The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely used formatting guide in academic and research writing, particularly in the humanities. It provides a set of rules for formatting research papers, citing sources, and creating a bibliography. In this article, we will provide a simplified guide to MLA work cited pages, covering the essential elements and rules for creating accurate and consistent citations.
Introduction to MLA Style
The MLA style is designed to be simple and easy to use, with a focus on clarity and concision. The MLA Handbook, now in its 9th edition, provides comprehensive guidance on formatting, citations, and bibliography. The MLA style is commonly used in English, literature, and language studies, as well as in other disciplines that require rigorous citation and referencing.
Key Elements of MLA Citations
MLA citations typically consist of two parts: in-text citations and a Works Cited page. In-text citations provide brief references to the source material, while the Works Cited page provides a comprehensive list of all sources used in the research. The key elements of MLA citations include:
- Author’s last name and first name
- Title of the source (in title case)
- Publication date (day, month, year)
- Publishing company or organization
- Page numbers (if applicable)
Formatting the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page should be double-spaced, with a legible font (usually 12-point Times New Roman) and one-inch margins on all sides. The page should be titled “Works Cited” (centered and in title case), and the list of sources should be arranged alphabetically by author’s last name. Each entry should have a hanging indent, with the first line of the entry flush with the left margin and subsequent lines indented 0.5 inches.
Common Source Types and Their Formatting
MLA citations for different source types have distinct formatting rules. Here are some common source types and their corresponding formatting guidelines:
| Source Type | Formatting Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Book | Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. |
| Article | Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. Volume Number, no. Issue Number, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. |
| Website | Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Webpage.” Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. |
Special Cases and Exceptions
There are several special cases and exceptions to the general MLA citation guidelines. These include:
- Multiple authors: list all authors, separated by commas, or use “et al.” for more than three authors
- No author: use the title of the source in the in-text citation and the Works Cited entry
- No publication date: use “n.d.” (no date) in the in-text citation and the Works Cited entry
- Translated sources: include the translator’s name and the original publication date, if applicable
Best Practices for Creating Accurate Citations
To ensure accurate and consistent citations, follow these best practices:
- Use a citation management tool, such as Zotero or EndNote, to help format citations and create a bibliography
- Verify the accuracy of source information, including author names, titles, and publication dates
- Use a consistent formatting style throughout the research paper and Works Cited page
- Double-check citations against the MLA Handbook or a reliable online resource
What is the purpose of the Works Cited page in MLA style?
+The Works Cited page provides a comprehensive list of all sources used in the research, allowing readers to locate and consult the original materials.
How do I format a citation for a source with multiple authors?
+List all authors, separated by commas, or use “et al.” for more than three authors. For example: (Smith, Johnson, and Thompson 23) or (Smith et al. 23)
What is the difference between a citation and a reference?
+A citation is a brief reference to a source, usually included in the text, while a reference is a more detailed description of the source, typically included in the Works Cited page or bibliography.
