The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely accepted formatting style used in academic and research papers, particularly in the humanities. When it comes to citing sources in MLA style, it is essential to understand the guidelines for creating a sources page, also known as a Works Cited page.
Understanding the MLA Sources Page
The MLA sources page is a crucial component of any research paper, as it provides a comprehensive list of all the sources cited in the paper. The page should be titled “Works Cited” and should be centered at the top of the page. The sources should be listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name, and each entry should be formatted according to the MLA guidelines.
MLA Sources Page Guidelines
To create an accurate MLA sources page, follow these guidelines:
- Start the page on a new sheet of paper.
- Center the title “Works Cited” at the top of the page.
- Double-space the entire page.
- Leave a 1-inch margin on all sides.
- Indent the second and subsequent lines of each entry 0.5 inches.
- Arrange the sources in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.
- Use a hanging indent for each entry.
| Source Type | Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. |
| Article | Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Magazine or Newspaper, Day Month Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. |
| Website | Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Webpage." Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. |
It is essential to note that the MLA style has specific guidelines for citing different types of sources, including books, articles, websites, and more. Each source type has its unique formatting requirements, and it is crucial to adhere to these guidelines to ensure the accuracy and validity of the sources page.
Common MLA Sources Page Mistakes
When creating an MLA sources page, there are several common mistakes to avoid. These include:
- Not using the correct formatting for each source type.
- Not indenting the second and subsequent lines of each entry.
- Not using a hanging indent for each entry.
- Not double-spacing the entire page.
- Not leaving a 1-inch margin on all sides.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following the MLA guidelines, you can create an accurate and comprehensive sources page that will enhance the credibility and validity of your research paper.
MLA Sources Page Examples
Here are a few examples of MLA sources page entries:
Book: Smith, John. The History of Literature. New York: Random House, 2010.
Article: Johnson, Jane. “The Impact of Social Media on Society.” The New York Times, 10 Jan. 2020, pp. 1-3.
Website: Williams, Michael. “The Benefits of Meditation.” Mindful.org, 20 Feb. 2020, www.mindful.org/the-benefits-of-meditation/. Accessed 10 Mar. 2020.
What is the purpose of an MLA sources page?
+The purpose of an MLA sources page is to provide a comprehensive list of all the sources cited in a research paper, allowing readers to locate and consult the sources for further information.
How do I format an MLA sources page?
+To format an MLA sources page, start the page on a new sheet of paper, center the title “Works Cited” at the top of the page, double-space the entire page, and leave a 1-inch margin on all sides. Arrange the sources in alphabetical order by the author’s last name, and use a hanging indent for each entry.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating an MLA sources page?
+Some common mistakes to avoid when creating an MLA sources page include not using the correct formatting for each source type, not indenting the second and subsequent lines of each entry, not using a hanging indent for each entry, not double-spacing the entire page, and not leaving a 1-inch margin on all sides.
