Creating a works cited page might seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of the process and the right resources, it becomes manageable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials of creating a flawless works cited page, regardless of your citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).
Understanding the Purpose of a Works Cited Page
A works cited page, also known as a bibliography or references page, is a crucial component of any academic or research paper. Its primary purpose is to give credit to the sources you used in your work. This is vital to avoid plagiarism and demonstrate the credibility of your research. A properly formatted works cited page shows your readers where you obtained your information, allowing them to verify your claims and explore the topic further.
Choosing the Right Citation Style
Different academic disciplines and institutions prefer specific citation styles. The most common styles include:
- MLA (Modern Language Association): Frequently used in the humanities.
- APA (American Psychological Association): Commonly used in social sciences and psychology.
- Chicago/Turabian: Used in history, literature, and other fields.
It's crucial to choose the correct style and adhere to its guidelines consistently throughout your paper and works cited page. Your instructor or institution will usually specify the required style.
Key Elements of a Works Cited Entry
Regardless of the citation style, most works cited entries share common elements. These typically include:
- Author: The person, organization, or entity responsible for creating the work.
- Title: The title of the specific work you used (article, book, website, etc.).
- Publication Information: This varies depending on the source type and includes details like publisher, date of publication, journal name, website URL, etc.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Works Cited Page
Let's break down the process into manageable steps:
1. Gather Your Sources
Before you begin, meticulously collect all the sources you referenced in your paper. This includes books, articles, websites, interviews – anything that contributed to your research. Keep track of the relevant information for each source.
2. Choose Your Citation Management Tool (Optional but Recommended)
Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote can significantly simplify the citation process. These tools help organize your sources and automatically generate citations in your chosen style.
3. Format Your Entries
This is where the specific style guide comes into play. Each style has its own rules for formatting different source types (books, articles, websites, etc.). Consult a style manual or online guide for detailed instructions. Pay close attention to punctuation, capitalization, italics, and the order of information.
4. Alphabetize Your Entries
Arrange your entries alphabetically by the first word of each citation (usually the author's last name). If there is no author, alphabetize by the title.
5. Create a Works Cited Page Header
Your works cited page should have a clear header. The exact formatting (e.g., "Works Cited," "References," "Bibliography") depends on the chosen style. Center the header at the top of the page.
6. Double-Space and Use Consistent Formatting
Maintain double-spacing throughout your works cited page. Use a consistent font (usually Times New Roman or a similar serif font) and font size (usually 12 pt).
7. Proofread Carefully!
Errors on your works cited page can undermine the credibility of your entire paper. Carefully proofread for typos, formatting inconsistencies, and accuracy of information.
Common Source Types and Example Citations (MLA Style)
Here are examples of how to cite some common source types in MLA style:
Book:
*Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
Journal Article:
*Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, Vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.
Website:
*Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Title of Page." Website Name, Date of Publication, URL.
Remember to replace the bracketed information with the actual details from your sources.
Conclusion: Master Your Works Cited Page
By following these steps and consulting the appropriate style guide, you can confidently create a well-formatted and accurate works cited page. This essential element of your academic work demonstrates your research integrity and enhances the overall credibility of your paper. Remember to always double-check your work for accuracy and consistency. Good luck!
