The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is widely used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. The MLA work cited page is a crucial component of any research paper, as it provides a comprehensive list of sources used in the paper. In this article, we will delve into the world of MLA citations, exploring the intricacies of the work cited page and providing tips on how to simplify your sources.
Understanding the MLA Work Cited Page
The MLA work cited page is a list of all the sources cited in the research paper, formatted according to the MLA guidelines. 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 should include all the necessary publication information, such as the title, publication date, and page numbers.
MLA Citation Basics
MLA citations are based on a system of containers, where each source is treated as a separate container with its own set of publication information. The basic elements of an MLA citation include:
- Author’s name
- Title of the source
- Publication date
- Page numbers (if applicable)
- Publisher’s name (if applicable)
- DOI or URL (if applicable)
These elements should be formatted according to the MLA guidelines, which can be found in the MLA Handbook or online at the MLA website.
Common MLA Citation Examples
Here are some common MLA citation examples:
| Source Type | MLA Citation Example |
|---|---|
| Book | Smith, John. The History of Literature. New York: Random House, 2020. |
| Article | Jones, Mary. “The Impact of Social Media on Society.” Journal of Communication Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2019, pp. 12-20. |
| Website | Johnson, David. “The Benefits of Meditation.” Mindful Magazine, 10 Feb. 2020, www.mindfulmag.com/the-benefits-of-meditation. |
These examples illustrate the basic elements of an MLA citation and how they should be formatted.
Simplifying Your Sources
Simplifying your sources can make the citation process easier and less overwhelming. Here are some tips:
Use a citation management tool: Citation management tools, such as Zotero or EndNote, can help you organize your sources and format your citations according to the MLA guidelines.
Keep track of your sources: Keep a record of all the sources you use in your research, including the author’s name, title, publication date, and page numbers.
Use a template: Create a template for your MLA citations, which can help you ensure that all the necessary elements are included and formatted correctly.
Common MLA Citation Mistakes
Here are some common MLA citation mistakes to avoid:
- Forgetting to include the author’s name or title of the source
- Incorrectly formatting the publication date or page numbers
- Not including the DOI or URL for online sources
- Not using a consistent citation style throughout the paper
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your MLA citations are accurate and complete.
What is the purpose of the MLA work cited page?
+The MLA work cited page provides a comprehensive list of sources used in the research paper, allowing readers to locate and consult the sources themselves.
How do I format an MLA citation for a book?
+An MLA citation for a book should include the author’s name, title of the book, publication date, and page numbers (if applicable). The citation should be formatted as follows: Author’s Last Name, First Name. Book Title. Publisher’s Name, Publication Date.
What is the difference between a citation and a reference?
+A citation is a brief reference to a source in the text, while a reference is a full citation to the source in the works cited page. Citations are used to acknowledge the source of an idea or quote, while references provide a comprehensive list of sources used in the research.
