Easy Guide to Creating a Works Cited

Easy Guide to Creating a Works Cited

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Purpose of a Works Cited Page
3. Formatting the Works Cited Page a. Placement and Title b. Font and Spacing c. Order and Indentation
4. Alphabetical Order
5. Examples of Different Sources a. Website b. Film c. Book
6. Using Easybib for Citing Sources a. Website Citation b. Film Citation c. Book Citation
7. Checking Formatting with Purdue Owl
8. Assignment Instructions
9. Conclusion

How to Create an MLA Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page is an essential component of any MLA-formatted essay. Its purpose is to give credit to the sources from which you found your information, avoiding plagiarism and helping your reader locate information about your topic. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process of creating a Works Cited page, including its placement, formatting, and citation examples for different sources.

Purpose of a Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page serves two main purposes: giving credit to sources and assisting readers in finding the information you used. By providing proper citations, you acknowledge the authors or creators of the sources and avoid plagiarism. Additionally, the Works Cited page acts as a reference guide for readers who want to explore your topic further by locating the sources you consulted during your research.

Formatting the Works Cited Page

Placement and Title

The Works Cited page should be placed at the end of your essay, on its own separate page. The title "Works Cited" should be centered at the top of the page, using the same font as the rest of your essay. It is important to note that the title of the page should not be bolded, underlined, or highlighted in any way.

Font and Spacing

The entire Works Cited page should be double-spaced, including the citations. The font used for the page should match the font of your essay, typically 12-point Times New Roman. Consistency in font and spacing ensures a professional and organized presentation of your citations.

Order and Indentation

The sources on the Works Cited page should be listed in alphabetical order, usually by the author's last name or the first word of the title of the article or web page. Each new entry on the page should start at the left margin, with subsequent lines of the same entry indented in a hanging indent format. This indentation allows readers to distinguish between different entries and helps maintain a clean and structured appearance.

Alphabetical Order

Maintaining alphabetical order is crucial when creating the Works Cited page. It ensures that readers can easily locate the sources you used based on the author's last name or the first word of the title. By organizing the citations alphabetically, you establish a logical flow and make it convenient for readers to navigate through the list of sources.

Examples of Different Sources

Website

To cite a website in your Works Cited page, you need to include the URL of the web page. Online tools like Easybib simplify the process by generating citations for you. Simply enter the URL, and Easybib will provide you with the necessary information to create the citation accurately.

Film

When citing a film, you must include details such as the director, performers, and the title of the film. Websites like IMDb.com can help you obtain the required information. Ensure that you select the correct film from the list of options provided and gather all the necessary details for accurate citation.

Book

Citing a book requires information such as the author's last name, first name, and the title of the book. It is essential to take note of the edition you are referencing, as different editions may have variations in formatting. Cross-referencing with resources like Purdue Owl can ensure that you cite the book appropriately.

Using Easybib for Citing Sources

Easybib is a useful tool for generating citations in various formats, including MLA. It simplifies the process by automatically formatting the citation for you based on the source's information. Whether you are citing a website, film, or book, Easybib can assist you in creating accurate citations quickly and efficiently.

Website Citation

To cite a website using Easybib, you need to input the URL of the web page. Easybib will generate the citation for you, ensuring proper formatting and accuracy. However, it is essential to double-check the generated citation against the required guidelines to ensure its correctness.

Film Citation

When citing a film with Easybib, you must provide details such as the film's title, director, and performers. Inputting this information into Easybib will result in a correctly formatted film citation. Remember to verify the citation's accuracy by cross-referencing the details with reliable sources.

Book Citation

Using Easybib for citing a book is straightforward. Enter the book's title and the author's name, and Easybib will generate the citation for you. Pay attention to the edition of the book you are citing to ensure accuracy. Double-checking the generated citation against trusted resources like Purdue Owl is advisable.

Checking Formatting with Purdue Owl

Purdue Owl is an excellent resource for verifying the formatting of your Works Cited page. Their website provides comprehensive guidelines and examples for MLA formatting. By visiting Purdue Owl and comparing your citations with their samples, you can ensure the correct format for each source type.

Assignment Instructions

As part of your assignment, you will create a sample Works Cited page. You are required to pick three different sources that provide information about Romeo and Juliet. These sources should represent various formats, such as a website, a film, and a book. Use Easybib or citation machine to generate the citations and follow the Purdue Owl guidelines to ensure proper formatting. After completing your Works Cited page, print it out and submit it as instructed.

Conclusion

The Works Cited page is an essential element of an MLA-formatted essay. By understanding the purpose and guidelines for creating a Works Cited page, you can credit your sources properly and provide readers with a valuable resource for further exploration. Using tools like Easybib and checking formatting with Purdue Owl can streamline the process and ensure the accuracy of your citations. Remember to follow your assignment instructions carefully to create an exemplary Works Cited page.