MLA Format for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide With Examples

What is MLA Format?

MLA format is a set of guidelines for formatting papers and citations, usually used in the fields of arts and humanities. It provides a standardized way of formatting your paper and citing your sources and ensures that your work is clear, concise, and professional.

MLA format is a powerful tool for any writer who wants to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. By using this style, you can show your readers that you are committed to presenting your ideas in the most professional way possible.

MLA Format Background

Before we dive into the specifics of MLA format, let's take a moment to understand its background and why it was created. MLA stands for Modern Language Association, which is an organization that focuses on the study and teaching of language and literature.

The MLA format was first introduced in 1985 as a way to provide a standardized approach to writing and citation in the humanities. 

Recently the Modern Language Association released the 9th edition of the MLA Handbook in April 2021. The 9th edition handbook provides updated instructions on how to correctly cite sources and format work. This edition is an extension of the MLA 8 format. 

This blog post will provide you with all the applicable information regarding proper formatting when using MLA style. So keep reading!

General Guidelines for Formatting a Paper in MLA

Here are the general guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style:

• Use 8.5 x 11-inch white paper.
  
• Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides.
  
• Use a legible font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and set the font size to 12 points.
  
• Double-space the entire document, including the title page, body paragraphs, and the MLA Works Cited page.
  
• Use left-aligned text with a ragged right margin.
  
• Create a header in the upper right corner of each page with your last name and the page number.
  
• Include a separate title page.
  
• Use in-text citations to give credit to sources that you use in your paper. 
  
• Create a Works Cited page at the end of your paper that lists all the sources you used in your research. 
  
• Indent the first line of each paragraph using the tab key, except for the first paragraph of a new section.
  
• Use italics for longer works, such as book titles and film titles.
  
• Spell out all abbreviations on the first use and include the abbreviation in parentheses.
  

Remember to always check with your instructor for any specific formatting guidelines they may have for your paper.

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How to Set Up an MLA Formatted Paper? 

Writing in MLA format requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of the guidelines. Here, we will provide a thorough breakdown of all aspects of MLA formatting.

Formatting the Header and Title in MLA

To format the header for the first page in MLA:

• Start one inch from the top of the page, aligned with the left margin.
  
• Type your name, yur instructor's name, the course name and number, and the date on separate lines, with double spacing between each line.
  
• Center the title on a new line, with an additional double space below it. Avoid underlining, bolding, or capitalizing the title. Only italicize words that would typically appear in italics.
  
• Avoid adding periods after the title or headings.
  
• Double space between the title and the first line of text.

For example:

Formatting Running Head & Page Numbers

The running head is a concise header that appears on the top right corner of every page of your paper.

According to the MLA style, the running head should include the author's last name and the page number. It serves as a convenient way to identify the author and page number of the document.

To create the running head in MLA format:

• Double-click at the top of the page to access the header section.
  
• Type your last name in the header section.
  
• Add automatic page numbering.
  
• Align the content to the right side of the page.
  

For example:

Formatting Work Cited Page in MLA

The Works Cited page in MLA format is a list of all the sources that you have referenced in your paper. It is placed on a separate page at the end of your document. 

This works cited list should be arranged in alphabetical order, according to the author's last name or the first item in the citation if there is no author. 

• Start by centering the title "Works Cited" at the top of the page. 
  
• Double-space the entire page, including the list of references. 
  
• The page number and running head should also be included at the top of the page.
  
• Each reference should be formatted in accordance with MLA guidelines. With the first line flush with the left margin and subsequent lines indented half an inch (hanging indent) from the margin.
  
• If an entry takes up more than one line, the subsequent lines should be indented half an inch from the margin.
  

For example:

Wondering how to cite sources in MLA format? Read below to know more!

MLA Style Citation Format

In MLA citation format, full references are listed on the final pages of projects. To properly structure a full reference, the order is as follows:

• Author's last name, followed by their first name.
  
• Title of the source, in quotation marks.
  
• Title of the container, which refers to the larger work that the source is a part of.
  
• Names of any other contributors to the source, along with their specific roles.
  
• A version of the source, if it differs from the original or is unique.
  
• Any key numbers associated with the source, such as journal issue numbers or volume numbers.
  
• Name of the publisher.
  
• Publication date.
  
• Location, which can be either the URL or page numbers.

If you have the website URL, book ISBN, or journal article DOI, you can use the MLA citation generator to automatically create references.

Formatting Headings and Subheadings in MLA

If you are working on a long paper, using headings and subheadings can help you structure your paper. While not required, they can be incredibly useful for both you and your reader.

Here is how to format your headings and subheadings in MLA format:

• Headings and subheadings should be written in the title case 
  
• Left-aligned, and not end with a period. 
  
• To make them stand out, use boldface for main headings and italics for subheadings.
  

Formatting Tables and Figures in MLA

Tables and figures can be an effective way to convey information in your research paper. However, it's important to format them correctly to ensure that they are clear and easy to understand. 

There are specific guidelines that you should follow when presenting tables and figures in MLA format research paper.

MLA Format for Tables

Here are the key points for formatting tables in MLA:

• Label and number the table with a descriptive title.
  
• Place the label and number in bold above the table.
  
• Add a caption providing information about the source below the table. Omit the caption if the table is your own work.
  
• Mark any explanatory notes on the relevant part of the table with a superscript letter.
  
• Indent the first line of each note, which should be double-spaced.
  
• Use title case capitalization for the table title, but not for the caption or notes.
  

MLA Format for Figures

Here are the key points for formatting figures in MLA:

• Figures include any image in your paper that isn't a table.
  
• The caption for a figure should be centered below the image.
  
• The label "Figure" should be abbreviated to "Fig." followed by the figure number and a period.
  
• The caption should provide either full source information or basic descriptive information about the image, such as author, title, and publication year.
  

How to Write Quotations in MLA?

In MLA style, quotations are formatted using a specific set of rules to ensure consistency and accuracy. Here are the steps to follow when writing quotations in MLA style:

• Use double quotation marks to indicate that the text is a direct quote.
  
• Place the quotation marks outside of any punctuation marks, such as periods and commas.
  
• Provide the author's name and page number(s) in parentheses at the end of the quotation. If the author's name is mentioned in the text, only the page number(s) need to be included in the parentheses.
  
• If the quotation is longer than four lines, use a block quote format by indenting the entire quotation and using a smaller font size.
  

Here is an example of a short quotation:

Here is an example of a longer quotation in block quote format:

Note that in the block quote, the entire quotation is indented, and the author and page number are provided in parentheses at the end of the quotation.

Rules for Citing Different Types of Sources in MLA Format

Whether you are writing a research paper or any other academic work, it is important to know the rules for citing different types of sources in MLA format.

Let's take a look at some of the most common types of sources and the guidelines for citing them in MLA format.

Books:

Citing a book in MLA format requires you to include:

• The author's name
  
• The book title
  
• The publication information
  
• The medium of publication 

For example, the general format for a book citation is:

Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. City of Publication, Publisher, Publication Date (pp.).

Journal Articles:

When citing journal articles in MLA format, you should include:

• The author's name
  
• The title of the article
  
• The title of the journal
  
• The volume number
  
• The issue number
  
• The  publication date
  
• The page numbers. 

For example:

Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Journal, Volume, Issue, Year, pages.

Websites: 

Citing a website in MLA format requires you to include:

• The author's name (if available)
  
• The title of the webpage
  
• The title of the website
  
• The publisher or sponsor of the site
  
• The date of publication or update
  
• The URL

For example:

Author. "Title." Title of Container, Other contributors (translators or editors), Version (edition), Number (vol. and/or no.), Publisher, Publication Date, Location (pages, paragraphs and/or URL, DOI or permalink). 

Remember that the format for each type of source may vary depending on the specifics of the source itself. The important thing is to include information that is enough for your reader to locate the original source.

MLA Format Template

Wondering ‘what does MLA format look like?’  Here’s a template for your guidance. Check it out to see what a perfectly MLA-formatted paper should look like.

Don't know what is MLA format for an essay?

Have a look at this example below to learn how to format your essay MLA-style:

Mistakes to Avoid When Formatting Paper in MLA Style

When it comes to formatting a paper in MLA style, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid. Here are a few of them:

• Forgetting to double-space the entire document: One of the most important rules of MLA style is to double-space your entire document, including the Works Cited page. Failure to do so can result in a messy, difficult-to-read paper that may not meet your instructor's requirements.
• Using incorrect margins: Be sure to set your margins to 1 inch on all sides. If your margins are too narrow or too wide, your paper may look unprofessional.
• Using the wrong font or font size: MLA style requires the use of a legible font such as Times New Roman or Arial and a font size of 12 points. Using a different font or font size can result in a difficult-to-read paper and may result in a lower grade.
• Forgetting to include a Works Cited page: A Works Cited page is a required element of any MLA-style paper. Failing to include a Works Cited page or not formatting it correctly can result in a lower grade.
• Not properly citing sources: MLA style requires in-text parenthetical citations for any sources used in your paper. Failing to properly cite sources can result in plagiarism or academic dishonesty, which can have serious consequences.
• Using the wrong citation style: MLA style has specific rules for citing sources in your paper, including how to format the citation and what information to include. Using the wrong citation style or format can result in a lower grade.
• Forgetting to proofread: Finally, be sure to proofread your paper carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Sloppy mistakes can distract your reader and detract from the quality of your paper.

Summing up!

MLA format is a specific set of guidelines for formatting academic papers and citations. It is the most common format for papers written in the humanities. While it may seem daunting at first, following our guide can make the process easy. 

If you’re still not sure how to format your paper in MLA style or would like help getting started, reach out to SharkPapers.com. We are here to provide you with a professional essay writing service. 

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