Easy MLA Works Cited Formatting Guide for Google Docs

Easy MLA Works Cited Formatting Guide for Google Docs

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Understanding MLA Format
   • 2.1 What is MLA Format?
   • 2.2 Why is MLA Format Important?
3. Formatting the MLA Works Cited Page in Google Docs
   • 3.1 Sorting Entries Alphabetically in Google Docs
   • 3.2 Handling Articles without an Author's Name
   • 3.3 Creating a Hanging Indent
   • 3.4 Removing Extra Spacing
   • 3.5 Formatting the Heading
   • 3.6 Setting Font and Font Size
   • 3.7 Adjusting Line Spacing
   • 3.8 Centering the Heading
4. Finalizing the Works Cited Page
   • 4.1 Adding a Header
   • 4.2 Saving and Formatting the Document
5. Conclusion

Formatting Your MLA Works Cited Page in Google Docs

In academic writing, it is important to cite sources accurately and adhere to specific formatting guidelines. One such guideline is the MLA (Modern Language Association) format, which is commonly used in humanities and liberal arts disciplines. In this article, we will discuss how to format your MLA works cited page using Google Docs.

1. Introduction

The works cited page is a crucial component of any research paper or essay written in MLA format. It provides the reader with a list of all the sources you have cited in your work, allowing them to locate and verify the information you have used. Properly formatting the works cited page is essential for maintaining the integrity and credibility of your academic writing.

2. Understanding MLA Format

2.1 What is MLA Format?

MLA format is a set of rules and guidelines for writing academic papers and citing sources. It provides a standardized format for citing sources in a clear and consistent manner. MLA format includes guidelines for the layout of the paper, in-text citations, and the works cited page.

2.2 Why is MLA Format Important?

Using MLA format is important for several reasons:

• It allows readers to easily locate and verify the sources you have used.
• It demonstrates your ability to conduct thorough research and properly attribute credit to the original authors.
• It ensures that your work meets the academic standards and expectations of your instructors or publishers.

3. Formatting the MLA Works Cited Page in Google Docs

To format your MLA works cited page in Google Docs, follow these step-by-step instructions:

3.1 Sorting Entries Alphabetically in Google Docs

In order to create a properly formatted works cited page, you need to ensure that the entries are arranged in alphabetical order. This can be easily done in Google Docs by following these steps:

1. Highlight all the entries in your works cited page.
2. Click on the "Format" menu.
3. Select "Align & indent."
4. Click on "Indent options."
5. Choose "Hanging" from the drop-down menu.
6. Click "Apply."

3.2 Handling Articles without an Author's Name

Sometimes, the articles you are citing may not have a specified author's name. In such cases, you should use the first significant word of the article title to determine its placement in alphabetical order. For example:

• If the article title begins with the word "Does," it would come before an article starting with "Downey."
• If the article title is "The Case for Quality Homework," you would ignore the word "The" and alphabetize it under "Case."

3.3 Creating a Hanging Indent

A hanging indent is a formatting style where the first line of each citation is flush with the left margin, while subsequent lines are indented. This is the standard format for a works cited page in MLA style. To create a hanging indent in Google Docs:

1. Highlight the entire works cited page.
2. Click on the "Format" menu.
3. Select "Align & indent."
4. Click on "Indent options."
5. Choose "Special indent."
6. Select "Hanging" from the drop-down menu.
7. Click "Apply."

3.4 Removing Extra Spacing

To create a clean and streamlined works cited page, it is important to eliminate any extra spacing between the entries. Simply highlight the entire page and delete any extra spacing.

3.5 Formatting the Heading

The works cited page should have a heading that clearly indicates its purpose. In MLA format, the heading should be "Works Cited" and should be centered at the top of the page. To format the heading:

1. Highlight the heading "Works Cited."
2. Click on the "Format" menu.
3. Select "Align & indent."
4. Click on "Center align."
5. The heading should now be centered at the top of the page.

3.6 Setting Font and Font Size

In MLA format, the standard font is Times New Roman, and the font size is 12. To set the font and font size for your works cited page:

1. Highlight the entire works cited page.
2. Click on the font selection menu.
3. Choose "Times New Roman" as the font.
4. Click on the font size menu.
5. Select "12" as the font size.

3.7 Adjusting Line Spacing

MLA format requires double-spacing for the entire document, including the works cited page. To adjust the line spacing in Google Docs:

1. Highlight the entire works cited page.
2. Click on the "Line spacing" icon, which may appear as three dots or double arrows.
3. Select "Double" as the line spacing option.

3.8 Centering the Heading

To ensure that the heading is properly centered on the page:

1. Highlight the heading "Works Cited."
2. Click on the "Center align" icon.

4. Finalizing the Works Cited Page

4.1 Adding a Header

If your works cited page is part of a larger document, you will likely have a header that contains your name, instructor's name, course information, and the date. To add a header in Google Docs:

1. Double-click in the header area.
2. Insert the appropriate information, such as your name, instructor's name, course information, and date.

4.2 Saving and Formatting the Document

Once you have completed formatting your works cited page, it is important to save the document and ensure that the formatting remains intact. Save your document and review the works cited page to ensure that the formatting appears as desired.

5. Conclusion

Formatting your MLA works cited page in Google Docs is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can ensure that your works cited page is properly formatted and meets the requirements of MLA style.

Highlights:

• Understanding MLA format and its importance in academic writing.
• Step-by-step instructions for formatting the works cited page in Google Docs.
• Sorting entries alphabetically and handling articles without an author's name.
• Creating a hanging indent and removing extra spacing.
• Formatting the heading, font, font size, and line spacing.
• Adding a header and finalizing the works cited page in Google Docs.

FAQ

Q: What is MLA format? A: MLA format is a set of rules and guidelines for writing academic papers and citing sources in humanities and liberal arts disciplines.

Q: Why is MLA format important? A: MLA format is important for accurately citing sources, maintaining academic integrity, and meeting the standards of academic institutions.

Q: How do I format a hanging indent in Google Docs? A: To create a hanging indent in Google Docs, highlight the text, go to "Format," select "Align & indent," choose "Indent options," select "Special indent," choose "Hanging," and click "Apply."

Q: How do I center the heading in a works cited page? A: To center the heading in a works cited page in Google Docs, highlight the heading, go to "Format," select "Align & indent," and click on "Center align."

Q: What font and font size should I use for MLA format? A: The standard font for MLA format is Times New Roman, and the font size is 12.

Q: How do I adjust the line spacing in Google Docs? A: To adjust the line spacing in Google Docs, highlight the text, click on the "Line spacing" icon, and select "Double" as the line spacing option.

Q: How do I add a header to the works cited page? A: To add a header in Google Docs, double-click in the header area and insert the appropriate information, such as your name, instructor's name, course information, and date.

***Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or professional advice.