LOCATION
If your project isn’t an actual research paper, but a slideshow, video, or another type of project, follow the same guidelines as above. Place the works cited list on the final slide, page, or screen of the project.
Formatting instructions
This next section displays the recommended guidelines for margins, spacing, and page numbers.
MARGINS
Place one inch margins around the entire document. The only exception is the “running head.” See the “Running Head” section below to learn more about the margins of this component.
Most word processing programs automatically default to one inch margins. In the page setup settings, you can view and modify the size of the margins.
Most word processing programs automatically default to one inch margins. In the page setup settings, you can view and modify the size of the margins.
SPACING
Double space the entire page. The title, references, and other components should all have double spaces.
It is not necessary to create double spaces manually by pressing the “enter” or “return” key in between each and every line. Your word processing program can automatically adjust the line spacing for you. Look for a section in the settings area called “Line spacing” or “Paragraph spacing.” You should be able to click or check off “double spacing.”
It is not necessary to create double spaces manually by pressing the “enter” or “return” key in between each and every line. Your word processing program can automatically adjust the line spacing for you. Look for a section in the settings area called “Line spacing” or “Paragraph spacing.” You should be able to click or check off “double spacing.”
labeling
This next section focuses on how to properly label and format the page numbers and title.
Running head
The running head is found at the top of every page of the research project. It’s also included on the reference list. The running head displays the name of the writer or author of the research project as well as the page number. There is one space between the author’s name and the page number.
Here is an MLA works cited page example of a running head:
Here is an MLA works cited page example of a running head:
Kleinman 8
The above is an example of a running head that would be seen on page 8 of a research project. The writer’s last name is Kleinman.
The running head is placed in the top right corner of every page. It sits half of an inch from the top of the page and along the right side’s one inch margin.
Reminder: If the concluding sentence of the research project is on page 10, the reference list starts on page 11. Even though the reference page starts on its own page, the numbering throughout the entire project includes the reference page.
The running head is placed in the top right corner of every page. It sits half of an inch from the top of the page and along the right side’s one inch margin.
Reminder: If the concluding sentence of the research project is on page 10, the reference list starts on page 11. Even though the reference page starts on its own page, the numbering throughout the entire project includes the reference page.
TITLE
The next item below the running head is the title of the page, which should either be “Work Cited” or “Works Cited.” If only one reference is included on the page, the title of the page should be “Work Cited.” If there are multiple references, title the page as “Works Cited.”
Whether you’re making an MLA work cited page or an MLA works cited page, the title should be aligned in the center of the document, one inch below the top edge of the paper.
Whether you’re making an MLA work cited page or an MLA works cited page, the title should be aligned in the center of the document, one inch below the top edge of the paper.
Kleinman 8
Works Cited
Do not place the title of the page in bold letters or italics, and do not underline it. The letters should be the same size and style as the rest of the document (12 point font). Place a double space below the title and the first citation on the page.
creating the entries
The full citation entries run along the left side of the paper, along the one inch margin.
Each MLA work cited entry has a hanging indent, meaning the first line of the full reference starts along the one inch margin and any additional lines after the first are indented in one and a half inches from the left margin.
Here is a work cited MLA example of a hanging indent:
Each MLA work cited entry has a hanging indent, meaning the first line of the full reference starts along the one inch margin and any additional lines after the first are indented in one and a half inches from the left margin.
Here is a work cited MLA example of a hanging indent:
Double space each line.
References are generally organized in alphabetical order by the first item in the reference, which is quite often the last name of an author. There are exceptions. See the section below titled, “Organizing the Entries” for more information.
If you need further assistance with learning how to cite work in MLA, here’s an informative site.