Works Cited

The list of sources at the end of a paper in MLA style. Includes only works that are directly quoted, paraphrased, or referenced in the text.

Why it matters

The Works Cited page is essential in MLA style because it provides readers with the full publication details needed to locate each source. Without a properly formatted Works Cited page, your paper lacks the scholarly accountability that academic writing demands, and instructors may consider it incomplete.

How to use

Start a new page at the end of your paper with the centered heading "Works Cited." List entries alphabetically by the first element (usually the author's last name). Use a hanging indent for each entry, double-space the entire list, and follow MLA 9th edition formatting guidelines for each source type.

In academic writing

The Works Cited page is specific to MLA style, which is predominantly used in English, literature, languages, and other humanities courses. Unlike APA's "References" page, the MLA Works Cited uses a standardized container system that applies the same core elements to all source types. This makes MLA particularly flexible for citing diverse media including films, artworks, and digital sources.