The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely used format for citing sources in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. When it comes to creating a Works Cited page, which is the MLA equivalent of a bibliography, there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure accuracy and consistency. In this article, we will delve into the details of creating an MLA Sources Cited page, exploring the general guidelines, formatting requirements, and providing examples for different types of sources.
General Guidelines for the MLA Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is where you list all the sources you’ve cited in your paper. Here are some key points to remember:
- The Works Cited page should be on a separate page at the end of your paper.
- Center the title “Works Cited” at the top of the page.
- Double-space the entire page.
- Use a legible font, typically 12-point Times New Roman.
- Indent the second and subsequent lines of each citation 0.5 inches (or five spaces) from the left margin.
Formatting Requirements for Different Source Types
MLA style requires different formatting for various types of sources. Below are some examples and guidelines for commonly cited sources:
| Source Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Book by One Author | Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. |
| Article in a Journal | Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. Volume, no. Issue, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. |
| Websites | Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Webpage." Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. |
For instance, a book by one author would be cited as follows: Doe, John. The History of Literature. Oxford University Press, 2020. This example illustrates how the author's name, title of the book, publisher, and year of publication are formatted.
Examples of Sources Cited Entries
Below are detailed examples of how different sources are cited in MLA style:
Books
For books, you need to include the author’s name, title of the book, publisher, and year of publication.
- One author: Doe, John. The Art of Writing. New York: Penguin, 2019.
- Two authors: Doe, John, and Jane Smith. Co-authored Book. New York: Macmillan, 2020.
- More than two authors: Doe, John, et al. A Collaborative Work. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2018.
Articles
For articles in journals, magazines, or newspapers, include the author’s name, title of the article, title of the publication, volume and issue numbers (for journals), publication date, and page numbers.
- Journal article: Smith, Jane. “The Impact of Technology.” Journal of Technology Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 12-20.
- Magazine article: Doe, John. “Environmental Issues.” Green Earth Magazine, 15 Apr. 2020, pp. 10-15.
- Newspaper article: Johnson, Mike. “Local News.” The New York Times, 20 Jan. 2020, p. A3.
Online Sources
For online sources, such as websites and webpages, include the author’s name, title of the webpage (in title case), title of the website (in title case and italicized), publication date, URL, and the date of access.
- Website: Doe, John. “About Us.” The Doe Foundation, www.doefoundation.org/about, Accessed 10 Feb. 2023.
These examples illustrate the diversity of sources that can be cited in MLA style, from traditional print materials like books and articles to digital sources found online.
What is the purpose of the Works Cited page in MLA style?
+The Works Cited page is used to list all the sources cited in the paper, providing readers with the information needed to locate and consult the sources.
How do I format the Works Cited page according to MLA guidelines?
+To format the Works Cited page, center the title “Works Cited” at the top of the page, double-space the entire page, and use a legible font. Each source should be listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name, with the second and subsequent lines of each citation indented 0.5 inches from the left margin.
What information do I need to include for a book citation in MLA style?
+For a book citation, include the author’s name, title of the book (in title case and italicized), publisher, and year of publication. For example: Doe, John. The History of Literature. Oxford University Press, 2020.
