Mla Works Cited: Easy Guide To Accurate Formatting

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. It provides a set of guidelines for formatting research papers, including the works cited page. In this article, we will provide an easy guide to accurate formatting of the MLA works cited page, including the latest updates and examples.

Introduction to MLA Works Cited

The MLA works cited page is a crucial component of any research paper, as it allows readers to locate the sources used in the paper. The works cited page should be double-spaced, with a legible font and one-inch margins on all sides. The page should be titled “Works Cited” and centered at the top of the page. The entries on the works cited page should be listed alphabetically by author’s last name, and each entry should have a hanging indent.

Formatting Guidelines for Common Sources

The MLA style provides guidelines for formatting various types of sources, including books, articles, and websites. Here are some examples:

• Book: Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. City: Publisher, Year of Publication. Print.
• Article: Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Title of Journal Volume. Issue (Year of Publication): Page Numbers. Print.
• Website: Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Website." Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.

It's essential to note that the formatting guidelines may vary depending on the type of source and the medium of publication. For example, a book published in print will have a different format than an e-book or an online article.

Special Cases and Exceptions

There are some special cases and exceptions that require unique formatting. For example, sources with no author, sources with multiple authors, and sources with no publication date. Here are some examples:

• Source with no author: "Title of Article." Title of Journal Volume. Issue (Year of Publication): Page Numbers. Print.
• Source with multiple authors: Lastname, Firstname, and Firstname Lastname. Title of Book. City: Publisher, Year of Publication. Print.
• Source with no publication date: Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. City: Publisher, n.d. Print.

It's essential to consult the MLA handbook or online resources for specific guidelines on these special cases and exceptions.

Best Practices for Works Cited Formatting

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when formatting the works cited page:

Use a legible font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and double-space the entries to ensure readability. Use a hanging indent for each entry, which can be set using the paragraph formatting options in most word processing software.

Additionally, proofread the works cited page carefully to ensure accuracy and consistency in formatting. Use online resources, such as the MLA website or citation guides, to verify formatting guidelines and stay up-to-date with the latest updates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when formatting the works cited page:

• Incorrect formatting of sources, such as using the wrong punctuation or capitalization.
• Missing or incomplete information, such as author's name or publication date.
• Inconsistent formatting, such as using different fonts or spacing throughout the page.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this article, you can create an accurate and well-formatted works cited page that meets the MLA style requirements.