are some examples of how to cite common sources:
Books
A book citation in MLA style typically includes the author’s name, title of the book, publisher, and publication year. For example:
Smith, John. The History of Literature. Random House, 2010.
Journal Articles
A journal article citation in MLA style typically includes the author’s name, title of the article, title of the journal, volume and issue number, publication date, and page numbers. For example:
Johnson, Mary. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Communities.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2015, pp. 12-20.
Websites
A website citation in MLA style typically includes the author’s name, title of the webpage, title of the website, publication date, and URL. For example:
Williams, David. “The Benefits of Meditation.” Mindful.org, 10 Feb. 2020, www.mindful.org/the-benefits-of-meditation/.
Best Practices for Creating a Works Cited Page
Creating a Works Cited page can be a daunting task, but with some best practices, you can ensure that your page is accurate and complete. Here are some tips:
- Start by keeping track of your sources as you research and write your paper. This will make it easier to create your Works Cited page later on.
- Use a citation management tool, such as MLA Citation Generator or EasyBib, to help you format your citations correctly.
- Double-check your citations for accuracy and consistency. Make sure that all the necessary elements are included and that the formatting is correct.
- Use a hanging indent to format your Works Cited page. This will make it easier to read and understand.
What is the purpose of a Works Cited page in MLA style?
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The purpose of a Works Cited page in MLA style is to provide a comprehensive list of all the sources that have been referenced in a research paper, giving credit to the original authors of the work and allowing readers to locate the sources.
How do I format a Works Cited entry for a book in MLA style?
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A book citation in MLA style typically includes the author’s name, title of the book, publisher, and publication year. For example: Smith, John. The History of Literature. Random House, 2010.
What is the difference between a Works Cited page and a bibliography?
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A Works Cited page is a list of all the sources that have been referenced in a research paper, while a bibliography is a list of all the sources that have been consulted during the research process, whether or not they are cited in the paper.
