Master the MLA Style: Essential Works Cited Guide

Master the MLA Style: Essential Works Cited Guide

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Core elements of MLA citations 2.1 Author 2.2 Title of Source 2.3 Container 2.4 Other Contributors 2.5 Version 2.6 Volume and Issue Number 2.7 Publisher 2.8 Date 2.9 Location
3. Citing the Author
4. Citing the Title of Source
5. Citing the Container
6. Other Contributors in Citations
7. Version in Citations
8. Volume and Issue Number in Citations
9. Publisher in Citations
10. Date in Citations
11. Location in Citations
12. Conclusion

MLA Style: List of Works Cited

Introduction

In academic writing, it is essential to provide accurate citations to acknowledge the sources of information used. MLA (Modern Language Association) is a widely used citation style that ensures consistency and credibility in academic work. This article will guide you through the core elements of MLA citations, including the author, title of source, container, other contributors, version, volume and issue number, publisher, date, and location.

Core elements of MLA citations

Author

The author's name is a crucial element in MLA citations. It is generally prominently displayed on the source, such as the first information page of an article or the front cover of a book. When citing the author, start with their last name followed by a comma and then their first name followed by a period.

Title of Source

The title of the source is another important element in MLA citations. It is usually prominently displayed on the work, such as the first item listed on the information page of a database article or on the front cover or spine of a book. When citing the title, ensure standardized capitalization and use italics for larger works and quotation marks for smaller works. Place ending punctuation after the title.

Container

The container refers to the larger source that holds the article or chapter being cited. Examples of containers include books, periodicals, television series, websites, or even comic book issues. If citing an entire book, you do not need to mention the container separately. However, if you are citing a smaller work within a larger work, such as a chapter in a book or an article, include the container citation. It should be italicized with standardized capitalization and placed after the title. Use a comma to separate the container from other information.

Other Contributors

Other contributors may be involved in the creation or adaptation of a source. This includes editors, translators, illustrators, and performers. If applicable, include this information in the citation after the container. Use phrases like "edited by," "translated by," or "performed by" before the name of the contributor. Place a comma after the name of the contributor.

Version

Not all sources have a version, but if they do, it should be included in the citation. Versions can include numbered editions, revised editions, authorized Bible versions, updated editions, expanded editions, or director's cuts. If your source has a version, include it after the container. Use standardized capitalization and include a comma after the version.

Volume and Issue Number

Volume and issue numbers are relevant for sources like multi-volume book sets, journal issues, comic books, and television series seasons. In MLA's eighth edition, volume and issue numbers should be written directly after the container, separated by a comma. Use the abbreviation "vol." for volume and "no." for issue, followed by the respective number. Place a comma after the number to continue describing the container.

Publisher

The publisher is the organization responsible for making the source available to the public. For books, the publisher's name can be found on the copyright page or the spine, front, or back cover. Web sources can have various publishers, including museums, libraries, universities, and their departments. Include the publisher's name after the other contributors if applicable, using a comma to separate it from other information.

Date

The date indicates the publication or creation date of the source. It is crucial for indicating updated sources or specific historical sources. You can find the date in different locations depending on the source type. For journal articles, it is usually on the first printed page or the copyright page of a book. Web sources should clearly display the date. Write the date in the format of day, month, year. Place a comma after the date to continue describing the container.

Location

The location specifies where the source is located. If you are citing a specific page, use "p." followed by the page number. For multiple pages, use "pp." followed by the page range. For journal articles with a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), include the DOI after the database name. The DOI is typically located on the information page or the first page of the article. Place a comma after the database name to continue the citation. End the citation with a period.

Conclusion

This article has provided an overview of the core elements of MLA citations. By following the guidelines explained for each element, you can create accurate and consistent citations for your works cited page. Remember to adapt these guidelines based on the specific requirements of your academic institution or publisher.

FAQ:

Q: What is MLA style? A: MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a widely used citation style that ensures consistency and credibility in academic writing. It provides guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers in the humanities.

Q: How do I cite an article with multiple authors in MLA style? A: When citing an article with multiple authors, list all the authors' names in the same order as they appear in the source. Use the format Last Name, First Name for each author. If there are more than three authors, you can use "et al." after the first author's name.

Q: What should I do if there is no author mentioned in the source? A: If there is no author mentioned in the source, begin the citation with the title of the source. Use the title in place of the author's name in the citation and alphabetize it in the works cited page.

Q: How do I cite a web page in MLA style? A: When citing a web page, include the author (if available), title of the page, name of the website, date of publication or last update, and the URL. If there is no author, start with the title of the page. Use the format Last Name, First Name for the author's name if available.