Works cited

Definition

Works cited is a list of sources that were referenced or consulted in the preparation of a piece of writing, typically found at the end of a document. This list serves to give credit to the original authors and allows readers to locate the sources for further information, thus playing a critical role in avoiding plagiarism and maintaining academic integrity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A works cited page is typically formatted according to specific style guides such as MLA, APA, or Chicago, which dictate how sources should be listed.
2. Each entry on a works cited page includes essential information like the author's name, title of the work, publication date, and publisher.
3. Using a works cited page helps enhance the credibility of your writing by showing that you have conducted thorough research and are engaging with existing scholarship.
4. Failing to include a works cited section can result in accusations of plagiarism, even if you paraphrased or summarized someone else's ideas.
5. In some fields, particularly in academic and professional writing, including a well-organized works cited list is considered essential for ethical scholarship.

Review Questions

• How does a works cited page contribute to academic integrity and the prevention of plagiarism?
  • A works cited page is crucial for academic integrity because it provides proper credit to the original authors whose ideas and works have influenced your writing. By clearly listing all sources referenced, it allows readers to track down these works for verification and further exploration. This transparency not only supports ethical scholarship but also helps prevent plagiarism by ensuring that any borrowed ideas are acknowledged.
• Discuss the differences between a works cited page and a bibliography, including their purposes and contents.
  • A works cited page specifically lists only those sources that were directly quoted or referenced within your writing, while a bibliography includes all sources consulted during the research process, regardless of whether they were cited. The primary purpose of a works cited page is to give credit for specific ideas used in the text, whereas a bibliography provides a broader overview of all materials that informed your research. Understanding this distinction helps writers provide appropriate documentation for their work.
• Evaluate how adhering to different citation styles affects the formatting and presentation of a works cited page across various disciplines.
  • Adhering to different citation styles like MLA, APA, or Chicago significantly impacts how a works cited page is formatted and presented. Each style has unique rules regarding the order of information, punctuation, and even the font used. For example, MLA emphasizes authorship and publication format, while APA focuses on date of publication. By following these guidelines correctly, writers demonstrate attention to detail and respect for disciplinary standards, enhancing both the professionalism and credibility of their work.

Related terms

plagiarism: The act of using someone else's work, ideas, or expressions without proper acknowledgment, which can lead to serious academic consequences.

citation: A reference to a source that provides specific details about where information was obtained, helping to establish credibility and allow for verification.

bibliography: A comprehensive list of all the works consulted in the research process, not limited to those directly quoted or referenced in the text.