They give credit to the sources of information you have used. When you do research, you are borrowing information from other people's work. It is important to give credit to those sources so that they can get the recognition they deserve. By including a works cited page, you are showing that you have done your research and that you are not plagiarizing.
They help readers find more information on your topic. If a reader is interested in learning more about your topic, they can use your works cited page to find the sources that you used. This can be helpful for students who are doing further research, or for anyone who is simply interested in learning more about a particular topic.
They can improve your grade. Many teachers require students to include a works cited page with their homework assignments. By following this requirement, you can show your teacher that you are taking your work seriously and that you have done your research. This can help you to get a better grade on your assignment.
How to Create a Works Cited Page
There are a few different ways to format a works cited page. The most common format is MLA style, which is used by many high schools and colleges. Here are the basic steps for creating an MLA-style works cited page:
1. Start your works cited page on a new page at the end of your homework assignment.
2. Center the title "Works Cited" at the top of the page.
3. Double-space all of the entries on your works cited page.
4. Hang-indent all of the lines after the first line of each entry.
5. Use the proper format for each type of source. For example, the format for a book is:
Author's last name, Author's first name. _Book title_. Publisher, Publication date.
6. Alphabetize your entries by the author's last name.
Here is an example of an MLA-style works cited page:
Works Cited
Smith, John. _The History of the United States._ Penguin Books, 2008.
Williams, Mary. _The Life of Abraham Lincoln._ Random House, 2010.
By following these steps, you can create a works cited page that is accurate and easy to read. Be sure to check with your teacher or professor to make sure that you are using the correct format for your assignment.