Works Cited Form

What is the Works Cited

The Works Cited is a list of sources that have been referenced in a written work, typically formatted according to specific citation styles such as MLA, APA, or Chicago. This list serves to give credit to the original authors and allows readers to locate the sources if they wish to explore the material further. It is an essential component of academic writing, ensuring that the work is credible and that intellectual property is respected.

How to use the Works Cited

Using the Works Cited involves compiling a list of all sources that have been cited in the text. Each entry should include key information such as the author's name, title of the work, publication date, and publisher. Depending on the citation style, the format may vary. For instance, MLA style emphasizes the author's name and the title, while APA style focuses on the publication date. Properly using the Works Cited enhances the integrity of the document and assists readers in verifying sources.

Key elements of the Works Cited

Each entry in the Works Cited should contain several key elements to ensure clarity and consistency. These typically include:

• Author(s): The name(s) of the individual(s) who created the work.
• Title: The title of the work being cited, usually italicized or placed in quotation marks.
• Publication Information: Details about where and when the work was published, including the publisher's name and publication date.
• Medium: The format of the work, such as print, web, or DVD.

Including these elements ensures that readers can easily locate the original sources.

Steps to complete the Works Cited

To create a Works Cited page, follow these steps:

1. Gather all sources that were referenced in your work.
2. Choose a citation style that is appropriate for your discipline.
3. Format each entry according to the guidelines of the chosen style, ensuring all necessary information is included.
4. Organize the entries alphabetically by the author's last name or the title if no author is available.
5. Review the completed Works Cited for accuracy and consistency.

Examples of using the Works Cited

Examples can illustrate how to format entries in the Works Cited. Here are two examples in MLA format:

• Smith, John. The Art of Writing. Penguin Books, 2020.
• Doe, Jane. "Understanding Citation Styles." Journal of Academic Writing, vol. 15, no. 2, 2021, pp. 45-67.

These examples highlight the importance of following the correct format and including all necessary details.

Legal use of the Works Cited

Legally, the Works Cited serves to protect authors from plagiarism by acknowledging the original creators of the referenced works. It is crucial in academic and professional settings to ensure that proper credit is given. Failing to include a Works Cited can lead to accusations of academic dishonesty, which may have serious repercussions, including loss of credibility and potential legal action.