Learn how to format your MLA paper like a pro!
MLA is another frequently used format. It's a very easy format, but it is important that you know its rules.
Now, before you start writing your essay or assignment, you should keep in mind the following aspects:
- Your paper should be double spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5 “x 11″) and have 1” margins on all sides.
- 12p. Times New Roman font.
- The first word in every paragraph should be indented one-half inch.
- Double space your whole paper.
Title Page
An MLA research paper does not need a title page, but your instructor may require one. If no instructions are given, follow the MLA guidelines below:
Type the following one inch from the top of the first page, flush with the left margin (double spacing throughout).
- Your Name
- Your Instructor's Name
- Course Number or Name
- Date
Center the title on the next line. Follow the capitalization rules. Do not italicize, underline, or bold the title. An exception is when your title includes a title. Example: The Attitude toward Violence in A Clockwork Orange
Indent the next line and begin typing your text.
Include your last name and page numbers in the upper right-hand corner of every page. The page numbers will be one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. If your instructor prefers no page number on the first page, begin numbering from 2 on the second page.
It should look like this:
In-Text Citations
For MLA, in-text citations are very straightforward and have very few exceptions. For starters, you need to add the author's last name + the page number of the source, specifically the page where you found the information you're using. Thus, it'd look like this:
- Direct Quotes:
It is said that "essay writing services are no longer a luxury. They are a necessity" (Smith 25).
- Paraphrasing:
Smith mentions that essay writing services are a necessity and not a luxury (25).
IMPORTANT: According to the MLA guidelines, if you do not have the page number, maybe because it's from a website or other tyoe of source, you just need to add the last name of the author(s).
Works Cited Page
Items to keep in mind when developing this portion of a project:
- The list of citations should be the very last page of a research project or essay.
- The top of the page should include the running head and the page number.
- All entries should be placed in alphabetical order by the first item in the MLA format citation.
- The entire page should be double spaced.
It should look like this:
