Mastering MLA Format: Writing a Perfect Works Cited Page

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why a Work Cited Page is Important
3. Understanding MLA Format
   • What is MLA Format?
   • How to format in-text citations
4. Citing Books in MLA Format
   • Elements of a book citation
   • Example of a book citation
5. Citing Websites in MLA Format
   • Elements of a website citation
   • Example of a website citation
6. Citing Print Newspapers in MLA Format
   • Elements of a print newspaper citation
   • Example of a print newspaper citation
7. Citing Online Sources in MLA Format
   • Elements of an online source citation
   • Example of an online source citation
8. Putting Your Works Cited Page Together
   • Formatting the title and arrangement of citations
   • Creating a hanging indent and adjusting spacing
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Write a Work Cited Page in MLA Format

The work cited page is an essential component of any research paper, essay, or academic writing in general. It not only gives credit to the sources used but also allows readers to verify and locate the cited information. In this article, we will delve into the details of how to create a work cited page in MLA (Modern Language Association) format, which is the most commonly used citation style in humanities and social sciences.

1. Introduction

When writing a research paper or any other piece of academic writing, it is crucial to acknowledge the sources from which you have gathered information or ideas. Failure to do so can result in plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense. The work cited page serves as a comprehensive list of all the sources you have referenced in your paper. By including this page, you demonstrate your integrity as a researcher and provide your readers with the necessary information to delve deeper into the topics you have discussed.

2. Why a Work Cited Page is Important

A work cited page is important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows readers to authenticate the information presented in your paper by consulting the original sources. This enhances the credibility and reliability of your work. Secondly, it demonstrates your understanding of the scholarly conversation surrounding your topic. By referencing reputable sources, you show that your research is building upon existing knowledge and contributing to the academic discourse. Finally, a work cited page helps you avoid plagiarism, as it provides a clear record of the sources you have consulted and cited.

3. Understanding MLA Format

What is MLA Format?

MLA format is a set of guidelines established by the Modern Language Association for documenting sources in scholarly writing. It provides specific rules for formatting in-text citations, quotations, and the work cited page. MLA format is widely used in the humanities, including English literature, history, philosophy, and cultural studies. Understanding the basics of MLA format is essential for creating an accurate and properly formatted work cited page.

How to format in-text citations

In-text citations in MLA format typically consist of the author's last name and page number within parentheses and appear after a direct quote or paraphrased information. For example, "(Smith 25)" would indicate that the cited information can be found on page 25 of a work written by an author named Smith. If the author's name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number needs to be included in the parentheses. It is important to note that in-text citations should correspond to the full citation provided on the work cited page.

4. Citing Books in MLA Format

Elements of a book citation

When citing a book in MLA format, several elements need to be included for a complete citation. These elements are:

• Author's last name, first name
• Book title (italicized)
• Place of publication
• Publisher
• Date of publication
• Medium of publication (e.g., print, e-book)

Example of a book citation

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006. Print.

In this example, the book was written by Harper Lee and published by Harper Perennial Modern Classics in 2006. It is a printed book, as indicated by "Print" at the end of the citation.

5. Citing Websites in MLA Format

Elements of a website citation

Citing a webpage in MLA format requires the inclusion of the following elements:

• Author's last name, first name
• Title of the page (in quotation marks)
• Website title (italicized)
• Website publisher
• Date of publication (day month year format)
• URL

Example of a website citation

Smith, John. "The Importance of Work Cited Pages." Academic Writing 101. Web. 15 May 2022. https://www.example.com/page.

In this example, the webpage was written by John Smith and published on the website "Academic Writing 101" on 15 May 2022. The URL is included at the end of the citation.

6. Citing Print Newspapers in MLA Format

Elements of a print newspaper citation

When citing a print newspaper article, the following elements should be included:

• Author's last name, first name
• Article title (in quotation marks)
• Newspaper title (italicized)
• Date of publication (day month year format)
• Page numbers
• Medium (print)

Example of a print newspaper citation

Meier, Barry. "Energy Drinks Promise Edge, but Experts Say Proof Is Scant." New York Times, 1 Jan. 2013, pp. A1+. Print.

In this example, the article was written by Barry Meier and published in the New York Times on 1 Jan. 2013. The article appears on page A1+ of the print newspaper.

7. Citing Online Sources in MLA Format

Elements of an online source citation

Citing an online source, such as an article from an online journal or a blog post, requires including the following elements:

• Author's last name, first name
• Article title (in quotation marks)
• Newspaper/journal title (italicized)
• Date of publication (day month year format)
• Page numbers or indication of the absence of page numbers (e.g., "n. pag.")
• Website title (italicized)
• Date of access (day month year format)

Example of an online source citation

Smith, John. "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity." Environmental Studies Journal, 10 Apr. 2022, n. pag. Science Online. Web. 15 May 2022.

In this example, John Smith wrote an article titled "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity" for the Environmental Studies Journal. The article was published on 10 Apr. 2022, and there are no page numbers indicated ("n. pag."). The article was accessed on 15 May 2022 from the website Science Online.

8. Putting Your Works Cited Page Together

After gathering all the necessary citation information, it's time to compile your works cited page. The following steps outline how to format and arrange your citations:

1. Title: The title of the page should be "Works Cited" and centered at the top of the page.
2. Arrangement: List the citations in alphabetical order according to the author's last name. If there is no author, use the first significant word of the title.
3. Hanging Indent: Use a hanging indent for each citation. This means that the first line should be flush with the left margin, while the subsequent lines are indented.
4. Spacing: The entire page, including the citations, should be double-spaced.

9. Conclusion

Creating a work cited page in MLA format is a crucial step in any academic writing. By properly acknowledging your sources, you not only avoid plagiarism but also demonstrate your commitment to scholarly integrity. Remember to follow the guidelines for each type of source to ensure accurate and consistent citations. With practice, you will become proficient in creating well-structured and properly formatted work cited pages.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use MLA format for sources other than books and websites? A: Yes, MLA format can be used for a wide range of sources, including journal articles, magazine articles, interviews, and more. The key is to follow the specific guidelines for each type of source and provide all the necessary information for proper citation.

Q: Do I need to include URLs for website citations in MLA format? A: It is generally recommended to include the URL for website citations in MLA format. However, if the URL is excessively long or complex, you can use a shortened URL or omit it altogether. Be sure to consult your instructor or refer to the MLA handbook for specific guidelines.

Q: Is it necessary to include page numbers for online sources in MLA format? A: In MLA format, page numbers are not always available for online sources. If the source has page numbers, include them in the citation. If the source does not have page numbers, you can use an indication like "n. pag." (no page) to convey that information.

Q: How should I handle sources with multiple authors in MLA format? A: For sources with two authors, include both names in the order they appear on the source. For sources with three or more authors, include the first author's name followed by "et al." ("et al." is derived from the Latin phrase "et alia," meaning "and others").