The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the major formatting styles used in academic papers. It provides guidelines for formatting manuscripts and using the English language in academic writing. This article discusses the basic format of an MLA style research paper including heading, typeface, spacing, pagination, citations, Works Cited page, and more to assist students and researchers in preparing papers properly following the MLA guidelines.
The Heading in MLA Format
The heading on the top left corner of the first page of an MLA paper includes the author’s name, the instructor’s name, the course name, and the date. It is aligned left with the page number aligned right.
The author’s name should appear as the last name, followed by a comma, with a space, followed by the first name.
For example:
Doe, John
The instructor’s name is written as “Instructor’s Last Name”.
For example:
Instructor Smith
The course name is written as “Course Name”.
For example:
English 101
The date is written as “Day Month Year”.
For example:
10 October 2020
It should look like:
Doe, John
Instructor Smith
English 101
10 October 2020
The Typeface and Font Size
The entire research paper is typed in 12pt Times New Roman font. Any other fonts like Arial, Calibri etc. are not acceptable in MLA format. The 12pt size is easily readable as well as takes less space enabling double spacing.
The basic font and font size must be consistent throughout the paper including the heading, body text, headings, subheadings, block quotes, captions, title of sources etc. Italics are used for titles of longer works like books, films, journals, and publications.
Spacing and Margins
MLA papers are double-spaced throughout including headings, block quotes, references and the works cited page. A double space is inserted between entries in the works cited page as well.
The margins should be 1 inch on all four sides of the page. A consistent and proper margin spacing gives the paper a polished and professional appearance.
Page Numbers
Page numbers are required in MLA format and are aligned right at the top of each page in the header. Only the last name of the author should appear in the page number.
For example:
Doe 5
The page numbers begin on the first page of the text, which is page one. The cover page and works cited page are not numbered. The header should be 0.5 inches from the top with the page number 0.5 from the right margin.
Title of the Paper
The full title of the research paper is centered on the first page, double-spaced below the heading. Only the first letter of the first word of the title is capitalized along with any proper nouns. The title should not be underlined, emboldened, italicized or enclosed in quotation marks.
For example:
Doe 1
The effect of social media on friendship formation in college students
Block Quotes
Any quote over 4 lines or more than 40 words in length are considered block quotes in MLA style. These quotes are indented half an inch from the left margin in a free-standing block of text without quotation marks. They are double spaced just like the rest of the paper. The parenthetical citation with author and page number should be placed after the closing punctuation of the block quote.
For example:
Smith observed:
Scholars disagree on the credibility of social media accounts as evidence in research. Some argue that posts can be fabricated or misleading while others claim such data provides valuable insights into perspectives and experiences that may not emerge through traditional methods. Overall, academics have yet to determine guidelines for ethical and effective use of social media in academic work. (142)
In-Text Citations
MLA style uses parenthetical citations or author-page citations within the text of the paper to briefly identify the source of a quotation, paraphrase, summary or any other material that comes from an outside source. This in-text citation corresponds to the full source information in the works cited page at the end.
The parenthetical citation is placed after the borrowed info and before the end punctuation. It includes the last name of the author and the specific page number(s) relating to the information cited. Page numbers are not required if no specific page is referenced, in which case only the author’s name is included.
For example:
Smith argues that social media can be a misleading resource (Jones 142).
or
Jones claims social media is challenging to use ethically.
Headings
MLA format specifies 5 heading levels using a consistent formatting style that distinguishes each level of subordinate text visually.
Level 1 headings are centered and boldfaced.
Level 2 headings are aligned left and boldfaced.
Level 3 headings are aligned left, boldfaced, and ended with a period.
Level 4 headings are aligned left, boldfaced, italics, and ended with a period.
Level 5 headings are aligned left, italics, and ended with a period.
Levels 2-5 may optionally be followed by a colon.
For example:
Controversies of Social Media Research
Influence of Social Media
Effects on Relationships: Friendship and Loneliness
Social Media as Personal Records: Privacy Concerns.
Reasons for Caution.
Fabrication and Deception.
Works Cited Page
All sources used in the research paper are listed alphabetically by author’s last name on the last page. Titled “Works Cited”, it is double-spaced throughout with a 1-inch margin and no extra spacing between entries. Any sources mentioned in the text must correspond to full citations listed here.
Each citation is formatted consistently depending on the source type (book, journal article, website etc.) with all necessary publication details included. The list is centered on the page without any formatting like bolding or italics.
For example:
Johnson, Sarah. Social Impacts of Connected Technology. New York: Langford, 2019.
Jones, Michael. “Social Media Ethics.” Social Sciences Journal, vol. 42, no. 3, 2020, pp. 142-150.
This covers the basic format and structure of an MLA style research paper with descriptions of heading, typeface, spacing, pagination, citations, Works Cited page and consistent formatting of sources per MLA guidelines. Careful adherence to these standards helps develop an organized, readable paper that follows disciplinary conventions and expectations. Students should seek assistance from their instructor if they have any other questions regarding MLA format.
Andrew Stroud