When it comes to citing sources in academic writing, the Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most commonly used formats. The MLA Works Cited page is a crucial component of any research paper, as it provides a comprehensive list of all the sources cited in the paper. In this article, we will delve into the world of MLA Works Cited examples, providing a detailed guide on how to cite different types of sources, from books and articles to websites and social media.
MLA Works Cited Basics
The MLA Works Cited page is typically found at the end of a research paper, and it includes a list of all the sources cited in the paper. Each source is listed in a specific format, which includes the author’s name, title of the source, publication date, and other relevant information. The MLA style is widely used in the humanities, including literature, language, and cultural studies.
MLA Works Cited Examples: Books
When citing a book in MLA style, the general format is as follows:
- Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
For example:
- Smith, John. The History of Literature. Penguin Books, 2010.
If the book has multiple authors, the format is as follows:
- Lastname, Firstname, and Firstname Lastname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
For example:
- Smith, John, and Jane Doe. The History of Literature. Penguin Books, 2010.
MLA Works Cited Examples: Articles
When citing an article in MLA style, the general format is as follows:
- Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Article.” Title of Publication, Day Month Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
For example:
- Smith, John. “The Impact of Technology on Literature.” The New York Times, 12 Jan. 2020, pp. 1-3.
If the article is found online, the format is as follows:
- Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Article.” Title of Publication, Day Month Year of Publication, https://www.example.com. Accessed Day Month Year.
For example:
- Smith, John. “The Impact of Technology on Literature.” The New York Times, 12 Jan. 2020, https://www.example.com. Accessed 15 Feb. 2022.
MLA Works Cited Examples: Websites
When citing a website in MLA style, the general format is as follows:
- Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Webpage.” Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, https://www.example.com. Accessed Day Month Year.
For example:
- Smith, John. “The History of Literature.” The Literature Website, 12 Jan. 2020, https://www.example.com. Accessed 15 Feb. 2022.
MLA Works Cited Examples: Social Media
When citing a social media post in MLA style, the general format is as follows:
- Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Post.” Platform, Day Month Year of Publication, https://www.example.com. Accessed Day Month Year.
For example:
- Smith, John. “The Impact of Technology on Literature.” Twitter, 12 Jan. 2020, https://www.example.com. Accessed 15 Feb. 2022.
| Type of Source | MLA Citation Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. |
| Article | Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Title of Publication, Day Month Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. |
| Website | Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Webpage." Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, https://www.example.com. Accessed Day Month Year. |
| Social Media | Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Post." Platform, Day Month Year of Publication, https://www.example.com. Accessed Day Month Year. |
In conclusion, citing sources in MLA style can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be a straightforward process. By following the MLA Works Cited examples outlined in this article, you can ensure that your research paper is properly formatted and that your sources are accurately cited.
What is the purpose of the MLA Works Cited page?
+The MLA Works Cited page provides a comprehensive list of all the sources cited in a research paper, allowing readers to locate and consult the sources used by the author.
How do I cite a book in MLA style?
+To cite a book in MLA style, use the following format: Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
What is the difference between a citation and a reference?
+A citation is a brief reference to a source in the text of a paper, while a reference is a full citation to a source, usually found in a Works Cited page or bibliography.
