There are many different formats and styles that can be used when writing an essay. The essay format that should be used depends on the specific assignment or task. Common essay formats include MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian and Harvard formats. It is important to understand the key differences between these formats and select the appropriate one based on any guidelines provided.
MLA (Modern Language Association) format is most often used for papers written in the humanities, especially literature and languages. Some key elements of the MLA format include:
A header in the top right corner with the author’s name and page number.
A title centered without formatting like bold or italics.
Double spaced paragraphs with 1-inch margins all around.
An in-text citation with the author’s last name and page number in parentheses after a quote or paraphrase.
A Works Cited page listing all sources in alphabetical order with last name of author. Only the author’s last name and page number are used in citations in the text.
MLA format papers should have a Title Page and the title carried over but not boldfaced/underscored on subsequent pages. Text is typically in 12 point Times New Roman font. MLA is the standard format for papers in literature, languages, cultural studies, and other humanities disciplines.
APA (American Psychological Association) style is predominantly used in the social sciences such as psychology, health sciences, education and social work. Some key features of the APA format include:
A title page with a running head, page number and title centered.
Double spaced paragraphs with 1-inch margins all around and 12 point Times New Roman font.
In text citations with the author’s last name and year of publication in parentheses after a quote or paraphrase.
A References page listing all sources alphabetically by author’s last name, with publication dates and other details included.
Section headings within the body of the paper are levels 1-5 centered and not boldfaced or underlined.
Tables and figures are each on a separate page and numbered consecutively.
APA style requires an abstract between 150-250 words on a separate page that appears before the introduction. This is a succinct summary of the key points in the paper. APA is commonly used in the social sciences.
Chicago/Turabian style has some key variations but is broadly similar to the APA format. It is commonly used in history and other disciplines where footnotes are preferred over in-text citations. Some key characteristics include:
Footnotes numbered consecutively throughout the text rather than parenthetical citations.
A bibliography rather than reference list places sources at the end of the paper in an alphabetical list.
The footnote includes the author’s last name, a shortened title, and page number for source material.
Author-date citations may also be used with Chicago style in some cases, with variation in Capitalization.
Rules in the Chicago Manual of Style are followed which specify formatting requirements.
Chicago style is flexible and commonly used in history, some sciences/social sciences when footnotes are preferable to in-text citations. Turabian is a simplified Chicago version used for student papers.
The Harvard system is another name for the author-date style of referencing and is commonly used across the UK in many disciplines. Some key attributes include:
An in-text citation with the author’s last name, year of publication and page number if a direct quote.
Citations are placed in parentheses within or at the end of the sentence for quotes or paraphrases.
A reference list places sources in alphabetical order by authors’ last names at the end of the paper.
This list includes authors, date, title, place of publication and publisher for each source.
There is no “bibliography” section separating works cited from those not directly cited in the text.
Harvard format has no Cover Page requirement and uses an author-date style suitable across many disciplines especially in the UK. Font and formatting is similar to MLA and APA.
Understanding the core features and applicable disciplines for each style guides essay writing and ensures compliance with assignment requirements. Proper use of one of the major essay formats demonstrates mastery of formatting rules critical for academic integrity and good scholarly writing. Choosing the right essay format enhances the credibility of ideas presented and overall quality of student papers.