The Works Cited page is always located at the very end of an essay packet, on its own separate page.
Understanding the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a crucial component of any academic essay following the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. Its primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive list of all the sources you have directly cited within your paper, allowing readers to easily locate and verify the information you've presented.
Key characteristics of a Works Cited page include:
- It begins on a new page, separate from the main body of your essay.
- The title "Works Cited" is centered at the top of the page.
- Sources are listed alphabetically by the author's last name (or by title if no author is present).
- Each entry uses a hanging indent, where the first line of each source is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented.
- It includes full bibliographic information for each source, adhering to MLA formatting guidelines.
Exact Placement and Formatting
The Works Cited page consistently serves as the final element in your essay packet. It's not integrated into the conclusion or any other section; rather, it stands alone as the concluding page.
Here's a quick overview of its placement and essential formatting:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | The absolute last page of your essay packet. It follows any appendices or endnotes, if applicable, but typically comes immediately after the main body of the paper. |
| Page Break | It must begin on a new, separate page. Do not continue the text from your conclusion onto the Works Cited page. |
| Title | The phrase "Works Cited" (without quotation marks, bolding, or italics) is centered at the top of this new page. It should be in the same font and size as the rest of your essay. |
| Content | An alphabetized list of every source referenced in your essay. This list includes books, articles, websites, videos, and any other materials that contributed to your research and were cited using in-text citations. |
For instance, if your essay concludes on page 10, your Works Cited page will start on page 11. The page number will continue consecutively from the rest of your paper.
Why Is the Works Cited Page Important?
The inclusion and proper formatting of a Works Cited page are fundamental to academic writing for several critical reasons:
- Ensures Academic Integrity: It provides proper attribution to original authors and researchers, helping you avoid plagiarism and uphold ethical scholarship.
- Enables Source Verification: Readers, including your instructors, can easily locate and review the sources you've consulted, allowing them to verify your information and explore the topic further.
- Demonstrates Research Effort: A well-constructed Works Cited page showcases the breadth and depth of your research, illustrating that your arguments are supported by credible evidence.
Distinguishing from Other Citation Lists
While "Works Cited" is specific to MLA style, other academic disciplines and styles use similar pages with different names:
- References Page (APA Style): Used in disciplines like psychology, education, and social sciences, the "References" page serves the same purpose but follows American Psychological Association (APA) formatting guidelines.
- Bibliography (Chicago/Turabian Style or General Use): A bibliography can be more extensive than a Works Cited or References page, sometimes including sources that were consulted but not directly cited in the paper. The Chicago Manual of Style often uses a "Bibliography" or a "Works Cited" depending on the citation system chosen (notes-bibliography or author-date).
Regardless of the style, the principle remains consistent: a dedicated page at the end of your paper for listing your sources. For detailed MLA formatting guidelines, reputable resources like the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) are invaluable.
Practical Tips for Your Works Cited Page
- Accuracy is Key: Double-check every entry for correct punctuation, capitalization, and ordering according to the specific MLA guidelines.
- Use Tools Wisely: While online citation generators can be helpful, always cross-reference their output with official MLA guidelines to catch any errors.
- Proofread Carefully: Before submitting, meticulously proofread your Works Cited page as diligently as you would the body of your essay. Errors in citations can detract from your academic credibility.
