How to Do a Works Cited Page: A Comprehensive Guide
Creating a flawless works cited page can feel daunting, but with a structured approach, it becomes manageable. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your research paper is both academically sound and well-organized. We'll cover different citation styles and offer tips for avoiding common mistakes.
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 paper. It serves several vital purposes:
- Gives Credit: It acknowledges the sources you used in your research, preventing plagiarism. This is ethically crucial and protects both you and the original authors.
- Boosts Credibility: A well-organized works cited page adds to your paper's credibility, demonstrating thorough research and attention to detail.
- Allows Verification: It enables readers to easily locate and verify the information you've presented, enhancing the trustworthiness of your work.
- Strengthens Argument: Properly cited sources reinforce your arguments by providing evidence and context.
Choosing a Citation Style
The most important first step is selecting the appropriate citation style. Your instructor or publication will specify the required style. Common styles include:
- MLA (Modern Language Association): Widely used in humanities disciplines like literature and language.
- APA (American Psychological Association): Predominantly used in social sciences, psychology, and education.
- Chicago/Turabian: Offers both a notes-bibliography and author-date system, commonly used in history and other fields.
- IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): Primarily used in engineering and computer science.
Each style has specific formatting rules for in-text citations and the works cited page itself. Consistency is key. Choose a style and stick to it throughout your paper.
Formatting Your Works Cited Page
Regardless of the style guide, your works cited page generally follows these principles:
- Heading: The title "Works Cited" (or "References," "Bibliography," etc., depending on the style) should be centered at the top of the page.
- Alphabetical Order: Entries should be listed alphabetically by the first author's last name (or the title if no author is listed).
- Hanging Indent: The first line of each entry is flush left, while subsequent lines are indented. Most word processors have an automatic hanging indent function.
- Double-Spacing: Maintain double-spacing throughout the entire page.
- Consistent Formatting: Pay close attention to punctuation, capitalization, and spacing within each entry. Inconsistent formatting can lead to errors.
Common Entry Types
Different source types require different citation formats. Here are a few examples:
Books
MLA Example:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
APA Example:
Lastname, F. (Year). Title of book. Publisher.
Journal Articles
MLA Example:
Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, year, pages.
APA Example:
Lastname, F. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), pages. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/xxxx
Websites
MLA Example:
"Title of Web Page." Website Name, Date of Publication, URL.
APA Example:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of work. Site Name. URL
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Inconsistent Formatting: Maintain uniformity throughout your works cited page.
- Missing Information: Ensure all necessary information (author, title, publication date, etc.) is included.
- Incorrect Punctuation: Pay attention to commas, periods, italics, and other punctuation marks.
- Plagiarism: Ensure you're accurately representing the sources you've used. Paraphrasing and direct quotations must be properly cited.
Utilizing Online Citation Generators
While helpful, online citation generators should be used cautiously. Always double-check the generated citation against your style guide to ensure accuracy. Relying solely on these tools can lead to errors.
Conclusion
Crafting a works cited page may seem intricate, but with careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of your chosen style guide, you can create a polished and accurate bibliography. Remember, a well-executed works cited page is a testament to your academic integrity and the rigor of your research. By following these guidelines, you'll significantly improve the quality and credibility of your academic work.
