Spencer Lanoue
Creating a works cited page in MLA format might seem like a chore but it's an essential part of writing any paper that references other works. Think of it as giving credit where credit is due, like a thank-you note to the authors whose ideas have helped frame your own. In this post, I'll help you navigate the intricacies of crafting a works cited page that's both accurate and easy to follow.
Why a Works Cited Page Matters
Imagine you've written a fantastic paper. It's insightful, well-argued, and engaging. But without a proper works cited page, your readers (and teachers) might question the credibility of its content. This page serves as a roadmap, guiding them through the sources that shaped your work. It also ensures that you're acknowledging the original authors, which is crucial for academic integrity.
Getting Started with MLA Format
MLA format, or Modern Language Association format, is a style guide used primarily in the humanities, especially in writing on language and literature. It's kind of like a universal language for citing sources, ensuring consistency and clarity. Before you begin, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the latest edition of the MLA Handbook, which provides detailed guidelines. The core elements to focus on include the author, title of the source, title of the container, other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, and location. Sounds like a lot? Don't worry, we'll break it down step by step.
Basic Structure of a Works Cited Entry
Every works cited entry follows a specific structure, which can be compared to a recipe. Each component must be included, and in the correct order, to ensure your reader can trace back the original source. Here's a simple example:
Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." *Title of the Journal*, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages. Name of the Database, DOI/URL.
Let's dissect what's going on here:
- Author's Name: Begin with the last name, followed by the first name.
- Title of the Article: Place the article title in quotation marks.
- Title of the Journal: Italicize this part.
- Volume and Issue Number: Include these if applicable.
- Publication Year: Always include the year.
- Pages: Specify the page range of the article.
- Database and DOI/URL: If accessed online, include these details.
Handling Books in Your Works Cited Page
Books are a common source type for many papers, and citing them correctly is crucial. Here's how a book citation typically looks:
Author's Last Name, First Name. *Title of the Book*. Publisher, Year.
Pretty straightforward, right? If the book has multiple authors, list the authors in the order they appear on the title page. For example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. *Exploring the World of Literature*. Book Publishers, 2020.
If you're citing a specific chapter or section in an anthology or a collection, it would look something like this:
Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Chapter." *Title of the Book*, edited by Editor's Name, Publisher, Year, pages.
Periodicals: Journals, Magazines, and Newspapers
Periodicals include journals, magazines, and newspapers. Each has its own citation nuances. Let's tackle each one:
Journals
Academic journals are the bread and butter of scholarly research. Here's how to cite them:
Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." *Journal Name*, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.
Magazines
Magazines follow a similar pattern but often don't include volume or issue numbers:
Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." *Magazine Name*, Date, pages.
Newspapers
Newspapers can be a bit tricky due to their frequency of publication and pagination. Here's a typical format:
Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." *Newspaper Name*, Date, pages.
In some cases, you might find that newspaper articles are paginated by section, like so: "pp. A1, A3." Always check the specific newspaper for its pagination style.
Citing Online Sources
In our digital age, online sources are as common as print ones. When citing online articles, include the URL or DOI to direct readers to the source. Here's a basic format:
Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." *Website Name*, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL.
If an article doesn't have a clear author, start with the title instead. It's also important to note the access date, especially for websites that frequently update their content:
"Title of the Article." *Website Name*, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
Dealing with Special Source Types
Not all sources fit neatly into the standard categories. You might encounter interviews, films, or podcasts. Each requires a slightly different approach:
Interviews
For personal interviews, the format is quite simple:
Interviewee's Last Name, First Name. Personal interview. Date of Interview.
For published interviews, follow this format:
Interviewee's Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Interview." Interviewed by Interviewer's Name. *Title of the Work*, Publisher, Date, pages.
Films and Television
Films and television shows require you to include the director's name and the production studio:
*Title of the Film*. Directed by Director's Name, Production Studio, Year.
If you're citing a specific episode of a TV show, include the episode title:
"Title of Episode." *Title of Series*, created by Creator's Name, season number, episode number, Production Studio, Year.
Podcasts
Podcasts are increasingly popular sources. Here's how to cite them:
Host's Last Name, First Name, host. "Title of Episode." *Title of Podcast*, Publisher, Date, URL.
For all these special source types, adapting to their individualized formats is key.
Formatting Your Works Cited Page
Once you've gathered all your citations, it's time to format the works cited page. Here's what you need to know:
- Title: Center the title "Works Cited" at the top of the page.
- Spacing: Double-space all citations but do not skip spaces between entries.
- Indentation: Use a hanging indent for each entry. This means the first line of each citation is flush left, and the subsequent lines are indented by 0.5 inches.
- Alphabetical Order: List entries in alphabetical order by the author's last name. If no author is given, use the title.
Here's a quick example of how your works cited page might look:
Works Cited
Doe, John. *The Art of Writing*. Writers Guild, 2015.
Smith, Jane. "Understanding MLA Format." *Journal of Style*, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 34-56. Academic Database, DOI:10.1234/5678.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned writers can slip up when creating a works cited page. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Missing Elements: Double-check that all necessary components are included in each citation.
- Incorrect Order: Ensure that the elements are in the correct order as specified by MLA guidelines.
- Inconsistent Formatting: Consistency is key. Stick to the same font and size throughout your document.
- Ignoring Updates: MLA format occasionally updates so make sure you're using the latest edition of the guidelines.
By being mindful of these details, you can sidestep common errors and produce a polished works cited page.
Tools to Simplify the Process
Incorporating tools can significantly streamline the process of creating a works cited page. Many online citation generators are available, but often they lack the nuanced understanding required for more complex sources. That's where Spell can be a game-changer. With its AI-powered document editing capabilities, Spell can automatically format your citations, ensuring you follow MLA guidelines accurately. It’s like having a personal assistant who knows the ins and outs of MLA formatting.
Maintaining the Workflow
Consistency is crucial when managing sources throughout your writing process. Develop a habit of noting down essential citation information as you conduct your research. This will make the works cited page less of an afterthought and more of an integral part of your workflow. Spell can assist here as well, helping you keep all your references organized in one place.
Final Thoughts
Creating a works cited page in MLA format doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these structured steps and using tools like Spell, you can make the process efficient and accurate. Remember, a well-crafted works cited page not only enhances your credibility but also respects the intellectual contributions of others. So take a deep breath, dive into your citations, and let Spell help you turn hours of work into just minutes.
