Writing a research paper is an essential aspect of academics and should be done with care and attention to detail. Using proper MLA (Modern Language Association) style format is integral to crafting a clear and organized paper. MLA is a common formatting style used for research papers within the humanities and liberal arts fields. Following the standard guidelines ensures consistency and enables readers to focus on the actual content rather than formatting distractions. Here are the key steps and requirements to write a research paper in MLA format.
General Paper Format
MLApapers should be typed, double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5×11 inches) with 1-inch margins on all sides. Times New Roman font in 12pt size is the recommended typeface. Page numbers should be located in the upper right corner, 1/2 inch from the top with the last name preceding the page number (Smith 1). Papers should have a title page and works cited page. The title should be centered without underlining or bold formatting. Student and teacher names along with course name should be centered below the title on the first line beneath.
Essay Structure
A research paper in MLA format consists of 3 major sections: Introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should include a clear thesis statement, an explanation of your topic’s relevance or importance, and a brief overview of what will be discussed. The body contains the discussion of your research and findings through paragraphs with topic sentences related back to the thesis. Citations and references should be included within the flow of the paragraph. Conclusions should summarize your key points and restates your thesis without introducing new information.
Formatting Paragraphs
All paragraphs in an MLA paper are double-spaced with a consistent basic structure. The first line should not be indented, but subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches to create a “hanging indent.” Only the first line of the paragraph is left aligned, all other lines are formed flush to the right margin. This formatting standard enables readers to immediately differentiate between paragraphs. Text citations are placed in the body of the paragraph, with the cited work and page number in parentheses, following the relevant statement.
Formatting In-Text Citations
References to sources that are cited within the text of your paper are called parenthetical or in-text citations. Citations correspond to sources that appear in your works cited list. In MLA format, citations are brief references containing the last name of the author and a relevant location within the source. Page numbers are included when quoting or paraphrasing a specific passage. When citing multiple works by the same author, include the author’s last name followed by a comma and relevant page number or section title. Multiple works cited are separated by a semi colon.
Examples:
(Smith 12)
(Smith, “Popular Music”)
(Smith 12; Johnson 45)
If the author’s name is not used in the text, only include the page number or identifying phrase in parentheses. If quoting a source, include the author’s last name, year of publication, and relevant page number separated by commas.
Examples:
As one scholar notes,…(12).
John Smith states, “Music is an important part…” (Smith 45).
Formatting the Works Cited Page
The final section of a research paper following MLA guidelines is the Works Cited list, which provides publication details of every source referenced in the paper. This page should have the centered title of “Works Cited” without formatting and have entries listed alphabetically by the first letter of each source. Each citation is a hanging indent with 1/2 inch indentation like paragraphs. Source titles are italicized while article, chapter, and web page titles are in quotation marks. Page numbers, volumes, and dates are included based on the source type.
Examples:
Book by Single Author:
Last, First M. Title. Publisher, Publication Date.
Article in Academic Journal:
Last, First M. “Title.” Journal Title, vol. #, no. #, Publication Date, page range.
Website:
Last, First M. “Title.” Name of Site, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL. Date of Access.
Proper attribution and citation of research sources is essential for avoiding plagiarism. Using the Modern Language Association formatting guidelines ensure consistency and professional presentation of a research paper. Careful adherence to the stylistic rules regarding formatting text, in-text citations, and reference lists will result in a high-quality paper formatted correctly in MLA style. Sticking to the fundamentals is key to crafting organized, clear, and credible academic writing.