The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the major formatting styles used for research papers in history and other humanities disciplines. Here are the key elements of MLA format for writing a history research paper:
Title Page
The title page should contain the title of the paper, your name, the name of the course, your instructor’s name, and the date. The title should be centered and the other information should be double-spaced and aligned to the left margin.
Header and Page Numbers
Every page should include a header with your last name and the page numberflush right. The header should be in the upper right corner on all pages except the title page.
Font and Margins
The preferred font is Times New Roman 12 point. The paper should be double-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides.
Title of Paper
The title should be centered and in title case. Only italicize or underline book titles within the paper title. Do not use bold, quotation marks, or other formatting for the paper title.
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Student’s Name
The student’s name should be centered on the page below the paper title without other formatting.
Course Information
The course name, number, and instructor should be centered below the student’s name.
Body Text Levels
Main body text is flush left and double-spaced. Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch from the left margin. Double space between paragraphs.
Use headings to separate different sections or ideas in your paper. First level headings are centered and bold. Second level headings are flush left and bold. Third level headings are indented, italicized, with a period at the end, and end in a regular sentence case.
In-Text Citations
Cite sources used in the body of the paper by author’s last name and page number in parentheses after quoted or paraphrased material. For example: (Smith 98).
Block Quotations
For quotes over 4 lines, start a new line, indent the entire quote 1⁄2 inch from the left margin, and do not use quotation marks. Maintain double spacing. Introduce the quote before and include the citation after.
Works Cited Page
At the end of the paper include a Works Cited page listing all sources cited in the body in alphabetical order by author’s last name. Use a hanging indent with the first line flush left and subsequent lines indented 1⁄2 inch.
Sample Citations
Below are some sample citations for common source types following MLA guidelines:
Book:
Last, First M. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year.
Journal Article:
Last, First M. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. #, no. #, Publication Year, pages.
Website:
Last, First M. “Title of Web Page.” Website Name, Sponsoring Institution/Publisher, Date of Publication, URL. Date of Access.
Newspaper Article:
Last, First M. “Title of Article.” Newspaper Name, Date of Publication, pages.
Some general tips to keep in mind when formatting a history research paper in MLA style:
Be consistent in formatting elements like running headers, citations, and Works Cited entries
Double check that all sources cited in the body are listed on the Works Cited page
Use the latest edition of the MLA Handbook for guidance on newer sources like websites and social media
Have someone else proofread your paper for small errors in formatting before submitting
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Following MLA style demonstrates your ability to effectively research, cite evidence, and present your historical arguments in a clear, organized manner. Adhering to proper MLA format guidelines can help you write a well-structured, credible history research paper. Even small inconsistencies in formatting can undermine your academic integrity, so take care to format each paper uniformly according to the latest MLA standard. Mastering proper citation and formatting helps you avoid plagiarism and establishes your credibility as a careful scholar. With practice, the basic rules of MLA format will become second nature for communicating your historical analysis in a professional way.