How to Format Works Cited List in MLA

Creating a Works Cited list in MLA format is simple and straightforward. By following a few guidelines, anyone can properly organize their citations. Let’s delve into the process.

BREAKDOWN OF THE PROCESS FOR A WORKS CITED PAGE 

  • Begin by starting a new page at the end of your document, following any endnotes. Center the title “Works Cited” one inch from the top of the page. Avoid using italics or bold for the title.
  • Arrange the citations alphabetically by the authors’ last names. Ensure that the entries are left-justified and positioned one inch from the left-hand margin.
  • If a citation spans multiple lines, indent all subsequent lines by an additional half an inch. Keep the Works Cited list double-spaced for clarity and neatness.

Consistency in Formatting: Ensure consistency in formatting throughout the Works Cited page. This includes maintaining uniformity in font style, size, and spacing. Consistent formatting enhances the readability and professionalism of the document.

Italicize Titles of Larger Works: Differentiate titles of larger works, such as books, magazines, newspapers, and films, by italicizing them within the citation. This practice helps to visually distinguish titles from other elements of the citation, aiding readers in quickly identifying the titles of the sources.

Include URL or DOI for Online Sources: When citing online sources, such as web pages or digital articles, include the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) at the end of the citation. Providing this information allows readers to easily access the source online. 

WORKS CITED PAGE EXAMPLE

WORKS CITED PAGES EXAMPLE

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Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)

Hannah Berry has lectured at several colleges and teaches at the WEA. Besides publishing extensively, she has taught citation skills and written multiple style guides.

Learn how to cite in MLA