MLA (Modern Language Association) format is a widely recognized style guide for writing academic papers, particularly in the humanities. Mastering MLA format is essential for students and researchers as it ensures consistency, clarity, and academic integrity in their written work. Properly using MLA style not only helps in organizing your papers but also in crediting sources, thus avoiding plagiarism and enhancing your credibility as a writer. This guide provides a detailed overview of How To Do Mla Format, drawing from established guidelines to help you create well-formatted and academically sound papers.
General MLA Formatting Guidelines
Adhering to general formatting guidelines sets the foundation for a polished MLA paper. These standards cover aspects from paper type and font to spacing and margins, ensuring readability and a professional appearance.
Paper and Font
Start with the basics: your paper should be typed on standard, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper. For font, legibility is key. MLA recommends using a font like Times New Roman in 12 pt size. The crucial aspect is ensuring a clear contrast between regular and italics styles within your chosen font, making each distinct.
Spacing and Margins
Double-spacing is a hallmark of MLA format and should be applied throughout the entire paper, including quotations, notes, and the Works Cited page. Margins should be set to 1 inch on all sides of your document. It’s also important to note that MLA recommends using only one space after periods and other punctuation marks, unless your instructor specifies otherwise.
Paragraph Indentation
Consistency in paragraph indentation is another important element. Indent the first line of each new paragraph by one half-inch from the left margin. The most straightforward way to achieve this is by using the “Tab” key once at the beginning of each paragraph, rather than manually inserting spaces.
Page Numbers and Headers
For page numbering, create a header that appears in the upper right-hand corner of every page. This header should be positioned one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. It should include your last name followed by a space and the page number. Number all pages consecutively using Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.). While it’s standard to include the header on every page, always check if your instructor has specific preferences, such as omitting the header on the first page.
Italics and Emphasis
Italics serve a specific purpose in MLA format. Use italics for titles of longer works like books, journals, websites, and films. While italics can be used for emphasis, use them sparingly. Overusing italics for emphasis can dilute their impact and is generally discouraged in academic writing.
Endnotes
If your paper includes endnotes, they should be placed on a separate page titled “Notes”. This page comes after the main body of your paper but before the Works Cited page. Center the title “Notes” and present your endnotes in numerical order, double-spaced.
Formatting the First Page
The first page of an MLA formatted paper has specific requirements, differing from a formal title page. Unless specifically requested by your instructor or if it’s a group project, a separate title page is generally not needed.
No Title Page (Usually)
In most cases, you will not need a separate title page. Instead, the first page of your essay will contain identifying information at the top, followed by the title and the body of your paper.
First Page Header Information
In the upper left-hand corner of the first page, list the following information, double-spaced: your name, your instructor’s name, the course name or number, and the date. Each piece of information should be on a separate line.
Title Formatting
After the header information, double-space and center your paper’s title. The title should be written in Title Case, meaning all principal words are capitalized. Do not underline, italicize, or enclose your title in quotation marks unless it includes the title of another work. If your title does include the name of another work, format that part according to MLA guidelines (e.g., italicize book titles, use quotation marks for article titles). For example: The Great Gatsby and the American Dream.
Header with Last Name and Page Number
Remember to include the header with your last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner of the first page, as well as on all subsequent pages. This ensures consistent page identification throughout your document.
Using Section Headings
Section headings are useful for organizing longer papers and improving readability. They break down the text into manageable parts, guiding the reader through your arguments or points. MLA provides guidelines for using headings, especially in essays and books.
For Essays
When dividing an essay into sections, MLA recommends using Arabic numerals followed by a period, a space, and the section name. This creates a clear and hierarchical structure within your essay. For example:
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Methodology
- Results
- Discussion
- Conclusion
For Books
MLA’s approach to headings in books is more flexible. If you’re using only one level of headings, ensure they are grammatically consistent. For instance, if one heading is a short phrase, all headings should be short phrases. For multiple levels of headings in books or longer documents, consistency in formatting is key. You might consider providing a key to your heading styles for clarity, especially for complex documents.
Sample Headings
MLA offers examples of formatted headings that can be adapted for various levels of section division. These are just samples, and consistency is more important than adhering strictly to these examples. Choose a system that works best for your document and maintain it throughout.
Numbered Headings:
- Primary Topic
1.1 Subtopic A
1.2 Subtopic B - Secondary Topic
Unnumbered Headings (Formatted):
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
By following these guidelines on how to do MLA format, you can ensure your papers are not only well-researched and written but also professionally presented. Remember to always consult the latest edition of the MLA Handbook for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, especially for more complex formatting and citation questions. Adhering to MLA format demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for academic conventions, enhancing the overall quality of your work.
