Understanding Works Cited for High School Students

Creating a Works Cited page is essential for any research paper or project you complete in high school. This guide will help you understand the importance of proper citations and how to format them correctly.

What is a Works Cited Page?

The Works Cited page is a list of all the sources you used in your paper. It allows your reader to find the materials you referenced, demonstrating the credibility of your research and giving credit to the original authors.

Why is It Important?

• Academic Integrity: Citing sources shows that you respect the intellectual property of others.
• Avoiding Plagiarism: Plagiarism can lead to severe penalties in school; citing your sources helps you avoid it.
• Credibility: A well-cited paper reflects thorough research and enhances your argument.

How to Format a Works Cited Page

Different formatting styles require different citation methods. Below are the general steps using the MLA (Modern Language Association) format, which is commonly used in high school:

1. Title the Page

At the top of your Works Cited page, write “Works Cited” centered on the page.

2. List Your Sources

Each entry should include the author’s name, the title of the work, the publisher, and the year of publication. Here’s the basic format:

Author's Last Name, First Name.