How to Format an MLA Works Cited Page: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to format mla works cited page
Index Content
  1. Understanding the Importance of the MLA Works Cited Page
  2. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Format an MLA Works Cited Page
    1. Step 1: Start on a New Page
    2. Step 2: Format Your Entries
    3. Step 3: Include All Necessary Information
  3. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Formatting Your MLA Works Cited Page
  4. Examples of Properly Formatted MLA Works Cited Entries
    1. Books
    2. Journal Articles
    3. Websites
  5. Tools and Resources for Creating an MLA Works Cited Page
    1. Online Citation Generators
    2. MLA Style Guides
    3. Writing Centers and Library Resources

Understanding the Importance of the MLA Works Cited Page

The MLA Works Cited page is a crucial component of academic writing, serving as a comprehensive list of all the sources referenced throughout a research paper. This page not only acknowledges the contributions of other authors and researchers but also provides a pathway for readers to trace the origins of information. By including a Works Cited page, writers demonstrate their commitment to academic integrity and the ethical use of information.

Key Reasons for Including a Works Cited Page:

  • Credibility: Citing sources enhances the credibility of your work, showing that you have engaged with existing literature and research.
  • Plagiarism Prevention: A properly formatted Works Cited page helps to avoid plagiarism by giving appropriate credit to original authors.
  • Research Transparency: It allows readers to verify your sources and further explore the topic, promoting transparency in academic discourse.
  • Structured Formatting: The MLA format provides a standardized method for citation, making it easier for readers to locate and identify sources.

Moreover, the Works Cited page acts as a roadmap for your research, showcasing the depth and breadth of your sources. It reflects the scholarly conversation surrounding your topic, illustrating how your work fits into the broader academic landscape. This not only enriches your argument but also encourages a culture of respect for intellectual property among researchers and students alike.

In addition to its ethical implications, the Works Cited page is often a requirement in academic settings. Many instructors and institutions mandate its inclusion as part of their guidelines for research papers. Failing to provide a complete and accurate Works Cited page can result in a lower grade or even accusations of academic dishonesty, underscoring its importance in maintaining academic standards.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Format an MLA Works Cited Page

Creating a properly formatted Works Cited page is essential for any academic paper written in MLA style. This page serves as a comprehensive list of all the sources you referenced throughout your work, allowing readers to locate the original materials. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you format your MLA Works Cited page correctly.

Step 1: Start on a New Page

Begin your Works Cited page on a new page at the end of your document. Ensure that the title "Works Cited" is centered at the top of the page. Use the same font and size as the rest of your paper, typically Times New Roman, 12-point font. Remember to maintain double-spacing throughout the entire page, including between entries.

Step 2: Format Your Entries

Each entry on your Works Cited page should follow a specific format. Here are the general guidelines:

  • Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of Publication.
  • Article in a Journal: Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.
  • Website: Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Web Page." Website Name, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL.

Ensure that the first line of each entry is flush left, while subsequent lines are indented by half an inch (hanging indent). Alphabetize your entries by the author's last name or by the title if there is no author.

Step 3: Include All Necessary Information

When listing sources, it is crucial to include all necessary bibliographic details. This includes the author's name, the title of the work, the publication information, and the date of access for online sources. If you are citing a book, be sure to include the city of publication and the publisher's name. For articles, include the volume and issue number, as well as the page range.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your MLA Works Cited page is formatted correctly, making your academic writing more credible and professional.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Formatting Your MLA Works Cited Page

When crafting your MLA Works Cited page, it’s essential to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and professionalism. One of the most common mistakes students make is improper indentation. In MLA format, the first line of each citation should be flush left, while subsequent lines should be indented by half an inch. This formatting style, known as a hanging indent, helps readers easily identify individual entries. To avoid this mistake, be sure to set your paragraph settings correctly in your word processor.

Another frequent error is neglecting to alphabetize entries correctly. The Works Cited page should list sources in alphabetical order by the author's last name or by the title if no author is available. Failing to follow this alphabetical arrangement can confuse readers and undermine the credibility of your research. Always double-check your list to ensure each entry is correctly placed according to MLA guidelines.

Additionally, many overlook the importance of punctuation and capitalization rules specific to MLA format. Each citation must follow a particular structure, including the correct use of italics, quotation marks, and punctuation marks. For example, book titles should be italicized, while article titles should be placed in quotation marks. Be diligent in reviewing the formatting of each entry to avoid errors that could detract from your overall work.

Lastly, some students forget to include all necessary information in their citations. Each entry should provide complete details, including the author’s name, title of the work, publication information, and the medium of publication. Omitting any of this critical information can lead to incomplete citations, making it challenging for readers to locate the sources. Always refer to the latest MLA Handbook or reputable online resources to ensure that all required elements are included in your Works Cited page.

Examples of Properly Formatted MLA Works Cited Entries

When creating a Works Cited page in MLA format, it's essential to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency. Below are examples of properly formatted MLA Works Cited entries for various types of sources, which can serve as a helpful reference when compiling your own citations.

Books

  • Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
  • Example: Smith, John. The Art of Writing. Penguin Books, 2020.

Journal Articles

  • Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. Number, no. Number, Year, pages.
  • Example: Doe, Jane. "Exploring the Depths of Literature." Journal of Literary Studies, vol. 15, no. 2, 2021, pp. 45-67.

Websites

  • Last Name, First Name. "Title of Web Page." Title of Website, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL.
  • Example: Brown, Emily. "Understanding MLA Format." Writing Resources, Academic Press, 5 May 2022, www.writingresources.com/mla-format.

These examples illustrate the correct structure and punctuation for various sources. Remember to italicize titles of books and journals, use quotation marks for article titles, and maintain a hanging indent format for each entry in your Works Cited list. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations meet the MLA standards and enhance the credibility of your academic work.

Tools and Resources for Creating an MLA Works Cited Page

Creating a proper MLA Works Cited page is essential for any academic writing project, as it ensures that sources are correctly credited and provides readers with the information needed to locate those sources. Fortunately, there are numerous tools and resources available to assist students and researchers in formatting their Works Cited pages accurately.

Online Citation Generators

One of the most convenient resources for creating an MLA Works Cited page is online citation generators. These tools automate the citation process, allowing users to input the required information about their sources and generate formatted citations quickly. Some popular citation generators include:

  • Cite This For Me - Offers a straightforward interface for generating citations in various styles, including MLA.
  • Citation Machine - Provides templates for different source types and allows for easy editing and formatting.
  • ZoteroBib - A free tool that helps you build a bibliography in seconds without requiring an account.

MLA Style Guides

In addition to citation generators, style guides are invaluable resources for understanding the specifics of MLA formatting. The MLA Handbook is the authoritative source for MLA style and provides detailed instructions on how to format citations, including examples for various types of sources. Many universities also provide their own style guides or handouts, which can be helpful for students.

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Writing Centers and Library Resources

Many academic institutions offer writing centers and library resources that can assist students in creating a Works Cited page. These centers often provide workshops, one-on-one consultations, and access to librarians who can help with citation questions. Additionally, university libraries may offer access to citation management software like EndNote or Mendeley, which can help organize sources and format citations according to MLA guidelines.

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Ashley Watts

Ashley Watts

I am Ashley Watts, a passionate math teacher with experience teaching preschool and middle school. As a parent, I understand the importance of early learning and the holistic development of children. My goal is to inspire curiosity and a love of math in my students, while balancing my professional life with my role as a dedicated mother.

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