This makes so much sense for our students! We can stop policing format and concentrate on CONTENT!
The writer’s goal should be to provide a document and list of sources that is easy for readers to use, so that the reading experience is informative and enjoyable.
the writer creates entries by consulting MLA’s list of core elements and compiling them in the recommended order
MLA core elements
eighth edition emphasizes the writer’s freedom to create references based on the expectations of the audience, consider what your readers need to know if they want to find your source
Finally, the intent of a Works Cited may be understood by our students as a roadmap for the reader to follow their research as opposed to an exam in pointless formatting
While earlier editions emphasized the importance of following specific guidelines for formatting, the eighth edition focuses on the practice and process of scholarly documentation