The MLA citation style is a widely accepted formatting guide for academic and research papers, particularly in the humanities. It provides a standardized way to document sources, ensuring that writers give credit to the original authors of ideas, quotes, and information used in their work. The Works Cited page is a crucial component of any MLA-formatted paper, as it lists all the sources cited in the text.
Understanding the MLA Citation Style
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is preferred by scholars in literature, language, and other disciplines in the humanities. The MLA Handbook, now in its eighth edition, offers detailed guidance on formatting, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page. A key feature of MLA style is the use of parenthetical citations in the text, which are then fully referenced on the Works Cited page.
Constructing the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a list of all the sources you’ve used in your research paper. It should be double-spaced and have a hanging indent for each entry. Sources are arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name. If a source does not have an author, it is listed by the title of the work. The first line of each entry is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented five spaces.
| Type of Source | MLA Citation Format |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Website | Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Webpage." Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. |
Formatting Guidelines for the Works Cited Page
Formatting the Works Cited page correctly is crucial for achieving a professional and polished look in your academic paper. Here are some key guidelines to follow:
- Alphabetical Order: Sources should be listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name. If the source does not have an author, it is arranged by the title of the work.
- Double-Spacing: The Works Cited page should be double-spaced, with no extra spacing between entries.
- Hanging Indent: Each entry should have a hanging indent, where the first line is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented five spaces.
- Pagination: The Works Cited page should be numbered, continuing the page numbering from the rest of the paper.
Common Challenges in Creating the Works Cited Page
Creating a Works Cited page can present several challenges, especially for students who are new to academic writing. One common issue is ensuring that all sources are properly cited, both in the text and on the Works Cited page. Another challenge is mastering the various citation formats for different types of sources.
Given the complexity of MLA citation rules, it can be helpful to use online citation generators or consult the MLA Handbook directly. These resources can provide detailed examples and guidance for citing a wide range of sources, from books and journal articles to websites and social media posts.
What is the purpose of the Works Cited page in MLA style?
+The Works Cited page lists all the sources used in the research paper, providing readers with the information needed to find and consult those sources.
How are sources arranged on the Works Cited page?
+Sources are arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name. If a source does not have an author, it is listed by the title of the work.
What information should be included 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 in title case, publisher, and year of publication.
