Works Cited Page

Definition

A works cited page is a list of sources that were referenced or cited within a written work, typically formatted according to specific style guidelines like MLA, APA, or Chicago. This page is crucial for giving credit to original authors and avoiding plagiarism, ensuring that readers can locate the sources used for further research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A works cited page must be formatted with a hanging indent for each entry, where the first line is flush left and subsequent lines are indented.
2. The entries on a works cited page should be listed alphabetically by the author's last name or the title if there is no author.
3. Different citation styles have unique rules for how to format entries on the works cited page, including variations in punctuation, italics, and capitalization.
4. It is essential to include all sources that were paraphrased, quoted, or summarized in the main text on the works cited page.
5. Failing to include a works cited page can lead to accusations of plagiarism, as it does not provide proper credit to the original authors of the sources used.

Review Questions

• How does a works cited page contribute to academic integrity and ethical writing practices?
  • A works cited page plays a significant role in upholding academic integrity by ensuring that all sources are properly credited. This transparency allows readers to trace back the information to its original authors, thus respecting their contributions. By including a works cited page, writers also protect themselves from plagiarism accusations, as they clearly indicate which ideas are their own and which are borrowed from others.
• Compare and contrast a works cited page with a bibliography in terms of purpose and content.
  • While both a works cited page and a bibliography serve as lists of sources, their purposes differ. A works cited page includes only the sources that were directly cited in the text, emphasizing accountability for specific ideas or quotations. In contrast, a bibliography may encompass all materials consulted during research, even if they were not specifically referenced. This makes bibliographies broader in scope compared to works cited pages.
• Evaluate the importance of adhering to specific formatting guidelines for a works cited page in different citation styles.
  • Adhering to specific formatting guidelines for a works cited page is vital as it ensures consistency and professionalism in academic writing. Different citation styles have distinct rules that dictate how entries should be formatted, affecting readability and clarity. Proper formatting not only aids in the identification of sources but also demonstrates the writer's attention to detail and commitment to scholarly standards. Ignoring these guidelines can lead to confusion about sources and diminish the credibility of the work.

Related terms

Citation: A citation is a reference to a source from which information or ideas have been derived, providing the necessary details for readers to find the original work.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work, ideas, or intellectual property without proper attribution, presenting it as one's own.

Bibliography: A bibliography is a comprehensive list of all the sources consulted during the research process, including those not directly cited in the work.