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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the works cited page in academic writing?
What is the purpose of the works cited page in academic writing?
Which guideline is correct for arranging entries in the MLA works cited format?
Which guideline is correct for arranging entries in the MLA works cited format?
How should titles and authors be aligned in the MLA works cited format?
How should titles and authors be aligned in the MLA works cited format?
What is the recommended spacing between all lines of text in the MLA works cited format?
What is the recommended spacing between all lines of text in the MLA works cited format?
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When should new paragraphs be indented in the MLA works cited format?
When should new paragraphs be indented in the MLA works cited format?
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Where should pages be placed in an entry according to MLA guidelines?
Where should pages be placed in an entry according to MLA guidelines?
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How should a book be cited in MLA format?
How should a book be cited in MLA format?
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What is the correct MLA format for citing a journal article?
What is the correct MLA format for citing a journal article?
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How should a website citation be formatted in MLA style?
How should a website citation be formatted in MLA style?
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Which is the correct MLA citation format for media like films or music?
Which is the correct MLA citation format for media like films or music?
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What must be included in an MLA citation for an interview?
What must be included in an MLA citation for an interview?
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How should an organization publication be cited in MLA format?
How should an organization publication be cited in MLA format?
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Study Notes
Works Cited Format: An Overview
The works cited page, also known as the bibliography or reference list, is an essential part of academic writing. It provides readers with information about the sources used in a paper, allowing them to verify the accuracy of statements made and find additional resources related to the topic. This guide focuses on the Modern Language Association's (MLA) works cited format, which is commonly used in humanities disciplines such as literature, linguistics, cultural studies, and other fields.
In this section, we will discuss the general principles of MLA citation, followed by specific examples for books, journals, websites, media (e.g., films, music), interviews, and organization publications.
General Principles of MLA Citation
The MLA works cited format follows these basic guidelines:
- Arrange entries alphabetically by author's last name.
- If there are two authors with the same last name, arrange their entries alphabetically by first initial.
- Double space between all lines of text.
- Place pages after the entry if your instructor requires it.
Formatting
When formatting your library list, follow these rules:
- Align titles left, authors right.
- Always add 2 spaces after periods within the text; do not insert extra spaces between identifying elements.
- Never indent new paragraphs, unless instructed otherwise.
- Center your header with your full name, course number, and assignment title.
Examples of Different Types of Sources
Books
Here is an example of how to cite a book using MLA format:
Author Last Name, First Middle Initial. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Date.
Example:
Smith, John. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2014.
Journals
For journal citations, follow this structure:
Author Last Name, First Middle Initial(s). "Article Title." Journal Title Volume Number, Issue Number (Year): Page Numbers.
Example:
Johnson, Sarah. "Racial Disparities in Education." American Educational Research Journal 39, no. 2 (2022): 278-304.
Websites
Website citations in MLA format follow this template:
Author Last Name, First Middle Initial(s). "Title of Article or Page." Site Name, Year of Publication/Last Updated, URL.
Example:
Jones, William. "Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity." National Geographic Society, 2018, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/climate-change/impact-of-climate-change-on-biodiversity/.
Media
Media (films, music, art, etc.) can be cited with the following structure:
Director. Film Title. Production Company, Year of Release. Medium of Performance.
Example:
Scorsese, Martin. Goodfellas. Warner Home Video, 2006, DVD.
Interviews
Interviews must include the interviewee's name and the interviewer's name when available. Follow this format:
Interviewee Last Name. Interview by Interviewer Last Name. "Interview Title." Publication Name, Date, Page Numbers.
Example:
Zimmerman, George. Interview by Anderson Cooper. "George Zimmerman Speaks Out About Trayvon Martin Shooting Death." CNN, 13 July 2013, p. 1.
Organization Publications
Organization Publications should include the organization name and publication year. Example:
American Psychological Association. Stress in America 2021 Report. American Psychological Association, 2021.
By understanding and applying the MLA works cited format properly, you ensure that your work is well-documented and credible, making it easier for others to understand the sources you consulted and rely on your findings.
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Description
Learn about the Modern Language Association's (MLA) works cited format, essential for academic writing in humanities disciplines. This guide covers principles of MLA citation, formatting rules, and examples for citing books, journals, websites, media, interviews, and organization publications.
