The Works Cited page is the part of the paper in MLA format where sources that were referenced are credited. Any paper must use external sources.
Any source that is used to create an essay or paper should be properly referenced. Even if no quotation is used in the paper from a given source, the source should be cited by an essay writer if any information beyond common knowledge was used from it to support the paper. According to the guidelines for MLA format, when sources are cited in the text or relied on for their information, they should also be properly referenced in the works cited on age. The Modern Language Association has rules for a Works Cited page that references sources as follows.
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How to Cite Sources in MLA Format in the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited Page of an assignment should be a separate page (or separate pages) that follows the essay or paper that used the sources that it lists. There are particular rules for citing each type of source (books, magazines, periodicals, electronic sources, speeches, and lectures) that must be followed when compiling the Works Cited page. The sources should be alphabetically listed (according to the author’s last name, or first word of the source when cited properly) on the page.
Citing Books in the MLA Works Cited Page
When citing books, information about the source should be provided in the following order. Author’s last name, first name, and middle initial (if provided). Title of the Book. Publication City: Publication Company, year of publication. The title may be italicized or underlined. Following is an example, with the title italicized (some prefer to underline the title), followed by a book with two authors:
Smith, Jason L. Population Growth in the Twentieth Century. New York: Jackson Publishing Company, 2001.
Smith, Jason L., Harding, William. Population Growth in the Twentieth Century. New York: Jackson Publishing Company, 2001.
Referencing Articles, Journals, and Periodicals on the Works Cited Page
Other written pieces, such as articles, journals, and periodical stories are referenced in much the same format. The order goes as follows: Author’s last name, first name, and middle initial (if provided). “Title of the Story or Article.” Name of the source (newspaper name, magazine name…) day month year: pages or edition (if necessary). The name of the publication (newspaper name, magazine name…) may be underlined instead of italicized. As much of the information that may be found should be used when referencing sources. If some information is not available, it is alright to leave it out. Following are examples.
Addison, James. “Effects of Overeating on Domestic Hogs.” Jonesville Daily News 29 Nov. 2008: A1
“Learning to Save Money.” Editorial. Whiteville Star. ed. 29 Jan. 2006
Marfield, Helen B. “Parenting 101.” Living Magazine. 9 Nov. 2008: 40-43
Citing Other Sources with MLA Format on the Works Cited Page
Other sources, such as electronic sources and speeches or lectures must also be referenced when they are used for support in a paper. For electronic sources, the ordering on the page of references is as follows: Name of Site. The date that the material was posted. Name of any affiliated organizations. Date the site was accessed by the writer and the web address. Examples follow:
Freshwater Bass Fishing. 15 Oct. 2001. Outdoor Recreation and Sport Online. 15 Mar. 2009. http://freshwaterbassfishing.com/article4663
If an author is listed for an article on a website, put the author’s name (last, then first) first in the reference. For speeches or lectures, it is important to note all of the important aspects of the source. The lecturer or speaker, the name of the speech, the name of the lecture or conference, and the date should be referenced, if possible. A speech or lecture should be cited like this:
Johnson, Robert. Monthly Public Address. Health Insurance Conference. Garden Hotel, Whitesboro, VA. 15 Aug. 2008.
Citing sources in MLA format is not too difficult, as virtually all types of sources are referenced in the same way. Again, it is necessary to place any source that was relied on in the creation of a paper on the Works Cited Page.
