How to Properly Cite an Online Article

How to Properly Cite an Online Article

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction 1.1 Importance of Properly Citing Sources 1.2 Problems with Delaying Work Cited
2. Understanding MLA Format 2.1 Changes in MLA Format 2.2 Using MLA Guides 2.3 MLA Citation Generators
3. Creating a Works Cited Page 3.1 Author Information 3.2 Title of the Article 3.3 Website Title as the Container 3.4 Other Contributors 3.5 Publisher Information 3.6 Publication Date 3.7 URL and Access Date
4. Formatting the Works Cited Page 4.1 Font, Size, and Spacing 4.2 Indentation and Hanging Indent 4.3 Italicizing and Quotation Marks 4.4 Capitalization Rules 4.5 Removing or Keeping Hyperlinks
5. Conclusion

Title: How to Create a Proper MLA Works Cited Page for Websites Introduction Properly citing sources is essential in academic writing, as it gives credit to the original authors and allows readers to explore the referenced material. However, many students make the mistake of delaying the creation of their works cited page, leading to a last-minute rush and potential errors. In this article, we will discuss the importance of correctly citing sources and explore the process of creating a works cited page in MLA format for websites.

Understanding MLA Format

1. Changes in MLA Format MLA format is continuously updated to reflect changes in citation requirements. Students must stay updated with the latest MLA guidelines to ensure accurate citation.
2. Using MLA Guides MLA guides are readily available online and in bookstores, providing detailed instructions on how to cite different types of sources. These guides are invaluable resources for creating accurate citations.
3. MLA Citation Generators Citation generators can automatically generate MLA citations by inputting the necessary information. However, it is essential to review the generated citations for accuracy.

Creating a Works Cited Page

1. Author Information If the author's name is known, it should be included in the citation. Otherwise, start with the title of the article.
2. Title of the Article Enclose the title of the article in quotation marks. If no author is available, the title should be the first element in the citation.
3. Website Title as the Container The title of the website serves as the container for the article. It should be italicized and followed by a comma.
4. Other Contributors If the article has any additional contributors, such as editors or translators, include their names after the container title, separated by a comma.
5. Publisher Information The publisher's name, typically found at the bottom of the webpage, should be included after the container title. It should be followed by a comma.
6. Publication Date The publication date of the article should be in MLA format (day, month, year). It should be followed by a comma.
7. URL and Access Date Include the URL of the webpage and the date you accessed it. The URL should be clickable, and the access date should be in MLA format (day, month, year), followed by a period.

Formatting the Works Cited Page

1. Font, Size, and Spacing Use 12-point Times New Roman font and double spacing for the entire works cited page. Remove space after paragraphs and center the words "Works Cited."
2. Indentation and Hanging Indent Create a hanging indent for each citation by adjusting the indentation settings. This ensures that the first line is flush left, while subsequent lines are indented.
3. Italicizing and Quotation Marks Titles of articles should be in quotation marks, while the title of the website (container) should be italicized.
4. Capitalization Rules Follow the rules of capitalization, with lowercase for insignificant words and uppercase for significant words in titles.
5. Removing or Keeping Hyperlinks It is generally recommended to keep hyperlinks in the works cited page. However, if required, the hyperlink can be removed manually.

Conclusion Creating a proper MLA works cited page for websites is essential for academic integrity. By following the guidelines and using MLA guides or citation generators, students can accurately cite their sources. It is crucial to pay attention to formatting details such as font, spacing, indentation, and capitalization to ensure a well-organized and accurately formatted works cited page.