How to Write a Research Paper in MLA Format
Writing a research paper is an essential aspect of academics and should not be avoided due to one’s anxiety. In this guide, we will provide practical step-by-step instructions for writing a research paper in MLA format. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is widely used in academic papers across humanities and liberal arts fields including languages, literatures, cultural studies, and film.
Formatting the Research Paper
Begin with setting 1-inch margins on all sides of an 8.5×11 inch page. Next, include a header with your last name and the page number flush right at the top of each page. The paper should be double-spaced throughout with a legible font like Times New Roman in 12pt size. If applicable, your professor may request a specific font. Ensure the pages are numbered consecutively starting with the first page.
The first page should include your name, professor’s name, course number and title, and the submission date centered about one third of the way down the page. The title of your research paper should be centered and below your identifying information without formatting such as bold, italics or underlining. There should be a blank line between the title and the beginning of the text.
Generating Research Questions
The first step in writing a research paper is developing thoughtful research questions to guide your work. Research questions should be specific and focus your paper while still allowing for exploration of the topic. You may start with broad questions and refine them as you conduct research. Well formulated research questions can help you later streamline your ideas and arguments. Ensure your questions are not too broad or too narrow in scope. Maintaining openness while refining the focus will serve your paper well.
Conducting Research
With meaningful research questions in mind, start exploring various resources related to your topic. Research should include a variety of credible sources such as books, peer-reviewed academic journals, and government or organization websites. Search library databases and bibliographies for relevant sources. As you research, take detailed and organized notes on the sources including full bibliographic information to cite them properly later. Use quotation marks for direct quotes and summarize key ideas in your own words to avoid plagiarism.
Creating an Outline
Once you have gathered research from diverse credible sources, develop an outline to organize your ideas. The outline will provide structure to your paper and help flesh out your main arguments. Categorize research findings into themes and subsections with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion structure. Leave room for additional findings as research continues. Outlines keep papers focused yet allow flexibility as knowledge grows. Revise outline structure as needed during the writing process. Well-organized outlines enable smooth writing flow.
Writing the Body Paragraphs
With research compiled and outline prepared, you are ready to write draft paragraphs. The introduction should introduce your topic and research questions in an engaging manner. State your thesis upfront capturing the essence of your paper’s main argument or purpose in one concise sentence. Body paragraphs should each discuss a different aspect of your research questions and thesis with supporting evidence from credible sources.
Integrate research seamlessly by introducing sources and seamlessly combining paraphrased information with well-inserted quotes. Each source must be properly cited inline using MLA parenthetical citations with the author’s last name and page number. Analyze and apply critical thinking to sources rather than just summarizing them. Demonstrate how research connects back to your thesis and question. Maintain a clear logical flow and cohesive transitions between paragraphs.
The conclusion should restate the main points of arguments and importance of research without simply repeating or introducing new information. Leave the reader with a strong final impression of your thesis’s significance. A call to action can encourage further discussion but avoid novel conclusions beyond the scope of research presented. Finally, review your full paper for clarity, flow, proper formatting, spelling, grammar and consistency.
Creating the Works Cited Page
At the end of the paper, include a Works Cited page where full bibliographic references are listed alphabetically by the author’s last name. Follow official MLA guidelines for formatting sources consistently whether books, articles, websites or other media types. The Works Cited page begins on a new page with the centered title “Works Cited” without formatting. Entries are double spaced with a hanging indent for subsequent lines of each source. Provide all relevant bibliographic information to give credit and allow readers to find referenced sources.
Circulating and Revising the Paper
With the first full draft complete, request feedback from your professor or academic writing center consultants. Read your paper out loud and with a critical lens to identify sections needing revision or strengthening. Incorporate constructive feedback, revise, and proofread meticulously. Polish the paper by refining content, improving flow and adhering to MLA format guidelines stringently. Reserve finalizing the Works Cited page until all sources are correctly used in the paper. Have another set of eyes review as a last check before officially submitting your work.
Following these steps carefully will result in a clear, well-researched, and properly formatted research paper in MLA style meeting academic standards. While conducting rigorous research and writing is work, crafting a solid paper through the writing process enhances learning and boosts confidence in tackling future projects. Starting early allows sufficient time to craft the best possible work. By applying guidelines systematically, research and writing need not be overwhelming.
Andrew Stroud