An Easy Guide to Creating Works Cited in Grade 7

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Formatting Works Cited Page 2.1. Easybib: Pros and Cons 2.2. Scribbler: Pros and Cons
3. Gathering Citations for Your Research 3.1. Using Databases for Citations 3.2. Using Online Sources for Citations
4. Setting up Your Works Cited Page 4.1. Formatting Options (Font, Alignment, and Spacing) 4.2. Creating a Clean Slate in Google Docs
5. Copying and Pasting Entries 5.1. Formatting Issues with Pasted Entries 5.2. Correcting Font, Alignment, and Spacing
6. Indenting Citations Correctly 6.1. Indenting and Tabbing Techniques 6.2. Adjusting Formatting for Lengthy Citations
7. Alphabetizing Entries 7.1. Ensuring Proper Alphabetical Order 7.2. Troubleshooting Formatting Issues
8. Finalizing Your Works Cited Page 8.1. Reviewing and Checking for Mistakes 8.2. Clarifying Specific Formatting Requirements
9. Conclusion

Formatting Your Works Cited Page: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a research paper involves more than just the content of the paper itself. It also requires meticulous attention to detail when formatting the works cited page. This page is where you provide a list of all the sources you referenced in your paper, giving credit to the original authors and allowing readers to access the sources themselves. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up and formatting your works cited page, ensuring that it is organized, clear, and in line with your teacher's requirements.

1. Introduction

The works cited page is an essential component of any research paper. It not only acknowledges the sources you have used but also adds credibility to your own work by demonstrating that you have conducted thorough research and have supported your arguments with reputable sources. Properly formatting your works cited page not only shows attention to detail but also ensures that readers can easily locate the sources you have referenced.

2. The Importance of Formatting Works Cited Page

Before delving into the specifics of formatting your works cited page, it's important to understand why this step is crucial. By formatting your works cited page correctly, you:

2.1. Provide Proper Attribution: Including a works cited page allows you to give credit to the original authors of the sources you have used in your research. This is important for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism.

2.2. Enhance Readability: A well-formatted works cited page improves the overall readability of your research paper. It helps readers navigate through your citations and locate the sources easily.

3. Gathering Citations for Your Research

Before you can begin formatting your works cited page, you need to gather all the necessary citations for your research sources. This involves:

3.1. Using Databases for Citations: Utilize academic databases like JSTOR, ProQuest, or EBSCO to find scholarly articles relevant to your research topic. These databases often provide pre-formatted citations that you can directly copy and paste into your works cited page.

3.2. Using Online Sources for Citations: When citing online sources like websites or online articles, it's essential to use reliable citation generators like Scribbler. These tools can help you generate accurate and properly formatted citations for your works cited page.

4. Setting up Your Works Cited Page

Once you have gathered all your citations, it's time to set up your works cited page. Follow these steps to ensure proper formatting:

4.1. Formatting Options: Before you start, make sure you are using the correct font (Times New Roman, size 12) and that your paper is double-spaced. These formatting options are typically required by most teachers and institutions.

4.2. Creating a Clean Slate in Google Docs: In your Google Docs document, navigate to a fresh page where you will insert your works cited page. Center the text and type "Works Cited," hitting Enter afterward. Depending on your teacher's requirements, you may need to add an additional space before proceeding.

5. Copying and Pasting Entries

With the initial setup complete, it's time to copy and paste your citations into the works cited page. Follow these steps to ensure a clean and error-free transfer of information:

5.1. Formatting Issues with Pasted Entries: Sometimes, when copying citations from various sources, formatting issues may occur. This is particularly common when using citation add-ons like Easybib. To avoid such problems, opt for reliable citation generators like Scribbler, which can provide more accurate and consistent results.

5.2. Correcting Font, Alignment, and Spacing: After pasting the citations, ensure that the entire works cited page aligns with the font, size, alignment, and spacing requirements. Highlight the entire text and reset the font to Times New Roman, size 12, and adjust the alignment to left. Confirm that the spacing is set to double.

6. Indenting Citations Correctly

Indenting your citations correctly adds a professional touch to your works cited page. Here's how to ensure proper indentation:

6.1. Indenting and Tabbing Techniques: To indent the second and subsequent lines of each citation, hit Enter at the end of the first line and use the Tab key to move the text over. This will create a hanging indent, which is the standard format for works cited entries.

6.2. Adjusting Formatting for Lengthy Citations: If a citation is too long to fit within your page width, you may need to adjust the font size or shrink the text slightly. This will allow the citation to fit without disrupting the overall alignment of your works cited page.

7. Alphabetizing Entries

Alphabetizing your works cited entries is essential for easy reference. Here's how to ensure proper alphabetical order:

7.1. Ensuring Proper Alphabetical Order: Once all your entries are in place, review the order and ensure that they are arranged alphabetically. If any entries are out of order, cut and paste them in the correct position.

7.2. Troubleshooting Formatting Issues: Sometimes, when rearranging entries, formatting may be affected. Use the backspace and enter keys, along with tabbing, to correct any spacing or alignment issues that may arise during the alphabetization process.

8. Finalizing Your Works Cited Page

Before submitting your research paper, it's crucial to review and finalize your works cited page. Here's what you need to do:

8.1. Reviewing and Checking for Mistakes: Carefully proofread your works cited page to ensure that all entries are correctly formatted, properly alphabetized, and accurately cited. Check for any spelling errors or missing information.

8.2. Clarifying Specific Formatting Requirements: Teachers may have specific formatting requirements, such as the number of spaces between entries or the use of hanging indents. Double-check with your teacher to ensure you comply with these requirements.

9. Conclusion

Formatting your works cited page may seem like a daunting task, but by following these step-by-step instructions, you can ensure that your works cited page is properly organized, formatted, and in line with your teacher's requirements. Remember, attention to detail is key, as it demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity and adds credibility to your research paper. Good luck with your future research endeavors!

Highlights:

• Properly formatting your works cited page is essential for academic integrity and ensuring your research paper is credible.
• Use reliable citation generators like Scribbler to avoid formatting issues when transferring citations.
• Pay attention to font, alignment, spacing, and indentation when setting up and formatting your works cited page.
• Alphabetize your entries to enhance readability.
• Carefully review and check for mistakes before finalizing your works cited page.
• Communicate with your teacher to clarify any specific formatting requirements.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use Easybib for formatting my works cited page? A: While Easybib is an option, it may cause issues when handling citations from different sources. Scribbler, a reliable citation generator, is recommended for more consistent results.

Q: What should I do if a citation is too long to fit within the page width? A: If a citation is too long, you can adjust the font size or shrink the text slightly to ensure it fits without disrupting the alignment of your works cited page.

Q: How do I ensure proper alphabetical order in my works cited page? A: To ensure proper alphabetical order, carefully review the entries and rearrange them as needed. Use the cut and paste technique to place entries in the correct position.

Q: Are there any specific formatting requirements I need to be aware of for my works cited page? A: Yes, teachers may have specific requirements regarding spacing between entries or the use of hanging indents. Consult with your teacher to ensure compliance with these guidelines.