How To Write Mla Works Cited

Creating a properly formatted MLA Works Cited page is essential for academic writing, especially in the humanities. It not only gives credit to the original sources you used but also enhances the credibility of your work. Whether you're a student new to MLA format or looking to refine your skills, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of writing an accurate and well-organized MLA Works Cited page.

Understanding the Purpose of a Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page in MLA format serves as a comprehensive list of all sources referenced within your paper. It allows readers to locate the original sources if they wish to verify information or explore further. Proper citation also helps you avoid plagiarism by giving appropriate credit to authors and creators of the works you used.

Basic Principles of MLA Formatting

Before diving into specific citation formats, it’s important to understand some fundamental MLA guidelines:

• Double-spacing: The entire Works Cited page should be double-spaced.
• Hanging indents: Each entry should have a hanging indent, where the first line aligns with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented by 0.5 inches.
• Alphabetical order: Entries should be listed alphabetically by the author’s last name.
• Title: The page should be titled "Works Cited" centered at the top.

General Format for a Works Cited Entry

While citation formats vary depending on the type of source, most entries follow a core structure:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Title of Container, Other Contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication Date, Location.

Ensure you adapt this template according to the specific source type, such as books, articles, websites, or multimedia.

How To Cite Common Source Types in MLA

1. Book

Format:

Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example:

Smith, John. The Art of Writing. Penguin Books, 2018.

2. Book with Multiple Authors

Format:

Last Name, First Name, and Second Author’s First Name Last Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.

Example:

Doe, Jane, and Richard Roe. Understanding Literature. Oxford University Press, 2020.

3. Journal Article

Format:

Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. Volume Number, no. Issue Number, Year, pages.

Example:

Johnson, Emily. "Analyzing Modern Poetry." Literary Review, vol. 45, no. 2, 2019, pp. 150-165.

4. Website

Format:

Last Name, First Name (if available). "Title of Web Page." Title of Website, Publisher (if different from website name), Publication Date, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.

Example:

Brown, Lisa. "The History of Art." ArtHistoryOnline, 15 March 2021, www.arthistoryonline.com/history. Accessed 20 April 2023.

5. Video or Multimedia

Format:

Last Name, First Name (if available). "Title of Video." Platform Name, uploaded by Uploader Name, Day Month Year, URL.

Example:

Smith, David. "Understanding Climate Change." YouTube, uploaded by ClimateWatch, 10 Feb. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=abc123.

Special Formatting Tips for MLA Works Cited

To ensure your Works Cited page meets MLA standards, keep these tips in mind:

• Authors’ Names: List the last name first, followed by the first name. For multiple authors, invert the first name of the second and subsequent authors.
• Titles: Use italics for larger works like books and movies; use quotation marks for shorter works like articles or web pages.
• Dates and Publishers: Be consistent with date formats and publisher information. Use abbreviations like "pp." for page numbers.
• URLs: Include the full URL without "http://" or "https://".
• Access Dates: For online sources, include the date you accessed the material, especially if content is likely to change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To create an error-free Works Cited page, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Failing to use a hanging indent.
• Ordering entries incorrectly — always alphabetize by the author's last name.
• Using inconsistent formatting styles.
• Omitting essential information like publication dates or URLs.
• Not double-spacing the entire page.

Using Citation Tools and Resources

If you're unsure about formatting, various tools can help streamline the process:

• Online citation generators like EasyBib, Citation Machine, or BibMe.
• MLA style guides and manuals, such as the official MLA Handbook.
• Library resources and writing centers often provide citation assistance.

While these tools are helpful, always review automatically generated citations for accuracy and completeness.

Final Tips for a Perfect MLA Works Cited

To wrap up, here are some final tips to ensure your Works Cited page is impeccable:

• Start your Works Cited page on a new page at the end of your paper.
• Center the title "Works Cited" without italics or quotation marks.
• Maintain consistent formatting throughout.
• Double-check each entry for accuracy against the MLA guidelines.
• Proofread your entire works cited list to catch any typographical or formatting errors.

Conclusion

Writing an MLA Works Cited page might seem daunting at first, but with a clear understanding of the rules and a systematic approach, it becomes a straightforward task. Remember to organize your sources alphabetically, format each entry correctly, and double-space the entire list. Proper citations not only uphold academic integrity but also demonstrate your attention to detail and respect for original creators. By following this guide, you'll be able to craft a polished, accurate, and professional MLA Works Cited page that complements your academic work and enhances its credibility.

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