What Is a Works Cited Page and Why Is It Important?

A works cited page is a comprehensive list of all of the sources used in the writing of an academic or professional paper. This page allows the reader to locate and read the sources used in the paper, allowing them to see the research that went into the paper. The works cited page is an important element of any paper written in the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. It is important for students and professionals alike to understand the purpose of the works cited page and the MLA format for their work.

How to Format a Works Cited Page According to MLA Guidelines

How to Format a Works Cited Page According to MLA Guidelines

The formatting of a works cited page is very specific, and is laid out in the MLA Style Manual. The works cited page should always be double-spaced, with all entries in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. Each entry should be formatted with a hanging indent, meaning that the first line is flush with the left margin, while all other lines of the entry are indented one-half inch. The list of sources should be labeled “Works Cited” and should be centered at the top of the page.

What Should Be Included in a Works Cited Page?

What Should Be Included in a Works Cited Page?

A works cited page should include all sources used in the writing of the paper, including books, articles, websites, interviews, and other sources. All sources should be listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. If there is no author, the entry should be listed according to the title. Each entry should include the author’s name, the title of the work, the date of publication, and the type of medium used (print, web, etc.).

Do I Need to Include All Sources Cited in the Text?

Do I Need to Include All Sources Cited in the Text?

Yes, all sources that are cited in the body of the paper should be listed on the works cited page. This includes direct quotes, paraphrases, and any ideas or information taken from any source. For example, if a sentence in the paper states, “John Smith believes that…”, then the source used for this information should be listed on the works cited page. It is important to include all sources that were used in the paper, as this allows the reader to double-check the research.



Creating a works cited page is an important part of writing an academic or professional paper. It is important to understand the purpose of the works cited page and to format it according to the guidelines laid out in the MLA Style Manual. A works cited page should include all sources used in the paper, including direct quotes, paraphrases, and any ideas or information taken from any source. Following these guidelines will ensure that the works cited page is correctly formatted and will add to the overall quality of the paper.