How to Alphabetically Order Works Cited

Completing a works cited page can be a frustrating aspect of writing an essay. It usually comes at the end, when you are ready to be done, and requires close attention to detail. However, mastering the basics ahead of time can save time and frustration at the end. One key to a works cited page is that the works be listed in alphabetical order. This is so readers can quickly look up sources if they so choose.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write works cited entries for each source used in your paper. Follow MLA guidelines for the particular types of sources you have (book, journal article, web page, etc).

    • 2

      Arrange citations according to first letter of the citation. For most citations, the first piece of information will be the author's last name. For citations without an author, it will usually be the title. You should arrange citations according to the first letter regardless of whether it is a name or title at the beginning.

    • 3

      Go to the next letter for citations that start with the same letter. If you have multiple entries that start with the same letter, order them using the next letter. For entries with the same first two letters, use the third letter, and so on. For example, Manning will be before Millings and Brady will be before Brown.

    • 4

      Alphabetize works by the same author by title. If you have two or more works, by the same author, alphabetize them by title, which is the next piece of information in your citation. Also, when listing them, give the author's name for the first citation and use three hyphens (---) in place of his/her name for each citation after that.

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