To effectively format your paper in MLA style, it is crucial to adhere to the general guidelines provided by the Modern Language Association (MLA). These guidelines ensure consistency and professionalism in academic writing. In this section, we will explore the key general guidelines for an MLA format paper.
Paper Size and Margins:
Ensure that your paper is formatted on standard 8.5 x 11-inch white paper. Set all margins (top, bottom, left, and right) to 1 inch.
Font and Font Size:
Use a legible font throughout your paper, such as Times New Roman. Set the font size to 12 points.
Line Spacing:
Double-space the entire paper, including the title, headings, block quotes, notes, and the Works Cited page. Avoid adding extra spaces between paragraphs or sections.
Alignment and Indentation:
Align the text to the left margin, leaving the right margin ragged (not justified). Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches using the “Tab” key or the paragraph formatting options in your word processor.
Title:
In MLA format, a separate title page is typically not required unless specified by your instructor. Instead, place your name, the instructor’s name, the course name or number, and the date in the upper left corner of the first page. Create a title for your paper that is centered, using standard capitalization (not in all capital letters or italics).
Page Numbers:
Include a header on each page, aligning your last name followed by a space and the page number in the upper right corner. Use the “Insert” or “Header” function in your word processor to ensure automatic numbering.
Section Headings:
Use section headings to organize your paper if necessary. Headings should be centered, capitalized (title case), and not in bold or italics. Subheadings can be used for further divisions, aligned to the left, and italicized or placed in bold.
In-Text Citations:
Whenever you use information or ideas from a source, whether it is a direct quote or paraphrased content, you must provide in-text citations. In MLA format, include the author’s last name and the page number of the cited material within parentheses. Place the citation directly after the borrowed information or at the end of the sentence before the punctuation mark.
Works Cited Page:
At the end of your paper, include a separate page titled “Works Cited” that lists all the sources you have cited in your paper. The entries should be organized alphabetically by the author’s last name or the title of the source if no author is specified. Use hanging indentation for each entry, where the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented.
To enhance your understanding of MLA format, it would be advantageous to explore an APA format example as well. This will provide you with insights into the guidelines and requirements of APA style, expanding your knowledge and enabling you to navigate both citation formats effectively.
Header and Title Formatting in MLA
MLA format papers differ from other referencing styles in that they do not require a title page. Instead, the first page of the paper includes the heading and the title, followed by the body of the paper. The construction of the first page is as follows:
Header:
Begin by leaving one inch of space from the top of the page and type the following information flush with the left margin:
Your Full Name
Name of your Instructor
Course Name and Number
Due Date of the Assignment
Title:
The title should be centered on the next line. If you need to reference another work or title within your title, you can use quotation marks or italics. For example: ” The Influence of Climate Change on Marine Ecosystems.”
After the title, indent the subsequent line and start typing your text. To create a page header, write your last name and insert the page numbers in the top margin, flush-right, on each page. The page numbers should be placed one-half inch from the top and aligned with the right margin.
MLA Referencing Format
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