How to Create a Works Cited Page for a Personal Essay in MLA Style

Understanding Works Cited Pages in MLA Style

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In the world of academic writing, a well-crafted works cited page is crucial for establishing credibility and avoiding plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style requires specific formatting guidelines for a works cited page, which can be daunting for students who are new to citing sources. In this article, we will break down the key elements of an MLA-style works cited page, providing you with practical tips on how to create one that is accurate and comprehensive.

Section 1: General Guidelines

Before diving into specific examples, it's essential to understand some general guidelines for creating a works cited page in MLA style. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• The works cited page should be titled "Works Cited" or "References."
• It should be placed on a new page at the end of your essay.
• Each source should be listed alphabetically by author's last name.

Section 2: Types of Sources

In MLA style, there are different categories for sources. Here are some common types:

1. Books: Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
   • Example: Smith, John. The History of America. Random House, 2010.
2. Articles: Lastname, Firstname. "Article Title." Magazine Name, Day Month Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
   • Example: Johnson, Jane. "The Impact of Climate Change." National Geographic, 20 Feb. 2020, pp. 12-15.
3. Online Sources: Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Source." Website Title, Day Month Year of Publication, URL.
   • Example: Williams, Michael. "The Benefits of Meditation." Mindful Musings, 10 Jan. 2022, https://www.mindfulmusings.com/the-benefits-of-meditation/

Section 3: In-Text Citations

In MLA style, in-text citations are used to credit sources within the body of your essay. Here's how to create a basic in-text citation:

1. One Author: Lastname (Page Number).
   • Example: Johnson 12.
2. Two Authors: Lastname, Firstname. (Page Number).
   • Example: Smith and Johnson 25.
3. Three or More Authors: Lastname et al. (Page Number).
   • Example: Williams et al. 30.

Section 4: How to Format a Source

Here's how to format different types of sources:

1. Print Sources:
   • Book: Double-spacing, legible font (12-point Times New Roman), and one-inch margins.
   • Article: Same formatting as book, with the exception that the title is in quotation marks.
2. Online Sources: Same formatting as print sources, but without page numbers.

Section 5: Common Pitfalls

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a works cited page:

• Incorrect In-Text Citations: Make sure to match your in-text citations with the corresponding entries on your works cited page.
• Missing Sources: Always include all sources that are referenced in your essay, even if they don't have an entry on the works cited page.

Conclusion

Creating a works cited page in MLA style requires attention to detail and practice. By following these guidelines and understanding how to format different types of sources, you'll be well on your way to creating accurate and comprehensive works cited pages that showcase your academic writing skills.