How to Compose an APA Works Cited Page

It doesn't take long to create an APA works cited page that looks great, and adheres to all of the APA rules and regulations. Listed below is the procedure for creating a proper APA works cited page for your research paper or academic work.

Instructions

1. Use a new and separate page. Some people believe that it's ok to begin an APA works cited page at any arbitrary point following the conclusion of the paper, but APA regulations require you to start a new, separate page to list your references. This new page can directly follow the page that contains your conclusion as long as it's completely separate.

2. Format all of your measurements and indentations. The standard APA protocol calls for a one inch margin surrounding all of your text. The heading should be one inch from the top of the page, and the left and right margins should also be one inch from the edge of the paper. All of your lines need to be double spaced, and your text shouldn't be larger than a 10 point font.

3. Title your works cited page. This should be done in centered justification using a 10 point font without any italicized or underlined text. The title should be one word - References - without any other added on phrases or words. Using anything other than the single word - References - can result in breaking the APA format rules. Occasionally some instructors will ask you to label your works cited pages with a different term, but if they don't have any special requests make sure that you follow the standard APA format.

4. Type out your page label. You need to have your name followed by a page number appear in the top right corner of your APA works cited page. The page number should be set in one inch from the top right margin, and your name should appear one inch to the left of that number on the same line.

5. Begin formatting your citations. You need to start with the author's last name followed by a comma and the first letter of their first name. On the same line place the year that the book was published, then the title of the work, and finally the city and state of the publisher followed by the publisher's name. Indent each additional line one half inch if it pertains to the same reference. If you are only referencing a portion of the book or work, make sure that you list the relevant page numbers at the very end of your entry.

6. Proofread your reference page to make sure that it complies with APA guidelines. You need to take the time to thoroughly evaluate your reference page against the APA criteria in order to be certain that you don't have any technical errors. You can do this by referencing the APA manual, comparing it to a properly formatted sample page, or having someone with APA knowledge proofread it for you.

7. Make any necessary corrections to your references page so that it is in final draft form. Most instructors are very picky when it comes to properly formatted citations and if you make any mistakes it could result in a lowered grade, so take the time to correct your mistakes now before handing in your final draft.