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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Bibliography and Works Cited?

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The main difference between a bibliography and a works cited page lies in the scope of the sources listed.

  • Works Cited: A works cited page is an alphabetical list of works cited, or sources you specifically called out while composing your paper. It includes all works that you have quoted or paraphrased. Works cited is generally used when citing sources using MLA (Modern Language Association) format.
  • Bibliography: A bibliography lists all of the material you have consulted in preparing your essay whether or not you have actually referred to and cited the work. It includes sources of information used directly in the academic piece and sources consulted during the research process.

In summary, a works cited page only lists the sources used directly in the academic paper, while a bibliography includes both the sources used directly and those consulted during the research process. Bibliographies are usually longer than works cited.

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  • What is the Difference Between Bibliography and Works Cited?
  • Comparative Table: Bibliography vs Works Cited

    • Comparative Table: Bibliography vs Works Cited

    The main difference between a bibliography and a works cited is that a works cited list includes only the sources you directly quoted or paraphrased in your paper, while a bibliography contains all the sources you consulted during your research, even if you did not directly mention them in your writing. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

    Feature Bibliography Works Cited
    Definition A list of all sources consulted during research, whether or not they were cited. A list of sources directly quoted or paraphrased in the paper.
    Sources Cited Includes all sources consulted, even those not directly cited in the paper. Includes only sources directly quoted or paraphrased in the paper.
    Purpose Demonstrates the scope of research, provides additional resources for readers. Facilitates reader's ability to locate sources and demonstrates the credibility of the work.
    MLA Style May also refer to a Works Consulted page listing additional resources. Represents the most common type of citation list in MLA format.
    APA Style Known as Reference List, organized alphabetically by author's last name. Represents the most common type of citation list in APA format.

    In summary, a bibliography is a broader list of sources, including those not directly cited, while a works cited (or references) list is a narrower list of sources that were directly cited in the paper.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.