When it comes to formatting a Works Cited page in MLA style, it can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to academic writing. However, with the right tips and guidelines, formatting a Works Cited page can be a breeze. In this article, we will provide 12 MLA style Works Cited tips for easy formatting, ensuring that your academic papers are well-organized and polished.
Understanding MLA Style
Before we dive into the tips, it’s essential to understand the basics of MLA style. The Modern Language Association (MLA) is a formatting style commonly used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. MLA style provides guidelines for formatting papers, citing sources, and creating a Works Cited page.
MLA Style Basics
Here are some MLA style basics to keep in mind:
- Double-space your paper, including the Works Cited page
- Use a legible font, such as 12-point Times New Roman
- Leave one-inch margins on all sides
- Indent paragraphs five spaces or use the tab key
12 MLA Style Works Cited Tips
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are 12 MLA style Works Cited tips to help you format your page with ease:
Tip 1: Use a Separate Page
The Works Cited page should be on a separate page from the rest of your paper. Make sure to label the page “Works Cited” and center it at the top.
Tip 2: Alphabetize Sources
Sources on the Works Cited page should be alphabetized by the author’s last name. If there is no author, use the title of the source.
Tip 3: Use Hanging Indents
Use hanging indents for each source, which means that the first line of the source is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented five spaces.
Tip 4: Format Book Sources
When citing a book, use the following format: Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Print.
Tip 5: Format Journal Sources
When citing a journal article, use the following format: Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal Volume. Issue (Year of Publication): Page Numbers. Print.
Tip 6: Format Website Sources
When citing a website, use the following format: Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Webpage.” Title of Website. Day Month Year of Publication. http://www.url.com. Accessed Day Month Year.
Tip 7: Use Titles and Containers
When citing a source, use titles and containers to provide context. For example, a book chapter would be cited as: Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Chapter.” Title of Book, edited by Editor’s Name, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
Tip 8: Include Edition Numbers
If a source has an edition number, include it in the citation. For example, a book with an edition number would be cited as: Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Edition Number ed., Publisher, Year of Publication.
Tip 9: Use DOIs and URLs
When citing online sources, use DOIs (digital object identifiers) or URLs to provide a persistent link to the source.
Tip 10: Format Anthology Sources
When citing an anthology, use the following format: Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Poem or Short Story.” Title of Anthology, edited by Editor’s Name, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
Tip 11: Use Translators and Editors
If a source has a translator or editor, include their name in the citation. For example, a book with a translator would be cited as: Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Translated by Translator’s Name, Publisher, Year of Publication.
Tip 12: Double-Check Your Work
Finally, double-check your Work Cited page for errors in formatting, punctuation, and spelling. Make sure that all sources are accounted for and that the page is formatted consistently.
| Source Type | Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Print. |
| Journal Article | Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal Volume. Issue (Year of Publication): Page Numbers. Print. |
| Website | Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Webpage." Title of Website. Day Month Year of Publication. |
By mastering the MLA style Works Cited page, you'll be able to effectively organize and credit your sources, demonstrating your academic integrity and attention to detail. Remember to always consult the MLA Handbook or online resources for the most up-to-date guidelines and formatting requirements.
What is the purpose of a Works Cited page in MLA style?
+The purpose of a Works Cited page is to provide a list of sources used in the research paper, giving credit to the original authors and allowing readers to locate the sources.
How do I format a book source in MLA style?
+To format a book source in MLA style, use the following format: Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Print.
What is the difference between a Works Cited page and a bibliography?
+A Works Cited page lists only the sources cited in the paper, while a bibliography lists all sources used in the research, including those not cited in the paper.
