When it comes to citing sources in academic writing, the Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most widely used formats. Creating a Works Cited page in MLA style can seem daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward once you understand the basics. In this article, we'll break down the steps to create a Works Cited page in MLA style, making it simple and easy to follow.
Understanding the Basics of MLA Style
The MLA style is a set of guidelines for formatting and citing sources in academic writing. It’s commonly used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. The MLA style is designed to be clear and concise, making it easy for readers to understand and locate sources. The Works Cited page is a crucial component of MLA style, as it provides a list of all sources cited in the paper.
What to Include in the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page should include all sources cited in the paper, including books, articles, websites, and other materials. Each source should be listed in a specific format, which includes the author’s name, title of the source, publication date, and other relevant information. The format for each source type is slightly different, so it’s essential to understand the specific guidelines for each type.
| Source Type | Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. |
| Article | Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, Volume, Issue, 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. |
Creating the Works Cited Page
To create the Works Cited page, start by listing all sources cited in the paper in alphabetical order by author’s last name. If a source has no author, list it by title. Each source should be formatted according to the MLA guidelines, with the author’s name, title of the source, publication date, and other relevant information.
Formatting the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page should be formatted with the following guidelines:
- Double-space the entire page
- Use a legible font, such as 12-point Times New Roman
- Indent each source 0.5 inches from the left margin
- Use title case for titles, with major words capitalized
- Use quotation marks for article titles and italicize book and journal titles
By following these guidelines, you can create a Works Cited page that is accurate, consistent, and easy to read.
Examples of Works Cited Entries
Here are some examples of Works Cited entries for different source types:
Book:
Smith, John. The History of Literature. Routledge, 2010.
Article:
Jones, Mary. "The Impact of Technology on Education." Journal of Educational Research, vol. 10, no. 2, 2015, pp. 12-20.
Website:
Williams, David. "The Benefits of Meditation." Mindful Magazine, 10 Jan. 2020, www.mindful.org/the-benefits-of-meditation. Accessed 15 Feb. 2020.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When creating a Works Cited page, there are several common mistakes to avoid:
- Incorrect formatting: Make sure to follow the MLA guidelines for formatting, including double-spacing, font, and indentation.
- Inconsistent citation style: Use the same citation style throughout the paper, and make sure to update the Works Cited page accordingly.
- Missing information: Ensure that all sources include the necessary information, such as author's name, title, publication date, and page numbers.
- Incorrect punctuation: Use the correct punctuation, such as commas, periods, and quotation marks, to separate elements in the citation.
What is the purpose of the Works Cited page in MLA style?
+The Works Cited page provides a list of all sources cited in the paper, allowing readers to locate and access the sources.
How do I format the Works Cited page in MLA style?
+The Works Cited page should be double-spaced, with a legible font, and indented 0.5 inches from the left margin. Use title case for titles, and use quotation marks for article titles and italicize book and journal titles.
What information should I include in a Works Cited entry for a book?
+A Works Cited entry for a book should include the author’s name, title of the book, publisher, and year of publication.
