How To Write Works Cited In MLA: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re knee-deep in a research paper, staring at a blank page, and the dreaded Works Cited section looms large. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Citing sources in MLA format can seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of the rules and a little practice, it becomes manageable. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding the basics to formatting different source types. Let’s dive in and conquer the Works Cited together!

The Foundation: Understanding the Purpose of a Works Cited Page

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s establish why we need a Works Cited page. It’s not just a formality; it’s a crucial element of academic integrity. The primary function is to give credit to the original sources of information you’ve used in your paper. This serves two vital purposes:

  • Avoiding Plagiarism: By properly citing your sources, you clearly distinguish your ideas from those of others, protecting yourself from unintentional plagiarism.
  • Allowing Verification: A well-formatted Works Cited page allows your readers to easily locate and verify the sources you’ve used, enabling them to delve deeper into the topic and assess the credibility of your research.

The Basic Elements: What Goes into a Works Cited Entry?

MLA style dictates a specific structure for each entry in your Works Cited list. While variations exist depending on the source type, the core elements generally remain the same. The standard format follows this pattern:

  • Author: The name of the author, typically last name, followed by a comma, and then the first name.
  • Title of Source: The title of the work you’re citing.
  • Title of Container: Often, the title of a larger work where the source is found (e.g., a book, a journal, a website).
  • Other Contributors: Editors, translators, or other contributors.
  • Version: If applicable, such as the edition of a book.
  • Number: Volume or issue number.
  • Publisher: The publisher of the source.
  • Publication Date: The date the source was published.
  • Location: Page numbers, DOI, URL, or other location information.

Citing a Book: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s start with the most common source: a book. The format for a book entry is relatively straightforward. Here’s how it breaks down:

  1. Author: Last Name, First Name.
  2. Title of Book. Italicized.
  3. Publisher,
  4. Publication Date.

For example:

Smith, John. The History of Everything. Penguin Books, 2023.

Note the use of italics for the book title and the periods after each element. Also, the entire entry should have a hanging indent (the first line flush left, and subsequent lines indented). This makes it easy to read and scan.

Citing a Journal Article: Navigating the Digital Landscape

Citing a journal article requires a slightly different approach, as you’ll need to include information about the journal itself. Here’s the format:

  1. Author: Last Name, First Name.
  2. “Title of Article.” In quotation marks.
  3. Title of Journal, Italicized.
  4. Volume,
  5. Issue (Number),
  6. Year,
  7. Page Numbers.
  8. DOI or URL (if accessed online).

For example:

Brown, Alice. “The Impact of Climate Change.” Environmental Studies Journal, vol. 15, no. 2, 2022, pp. 45-60. DOI: 10.1234/esj.2022.15.2.45.

Citing a Website: Adapting to the Online World

Citing websites requires you to adapt to the dynamic nature of the internet. Content can change, and the information you need may vary. Here’s the general format:

  1. Author (if available): Last Name, First Name (or the organization’s name).
  2. “Title of Page.” In quotation marks.
  3. Title of Website, Italicized.
  4. Date of Publication or Last Updated (if available).
  5. URL.
  6. Accessed Date (optional, but recommended for time-sensitive information).

For example:

“The Importance of Biodiversity.” National Geographic, 12 Jan. 2023, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/biodiversity. Accessed 15 May 2024.

Always prioritize finding the most specific information possible. If an author isn’t listed, use the organization or website name.

Formatting Your Works Cited Page: The Rules of the Game

Now that we’ve covered the basic formats, let’s talk about the overall formatting of your Works Cited page. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for clarity and professionalism:

  • Alphabetical Order: Entries must be listed alphabetically by the author’s last name (or the title if no author is listed).
  • Hanging Indent: As mentioned earlier, use a hanging indent for each entry. This visually distinguishes each source.
  • Double-Spacing: The entire Works Cited page, including each entry and between entries, should be double-spaced.
  • Title: The page should be titled “Works Cited” (without quotation marks or italics), centered at the top of the page.
  • Font and Margins: Use a standard font like Times New Roman, size 12, with one-inch margins on all sides.

Handling Multiple Authors: When Collaboration is Key

Citing sources with multiple authors has its own set of rules. Here’s how to handle it:

  • Two Authors: List both authors in the order they appear on the source, separated by “and.”
    • Example: Smith, John, and Jane Doe.
  • Three or More Authors: List the first author’s name, followed by “et al.” (Latin for “and others”).
    • Example: Smith, John, et al.

Dealing with Missing Information: What To Do When You’re Stuck

What if you can’t find all the information required for a citation? Don’t panic! MLA allows for some flexibility.

  • Missing Author: Start with the title of the work.
  • Missing Publication Date: Use “n.d.” (for “no date”).
  • Missing Page Numbers: Omit the page numbers.
  • Missing Publisher: If the publisher is not listed, you don’t have to include it.

Always include as much information as possible. The goal is to provide enough detail for someone to find the source.

The Importance of Accuracy and Consistency: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Accuracy and consistency are paramount in MLA citation. Double-check all your information against the original source. Review your Works Cited list carefully before submitting your paper. Even small errors can detract from your credibility. Maintaining consistent formatting throughout your list is also essential.

Resources to Help You Succeed: Tools and Guides

Fortunately, you don’t have to memorize every single rule! Numerous resources are available to assist you:

  • The MLA Handbook: This is the definitive guide to MLA style.
  • Online Citation Generators: Websites like Citation Machine and EasyBib can help you generate citations, but always double-check the results for accuracy.
  • Your Instructor: Don’t hesitate to ask your instructor for clarification if you’re unsure about any aspect of MLA citation.

Conclusion: Mastering the Works Cited for Academic Success

Writing a Works Cited page in MLA format is a crucial skill for any student or academic writer. By understanding the purpose of citation, mastering the basic formats for different source types, and adhering to the formatting rules, you can create a Works Cited list that is both accurate and professional. Remember to prioritize accuracy, consistency, and utilize the resources available to you. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be citing sources with confidence in no time.

FAQs

How do I cite a source I found on a database?

When citing a source from a database, follow the format for the source type (e.g., book, journal article, website) and include the name of the database. The database information often goes at the end of the citation, after the URL (if applicable).

What if I cite a source that has been cited in another source (secondary source)?

In this case, you’re citing a source that you didn’t read yourself but found mentioned in another work. In your Works Cited, cite the source you did read, and in your text, use a phrase like “as cited in” to indicate where you found the information.

Should I include the date I accessed an online source?

Yes, including the date you accessed an online source is generally recommended, especially for websites that may be updated frequently. This helps readers understand when the information was accessed, as the content may change over time.

What do I do if a source has no page numbers?

If the source doesn’t have page numbers (e.g., a website or an e-book), you can omit that information. If the source provides other location information, such as chapter numbers or section headings, you can include that instead.

Can I use abbreviations in my Works Cited list?

Generally, avoid abbreviations in your Works Cited entries. Spell out words like “editor” or “pages” unless the abbreviation is part of the publisher’s name.