Documentation - Preparing a List of Works Cited

Documentation - Preparing a List of Works Cited

This blog is assigned by Prakruti Ma’am. It focuses on research methodology and explains the process of documentation, specifically how to prepare a list of Works Cited. Below are the two questions related to this topic.

Question: What is the difference between Bibliography and Citation?

Academic writing must follow clear mechanical rules and proper documentation practices. Two important parts of documentation are citation and bibliography. Though both are related to giving credit to sources, they are different in purpose, form, and placement.

A citation is a short reference that appears inside the main text of the research paper. It is used immediately after a quotation, paraphrased idea, or any borrowed information. In MLA style, citations are usually given in parentheses with the author’s last name and page number. The main purpose of a citation is to show exactly where a particular idea or quotation has come from. It helps the reader trace the source quickly and ensures academic honesty. Without citation, the writer may be accused of plagiarism.

On the other hand, a bibliography (called Works Cited in MLA format) is a complete list of all sources used in preparing the research paper. It appears at the end of the paper on a separate page. Unlike citation, it provides full publication details such as the author’s full name, title of the book or article, publisher, place of publication, and year. It gives the reader complete information to locate the source independently. It also shows the depth and range of the writer’s research.

Another important difference is that citations appear many times throughout the paper whenever sources are used, while the bibliography appears only once at the end. Citation is brief and specific; bibliography is detailed and comprehensive.

In simple words, citation tells the reader where a specific idea in the text comes from, while bibliography shows the complete list of all sources used in the research. Both are essential parts of academic writing because they maintain clarity, credibility, and academic integrity.

Question : Short Question : MLA Style

MLA style refers to the format and guidelines recommended by the Modern Language Association for writing research papers and scholarly manuscripts. It is mainly used in the humanities, especially in subjects like English literature, foreign languages, literary criticism, comparative literature, and cultural studies. The rules for students are given in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.

MLA style focuses on the mechanics of writing, such as punctuation, quotation, spelling, formatting, and especially documentation of sources. Its main aim is to maintain clarity, uniformity, and academic honesty in research writing.

The Modern Language Association (MLA), founded in 1883 in the United States, is a leading academic organization that promotes the study of language and literature. It also publishes important academic journals like Publications of the Modern Language Association of America and provides official guidelines for documentation.

One of the most important features of MLA 7th edition is its in-text citation system. When a writer quotes or paraphrases from a source, they must provide the author’s last name and page number in parentheses. For example:

(Ellison 3)

If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number is written in parentheses.

Another important feature is the Works Cited page, which appears at the end of the research paper. It gives full publication details of all sources used. The basic format for a book in MLA 7th edition is:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example:

Ellison, Ralph. Invisible Man. Vintage International, 1995.

MLA style uses a cross-referencing system that connects the in-text citation with the Works Cited page. This helps readers easily locate the original source of information.

In conclusion, MLA style (7th edition) provides a clear and systematic method for writing research papers. It ensures proper formatting, correct citation, and accurate documentation of sources, which helps prevent plagiarism and maintain academic integrity.

create an annotated bibliography containing at least 8 varied qualitative source types.

1. Journal Article

Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty. “Can the Subaltern Speak?” Marxism and the Interpretation of Culture, edited by Cary Nelson and Lawrence Grossberg, University of Illinois Press, 1988, pp. 271–313.

Annotation:

This article discusses whether marginalized women in postcolonial societies can truly express themselves within dominant power structures. Spivak critiques Western intellectual frameworks that claim to represent subaltern women. The essay is important for understanding how women writers negotiate voice and silence. It provides a strong theoretical foundation for analyzing representation and agency in postcolonial women’s literature.

2. Book

Mohanty, Chandra Talpade. Feminism without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity. Duke University Press, 2003.

Annotation:

Mohanty critiques Western feminism for generalizing “Third World women” and ignoring cultural differences. She promotes transnational feminist solidarity based on shared struggles. This book is useful for studying women writers because it encourages context-based analysis and highlights diversity among women’s experiences. It strengthens feminist interpretation of postcolonial texts.

3. Book Chapter

Gilbert, Sandra M., and Susan Gubar. “The Madwoman in the Attic.” The Madwoman in the Attic, Yale University Press, 1979, pp. 1–44.

Annotation:

This chapter examines how women writers express suppressed creativity through symbolic figures like the “madwoman.” Though focused on Victorian literature, its feminist framework helps analyze postcolonial women writers. It explains how women negotiate patriarchal oppression and develop narrative voice.

4. Encyclopedia Entry

“Postcolonial Feminism.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2023, www.britannica.com/topic/postcolonial-feminism.

Annotation:

This entry defines postcolonial feminism and explains its historical background and key thinkers. It offers a concise overview of the theoretical framework in which many women writers operate. It is helpful for beginners seeking foundational knowledge.

5. News Article

Pérez-Peña, Richard. “Women Writers and the Global Literary Canon.” The New York Times, 15 Mar. 2019, www.nytimes.com.

Annotation:

This article discusses the increasing recognition of women writers from formerly colonized countries. It highlights issues of visibility and representation in global literature. The news perspective adds contemporary relevance to academic discussions.

6. Video

hooks, bell. “Feminism Is for Everybody.” YouTube, uploaded by The New School, 12 Oct. 2016, www.youtube.com.

Annotation:

In this lecture, bell hooks explains feminism as a movement to end sexist oppression. She emphasizes accessibility and intersectionality. The video supports the study of women writers by reinforcing the importance of inclusive representation and voice.

7. Webpage

“Women in Postcolonial Literature.” Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL), Purdue University, owl.purdue.edu.

Annotation:

This webpage provides an introduction to feminist and postcolonial literary criticism. It explains key concepts in simple language and offers guidance for analysis. It is helpful for students beginning research in this field.

8. Image

Sher-Gil, Amrita. Self-Portrait as Tahitian. 1934, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.

Annotation:

This painting represents themes of identity, self-representation, and hybridity. Though visual art, it connects to themes explored by postcolonial women writers. It symbolizes resistance to colonial and patriarchal norms and broadens interdisciplinary understanding.

Question 2

Choose a research article on one identity and analyze whether its introduction follows the principles of inclusive language (MLA 9th edition).

Answer:

Identity Chosen: Refugees

Research Article:

Betts, Alexander, et al. “Refugee Economies: Rethinking Popular Assumptions.” Refugee Studies Quarterly, vol. 36, no. 1, 2017, pp. 1–22.

The introduction of this article follows several principles of inclusive language discussed in the MLA Handbook.

First, the authors avoid stereotypes and do not portray refugees as helpless victims. Instead, they describe them as individuals with agency and economic potential. Second, the article avoids biased or emotionally loaded terms and uses respectful, neutral academic language. Third, it recognizes diversity among refugees by acknowledging differences in background, skills, and experiences. Finally, the introduction focuses on structural conditions rather than blaming individuals.

Therefore, the article adheres to inclusive language principles by respecting human dignity, avoiding generalization, and presenting refugees as complex individuals. It reflects ethical and responsible academic writing.

Reference : 

• Modern Language Association of America. MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing. Modern Language Association of America, 2008. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Thank you ...