Citation+Tools

=Citation Tools=

While Researching
While researching, it is best to keep a resources log. Sometimes, the extent of this is cutting and pasting the url or book information into a separate word document. Other times, this can be a very detailed place for notes documentation. This might vary on learning styles and assignment requirements. Regardless, you must keep some record of your sources. The last thing you want to do is waste hours of your time trying to find all of your diverse resources again just to complete a works cited page.

AHS and MLA
In every department at Arvada High School, Modern Language Association (MLA) style is required for formatting papers and works cited pages. Only seek out MLA style guides, not APA or Chicago formatting.

General MLA Formatting Rules (Oregon State University)

 * Typed, double-spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman type
 * One-inch margins on all four sides of the page
 * In place of a title page, MLA style requires a heading on the first page of your paper. The heading appears in the top, left corner of the first page, double-spaced. The heading includes your name, your teacher's name, the class you are taking, and the date.
 * Center your title one line below the heading. Double-space the title if it extends past the first line. Write your title in capital and lower-case letters. Do not underline your title or put it in quotation marks.
 * The page number preceded by your last name should appear in the upper right corner one-half inch from the top.



Works Cited MLA Formatting Rules

 * Continue with the same numbering, but start a new page for your works cited list.
 * Put “Works Cited” in the center of the page.
 * Alphabetize your entries by first letter.
 * Do not indent the first line, but indent all following lines in a citation.
 * Double-space this section also.



Online Citation Generators
If you have all the bibliographical information you need in order to make a works cited page, online citation generators are a quick tool to use. Always check to make sure the most current form of the MLA citation guidelines are being used and that the output citations are accurate. A great website for this is //Son of Citation//. Be sure to use the MLA tab on the left and to input your resource information appropriately. This site gives suggestions for parenthetical citations (the citations that go inside your paper to avoid plagiarism).

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Do It Yourself
Sometimes, online citation generators can be inaccurate or incomplete. Other times, you just might want to double check citation generators with a more inclusive, informational source. Long Island University’s “MLA Citation Style” helps to break down the various components of a work cited entry in order to make the most accurate works cited page possible. This site also give suggestions for parenthetical citations.

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A Pocket Style Manual
Sometimes, online resources just aren’t enough. Many prefer to use a book to guide them in making their works cited page. For this, both the English Department and the librarian carry numerous copies of Diana Hacker’s __A Pocket Style Manual__. This offers step-by-step directions for making an accurate works cited page. Please see your librarian or your English teacher to check out one of these resources.