How to Create an MLA Works Cited Page

Mastering the MLA Works Cited Page: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to citing sources in MLA format, many students find themselves overwhelmed by the complexity of the system. The MLA works cited page is a crucial part of any research paper, and getting it right can be daunting. However, with a clear understanding of the basics, you can create a well-formatted and accurate MLA works cited page that will help you avoid plagiarism and earn top marks.

Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of creating an MLA works cited page, it's essential to understand the basics of MLA citation. The MLA system uses a parenthetical system, where you include the source information in parentheses at the end of the in-text citation. The works cited page is a separate list that provides a more detailed version of the citations.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Citation Style

The MLA style has two main types of citations: author-page and author-date. Author-page citations require you to include both the author's name and the page number(s) where the information can be found, while author-date citations use the author's last name and the publication date.

For example:

• In-text citation (author-page): ("Smith 24")
• Works cited entry: Smith, John. Title of Book. Publisher, Year. Page numbers.
• In-text citation (author-date): (Smith 2020)
• Works cited entry: Smith, John. "Title of Article." Title of Journal Vol. no. (Year): page numbers.

Organizing Your Sources

When creating your MLA works cited page, it's crucial to organize your sources in a logical and consistent manner. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Tip 2: Create a Source List

Start by gathering all the sources you'll be using for your research paper, including books, articles, websites, and more. Organize them into categories (e.g., books, articles) and alphabetize each list within its category.

• Books:
  • Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
  • Smith, John. The History of America. Random House, 2020.
• Articles:
  • Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal Vol. no. (Year): page numbers.
  • Johnson, Michael. "The Impact of Climate Change." Environmental Studies Journal 20.1 (2018): 12-25.

Formatting Your Works Cited Entries

Now that you have your sources organized, it's time to format your works cited entries. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Tip 3: Format Book Entries

• Books:
  • Lastname, Firstname, Title of Book. Publisher, Year. Print.
  • Example: Smith, John. The History of America. Random House, 2020. Print.
• Articles and Chapters in Books:
  • Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article/Chapter." Title of Book, ed. Editeur, Year, pp. page numbers. Print.
  • Example: Johnson, Michael. "The Impact of Climate Change." The Environmental Crisis, ed. Jane Smith, Random House, 2018, pp. 12-25. Print.

In-Text Citations and Parenthetical Notes

In-text citations are used to indicate the source of information within the text itself. Here's how to format them:

Tip 4: Format Author-Page Citing Entries

• Use "Lastname Page number" or "Lastname and Firstname Page numbers" for single-author works.
• Use "Lastname, Firstname, et al." with page numbers when citing multiple authors.

Example: Smith 24 (and Johnson 12-15)

Tip 5: Format Author-Date Citing Entries

• Write the author's last name in the parenthetical citation.

Example: (Johnson 2020)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When creating your MLA works cited page, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect formatting or spacing
• Missing or misplaced source information
• Duplicate citations
• Inconsistent citation style throughout the paper