Writing a research paper in MLA format is different in many ways from other formats like APA or Chicago. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for formatting and citation styles. When writing in MLA format, three key elements must be followed for proper formatting – using the MLA heading, developing a clear structure with thesis statements, and properly citing sources within the text and on the works cited page. Let’s look at each component in more detail.
The MLA heading includes the student’s name, the instructor’s name, the class name, and the date on separate lines in the upper left corner of the first page only. Times New Roman 12-point font is the standard requirement. The student’s last name and page number should be placed in the upper right corner of every page. For example:
John Doe
Professor Smith
English 101
22 November 2022
Doe 2
Careful attention to the MLA heading ensures consistency in appearance. Developing a clear structure with a strong introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion is also key. The introduction should introduce the topic, provide context and background, and clearly state the thesis or argument being made. Each body paragraph should be focused on proving or supporting one main point that relates back to the thesis. topics should flow logically from one paragraph to the next. The conclusion should summarize the main points without introducing new information and reiterate the thesis.
Proper in-text citations allow the reader to easily identify sources being referenced in the paper. The author’s last name and page number should appear in parentheses following a direct quote or paraphrased information. For example: (Smith 12). When no author is listed on the source, use a shortened version of the title within the parentheses. For example: (“How to Write” 22). When citing multiple works by the same author, the last name is sufficient within the parentheses for subsequent citations. For example: (Smith).
At the end of the paper, a works cited page must be included with detailed bibliographic information for all cited sources. Entries are listed alphabetically by the author’s last name. If no author is listed, alphabetize by the title excluding articles like A, An, or The. Each source cited within the text must have a corresponding entry on the works cited page using proper MLA formatting guidelines. For books, this includes the author’s name, book title in italics, publication city, publisher name, year published, and medium of publication. For example:
Smith, John. How to Write a Research Paper. New York, Penguin, 2017. Print.
Websites are cited with the author’s name if available, title of page in quotation marks, name of site owner if different from author, publication date, URL, and the date accessed. For example:
“MLA Format Made Simple.” Purdue OWL, Purdue U Writing Lab, 2010. owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_and_style_guide.html. Accessed 1 Nov. 2022.
Proper in-text citations and carefully formatted source entries on the works cited page allow readers to easily follow up on cited sources. Adhering to MLA guidelines demonstrates academic integrity and improves overall paper organization and readability. Now that the key MLA style elements have been reviewed, students can properly format their research papers. Careful attention to headings, structure, citations, and the works cited page will result in properly formatted MLA papers.