The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is one of the major styles for documenting sources used by researchers in their academic papers. This style is commonly used in humanities disciplines such as English, foreign languages, and cultural studies. When starting a research paper in MLA format, there are key guidelines for the first page, in-text citations, bibliographies/works cited pages, and formatting that must be followed.
To begin, set up initial formatting. Use white 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. The text should be left-aligned, double spaced with 1-inch margins all around. At the top left corner of the first page, type your name, your instructor’s name, the course name, and the date. This header should be single spaced. Skip one line and center the page header, which should contain the title of your paper, but do not underline, bold, or use quotation marks.
The title should capture the overall focus or thesis of the paper in a concise yet explicit way. A strong title hooks the reader so choose it carefully. When deciding on a title, brainstorm keywords and concepts related to your thesis in order to make the title clear and engaging. The title sets the tone and establishes expectations for what is contained in the paper so put thought into crafting a title that appropriately introduces your research.
Now, on the next line, begin your text. No additional heading or label is needed as the centered title above serves as the head. For research papers, the first paragraph(s) should introduce the topic of your paper and establish your thesis statement. Your introduction establishes the context for your research and introduces your paper’s specific purpose or focus to the reader.
When crafting the introduction, think about your audience’s knowledge level regarding the research topic. Provide necessary background knowledge for readers who may be unfamiliar with aspects of the subject matter. Define key terms and concepts upfront so the reader fully understands the context and language used in the body paragraphs. The introduction also serves to pique the reader’s interest in why your research topic is significant or important.
In addition to background and context for your topic, your introduction must clearly state your thesis argument. The thesis is the main assertion or conclusions you will prove or explore over the course of the paper based on evidence from your research. Writing a strong thesis is crucial because it establishes the intended purpose and direction of your paper. A good thesis is specific, nuanced, and poses an open-ended question your research aims to address rather than making a definitive factual claim.
In your body paragraphs, present evidence from research sources that supports and proves your thesis. Each body paragraph should be dedicated to discussing a separate aspect or piece of evidence related to your argument. First, include a topic sentence that relates directly back to your thesis. Then integrate and discuss source material through summaries, paraphrases, and direct quotations as warranted. When directly quoting a source, be sure to include the author’s last name and quote page number in parentheses after the quoted material.
For example: As William Shakespeare notes, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” (104). Make sure to smoothly weave quoted and paraphrased information into your own analysis by introducing relevant context before and after. Explain how the evidence proves a part of your thesis. Provide transition sentences between paragraphs. End each body paragraph by connecting back to how the evidence shows an element of your argument.
When all evidence and analysis is presented, conclude by restating your thesis argument and summarizing the major points made. Your conclusion should not just rehash old information but rather synthesize the significance of your research as a whole. Discuss larger implications, remaining questions, or directions for future research stemming from your analysis. The conclusion leaves the reader with a strong final impression of your paper’s relevance.
To properly credit sources used in the paper, include a Works Cited page at the end formatted according to MLA guidelines. On a new page, center the title “Works Cited” (without quotes) and do not include any additional numbering or labeling. List all cited sources alphabetically by author’s last name using a hanging indent for subsequent lines of each source entry. In MLA style, in-text citations consist of the author’s last name followed by a page number in parentheses. Include page numbers if quoting directly, but they are optional for paraphrasing.
Formatting is also essential, including using 12-point Times New Roman font, setting all margins to 1-inch, double spacing all text, indenting the first line of paragraphs 0.5 inches, and numbering pages consecutively starting from the introduction (do not insert page numbers on the first page). Correctly formatting the paper will give it a polished, professional appearance that properly credits research sources and shows adherence to scholarly conventions. Following MLA guidelines is crucial when starting any research paper to present research findings and analysis in a clear, credible manner according to established academic best practices.
That covers the key components and structure to follow when starting a research paper using MLA format guidelines. Proper formatting, citation of sources, clear organization of ideas, and a strong introduction and conclusion provide a solid foundation for academic writing. Adhering to MLA style demonstrates your research is thorough and writing skillful. With careful attention to correctly structuring the different elements, your paper is off to a great start in presenting your perspectives and ideas.
Andrew Stroud