When it comes to academic writing, formatting is a crucial aspect that can make or break the quality of a paper. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most commonly used formatting styles in the humanities, and mastering it can be a daunting task for many students. However, with the right guidance, formatting a paper in MLA style can be made easy. In this article, we will delve into the world of MLA style and provide a comprehensive guide on how to format your paper perfectly.
Introduction to MLA Style
The MLA style was first introduced in 1985 by the Modern Language Association, and it has since become the standard formatting style for academic papers in the humanities. The style is designed to provide a consistent and clear format for writers to present their research and ideas. The MLA style is widely used in subjects such as literature, language, and cultural studies, and it is also commonly used in other disciplines such as history, philosophy, and religion.
General Guidelines
To format a paper in MLA style, there are several general guidelines that must be followed. First, the paper should be typed on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper with a legible font, such as 12-point Times New Roman. The margins should be set to 1 inch on all sides, and the text should be double-spaced. The header should include the writer’s last name and page number, and it should be placed in the upper-right corner of each page.
| MLA Style Guidelines | Description |
|---|---|
| Font | 12-point Times New Roman |
| Margin | 1 inch on all sides |
| Spacing | Double-spaced |
| Header | Last name and page number in upper-right corner |
Heading and Subheadings
In MLA style, headings and subheadings are used to organize the paper and provide a clear structure. There are several levels of headings, each with its own unique formatting. The first-level heading, also known as the title, should be centered and in title case. The second-level heading, also known as the subheading, should be left-justified and in title case. The third-level heading, also known as the subsubheading, should be left-justified and in sentence case.
Formatting Headings
To format headings in MLA style, it is essential to follow the guidelines carefully. The title should be centered and in title case, and it should be placed at the top of the first page. The subheadings should be left-justified and in title case, and they should be placed at the beginning of each section. The subsubheadings should be left-justified and in sentence case, and they should be placed at the beginning of each subsection.
- First-level heading (title): centered and in title case
- Second-level heading (subheading): left-justified and in title case
- Third-level heading (subsubheading): left-justified and in sentence case
Citations and References
In MLA style, citations and references are used to acknowledge the sources used in the research paper. The in-text citation should include the author’s last name and page number, and it should be placed in parentheses at the end of the sentence. The works cited page should include a list of all the sources used in the paper, and it should be placed at the end of the paper.
Formatting Citations
To format citations in MLA style, it is essential to follow the guidelines carefully. The in-text citation should include the author’s last name and page number, and it should be placed in parentheses at the end of the sentence. The works cited page should include a list of all the sources used in the paper, and it should be placed at the end of the paper.
| Citation Guidelines | Description |
|---|---|
| In-text citation | Author's last name and page number in parentheses |
| Works cited page | List of all sources used in the paper |
What is the purpose of the works cited page?
+The works cited page is used to provide a list of all the sources used in the research paper. It allows the reader to locate the sources used in the paper and to evaluate the credibility of the research.
How do I format the works cited page?
+The works cited page should be formatted according to the MLA style guidelines. The sources should be listed in alphabetical order, and each source should be formatted according to the type of source (e.g. book, article, website).
In conclusion, formatting a paper in MLA style requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the guidelines. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, writers can ensure that their paper is formatted perfectly and that they are able to present their research and ideas in a clear and concise manner. Remember to use headings and subheadings to organize the paper, to format citations and references according to the MLA style guidelines, and to be consistent throughout the paper.
