Understanding the Works Cited in Purdue OWL MLA Format
Works cited Purdue OWL MLA is an essential resource for students, researchers, and writers who adhere to Modern Language Association (MLA) style guidelines. The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) offers comprehensive instructions, examples, and templates to help users accurately compile and format their works cited pages. Proper citation not only gives credit to original authors but also enhances the credibility of your own work and helps avoid plagiarism. This article explores the intricacies of creating a correctly formatted works cited page following the MLA guidelines as presented by Purdue OWL, including formatting rules, citation structure, and common examples.
What is the Purdue OWL MLA Works Cited?
Definition and Purpose
The Purdue OWL MLA works cited is a detailed guide that provides the standards for citing sources used in academic writing based on the MLA Handbook (currently the 9th edition). It aims to help writers compile a list of all sources referenced in their paper, formatted according to MLA style. The works cited page appears at the end of your document, titled “Works Cited,” and provides full bibliographic information for each source to enable readers to locate the original material.
Significance of MLA Style
MLA style emphasizes clarity, consistency, and simplicity. It is widely used in humanities disciplines, especially in literature, cultural studies, and language arts. The Purdue OWL MLA guide ensures that students and researchers follow a standardized approach to citation, which promotes academic integrity and professionalism.
Formatting the Works Cited Page According to Purdue OWL MLA
General Formatting Rules
- Begin the works cited page on a new page at the end of your paper.
- Center the title “Works Cited” at the top of the page (without quotation marks, italics, or underlining).
- Double-space all entries.
- Use a hanging indent for each entry: the first line of each citation is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented by 0.5 inches.
- Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Use a legible font like Times New Roman, 12-point size.
Organization of Entries
Entries are listed alphabetically by the author's last name or by the title if no author is available. Follow proper MLA citation structure for each source type, ensuring consistency throughout the list.
Structure of a Works Cited Entry
Core Components
Most MLA citations include the following core elements:
- Author(s): Last name, First name.
- Title of Source: Italicized if it is a standalone work; quotation marks if part of a larger work.
- Title of Container: The larger source that contains the work (e.g., journal, website).
- Other Contributors: Editors, translators, etc., if relevant.
- Publication Details: Publisher, publication date, volume, issue number, pages, etc.
- Location: URL, DOI, or page range.
Basic Citation Formats
Some common source types and their general formats according to Purdue OWL MLA include:
Book
Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
Article in a Journal
Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages. DOI or URL.
Website
Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Web Page." Website Name, Publisher, Publication Date, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
Using Purdue OWL MLA for Citation Guidance
Accessing the Resources
The Purdue OWL offers a variety of tools and resources to assist users in citing sources correctly, including:
- Detailed citation examples for a wide array of source types.
- Templates and sample works cited entries.
- Step-by-step instructions for formatting.
- Guidelines for citing digital sources, multimedia, and unconventional materials.
How to Use the Purdue OWL MLA Guide Effectively
- Identify the type of source you are citing (book, article, website, etc.).
- Find the corresponding example on the Purdue OWL site.
- Gather all necessary bibliographic information from your source.
- Fill in the template, adhering to the formatting rules.
- Double-check for accuracy and consistency.
- Ensure proper indentation and spacing.
Common Challenges and Tips for Accurate MLA Works Cited Entries
Handling Multiple Authors
- For two authors, list both names connected by “and”: Last name, First name, and First name Last name.
- For three or more authors, list the first author followed by “et al.”
Citing Digital and Online Sources
- Always include the URL or DOI.
- Include access dates if the content is likely to change over time.
- Use the most stable URL (preferably a permalink or DOI).
Ensuring Consistency and Accuracy
- Always follow the latest MLA guidelines as outlined on Purdue OWL.
- Use tools like citation generators cautiously; always verify generated citations against official examples.
- Maintain uniform formatting throughout.
Examples of Works Cited Entries Based on Purdue OWL MLA
Book Example
Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Scholastic, 1997.
Journal Article Example
Smith, John. "The Impact of Climate Change." Environmental Studies Journal, vol. 45, no. 3, 2020, pp. 150-165. DOI:10.1234/esj.2020.04503.
Website Example
Johnson, Emily. "The History of the Eiffel Tower." Paris Travel Guide, Travel Publishing, 10 Jan. 2022, www.paristravelguide.com/eiffel-tower-history. Accessed 15 Mar. 2023.
Conclusion: The Importance of Properly Using Purdue OWL MLA for Works Cited
Mastering the art of creating a correctly formatted works cited page is vital for academic success and integrity. Purdue OWL MLA provides an authoritative and accessible resource to demystify the process, ensuring that students and researchers can cite sources accurately and consistently. By understanding the principles outlined by Purdue OWL and applying them diligently, writers can produce professional, credible, and ethically sound academic documents that respect intellectual property rights and uphold scholarly standards.
Additional Resources and Support
For further assistance, consider consulting the official MLA Style Center or accessing Purdue OWL’s comprehensive guides and sample papers. Many university libraries also offer citation workshops and personalized support to help students master MLA citation techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a Works Cited page in MLA format according to Purdue OWL?
The Works Cited page in MLA format provides a list of all sources referenced in the paper, allowing readers to locate the original sources and giving proper credit to authors.
How does Purdue OWL recommend formatting entries in an MLA Works Cited page?
Purdue OWL recommends using hanging indentation, double-spacing, listing entries alphabetically by author's last name, and including specific details like authors, titles, publishers, and publication dates according to MLA guidelines.
What are the basic components of a Works Cited entry in MLA style as per Purdue OWL?
A typical MLA Works Cited entry includes the author’s name, the title of the source, container titles (if applicable), publisher, publication date, and page numbers, formatted according to MLA rules.
Does Purdue OWL provide examples of Works Cited entries for different types of sources?
Yes, Purdue OWL offers numerous examples of Works Cited entries for a variety of sources including books, articles, websites, and digital media, demonstrating correct MLA formatting.
How can I automatically generate a Works Cited page in MLA format using Purdue OWL guidelines?
While Purdue OWL provides detailed instructions and examples, you can use citation tools and software like Zotero, EasyBib, or Citation Machine, ensuring they follow MLA guidelines as explained by Purdue OWL.
What common mistakes should I avoid when creating a Works Cited page based on Purdue OWL's MLA guidance?
Common mistakes include incorrect author formatting, missing or misformatted publication details, inconsistent indentation, and failing to alphabetize entries or use proper double-spacing and punctuation.
