MLA Research Paper Format - 5 Steps
The MLA (Modern Language Association) research paper format is a set of guidelines used for writing and formatting academic papers in the humanities.
Whether you're writing a literature analysis, history paper, or any other humanities-related research, following MLA format ensures consistency and credibility in your work.
Step 1. Formatting Guidelines
- Margins:
Set all margins to 1 inch on all sides of the paper. This ensures uniformity and provides ample white space for readability and annotations.
- Font:
Use a legible font such as Times New Roman, size 12. The use of a standard font facilitates readability and ensures consistency across different systems and platforms.
- Spacing:
Double-space the entire paper, including the Works Cited page. Double-spacing enhances readability and allows room for annotations or comments by instructors or peers.
- Indentation:
Indent the first line of each paragraph by half an inch. This indentation visually distinguishes paragraphs and enhances the overall structure and organization of the paper.
- Alignment:
Align text to the left; do not justify the text. Left-aligned text provides a clean and professional appearance, while avoiding justification prevents awkward spacing and hyphenation.
- Headers:
Include a header on every page with the author's last name and page number, aligned to the right margin. In MLA format, the header serves to identify the author and page number, but it does not include a shortened version of the title like a running head.
Step 2. Title Page
In most cases, MLA format does not require a separate title page.
Instead, place your title centered on the first page of your paper, followed by your name, instructor's name, course title, and date, all double-spaced and aligned to the left margin.
Here is a sample MLA research paper format example with title page:
Step 3. In-Text Citations
In MLA format, in-text citations are used to acknowledge the sources of information used in your paper.
These citations are brief and appear within the body of the text, allowing readers to easily identify the source of each piece of information.
To create an in-text citation, follow these guidelines:
- Use Parenthetical Citations: Place the citation within parentheses at the end of the sentence or clause containing the information from the source.
- Include Author's Last Name and Page Number(s): Provide the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the information is taken. If the source does not have page numbers, you can use other locator information, such as paragraph numbers or section headings.
Example:
Technology has significantly transformed the field of education in recent years (Smith 45). With the rise of online learning platforms and digital resources, students now have access to a wealth of information at their fingertips. |
In this example, the author's last name (Smith) and the page number (45) are provided within parentheses after the information borrowed from the source. This allows readers to identify the specific source used for each piece of information in the text.
Step 4. Section Headings
Organizing your MLA-formatted research paper with clear section headings enhances readability and navigation. Maintain uniformity in font and size throughout the paper.
Capitalize the first letter of each word in the heading, except for articles, conjunctions, and prepositions unless they are the first word of the heading.
Level 1 Heading: Bold, Flush Left |
Level 2 Heading: Italics, Flush Left |
Level 3 Heading: Centered, Bold |
Level 4 Heading: Centered, Italics |
Level 5 Heading: Underlined, Flush Left |
These formatting choices help to distinguish different levels of headings and ensure clarity in your document's structure.
Step 5. Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is an essential component of an MLA-formatted research paper. It provides a comprehensive list of all the sources cited in your paper, allowing readers to locate and verify the information you've used in your research.
Follow these guidelines to create a Works Cited page:
- List All Sources Cited: Include all sources cited in your paper on a separate page titled "Works Cited." This page should be placed at the end of your paper, following the conclusion and any appendices.
- Arrange Entries Alphabetically: Arrange the entries on the Works Cited page alphabetically by the author's last name. If the source does not have an author, use the title of the source to alphabetize the entry.
- Include Required Information: For each source, include the following information:
- Author's name (last name, first name).
- Title of the source (in italics if it's a standalone work).
- Publication information (such as the name of the book or journal, the publisher, and the publication date).
- Medium of publication (print, web, etc.).
- Format Each Entry Properly: Use a hanging indent for each entry, where the first line is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented half an inch.
Tips and Best Practice for MLA Paper Format
Mastering MLA paper format requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. Here are some tips and best practices to help you ensure that your paper meets MLA formatting standards:
- Consult the MLA Handbook: Use the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers for detailed guidelines.
- Use MLA Templates: Utilize built-in MLA templates in word processors for automated formatting.
- Use Online Tools for Assistance: Take advantage of online tools and resources designed to assist with MLA formatting. These tools can help generate citations, format papers, and ensure adherence to MLA guidelines with ease.
- Proofread and Revise: Ensure adherence to MLA guidelines and eliminate errors before submission.
By following these guidelines diligently, you can ensure that your papers meet the standards expected in the academic community.
MLA Research Paper Format Examples
In the following section, we'll provide mla research paper format sample PDFs, including overall paper structure. These examples offer practical guidance on applying MLA guidelines to your own research papers, enhancing your academic writing skills.
Let's explore these MLA formatting examples:
In summary, mastering MLA research paper format is crucial for academic success. By following the guidelines and examples outlined in this blog, students can ensure their papers meet MLA standards, enhancing readability and professionalism.
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