How to Type an MLA Format Essay
The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is one of the most widely used styles for writing and citation. Whether you’re writing an essay, research paper, or thesis for a class, knowing how to properly type and format an MLA paper will serve you well. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the basics of MLA formatting and show you how to type your paper according to MLA guidelines.
Setting Up the Basic Structure
The first step in typing your MLA formatted essay is setting up the basic structure and formatting. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Type your paper using a standard font like Times New Roman or Calibri. Font size should be 12 points.
Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, right).
Do not justify the right margin.
Double space the entire paper, including titles, headings, etc.
Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch from the left margin (also called a hanging indent).
Include a header with your last name and the page number 1/2 inch from the top of each page, starting with page 2. The page number should be flush right.
Save your document as a Microsoft Word (.docx) or rich text format (.rtf) file.
Setting up the title page is also important. The title page should include:
The title of your paper, centered.
No extra spacing between the title and the following lines.
Your name.
The name of your instructor.
The course name and number.
The due date of the assignment.
Page number is not needed on the title page.
The title should be straightforward yet informative and capture the essence of your paper. Avoid using titles like “English Paper” or “My Essay”; instead, try to summarize your main argument or topic.
In-Text Citations
Proper citation is key when writing a research paper. MLA format uses parenthetical in-text citations to briefly identify the sources you have quoted or paraphrased. These citations correspond to a full list of sources at the end of the paper.
Generally, in-text citations include the last name of the author and a relevant page number. For example: (Smith 25). If you mention the author’s name in the text, only include the page number in parentheses: As Smith argued (25).
When citing a direct quote, include the author’s last name, a comma, and the relevant page number(s) in parentheses: (“The rise of streaming platforms has disrupted music distribution” Johnson, 5).
For sources with no known author, use a shortened title instead: (“Netflix’s Original Content Strategy” 5).
You can also cite multiple pages together by separating the numbers with a hyphen: (Smith 25-27). Or cite more than one source in the same parentheses by separating them with a semi-colon: (Smith 25; Johnson 37).
Quotes of 4 lines or more should be formatted as a block quote and indented half an inch from the left margin without quotation marks. Maintain double spacing and include the author’s last name and page number citation after the final punctuation mark.
Works Cited Page
At the end of the paper, you must include a Works Cited page that lists all sources cited throughout your essay. This page should have the centered title “Works Cited” (without quotation marks or underlining) and maintain consistent MLA formatting.
List sources alphabetically by author’s last name or source title if no author is given. The first line of each citation should be flush with the left margin, with subsequent lines indented half an inch.
Basic examples of common sources:
Book with single author:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year.
Journal article:
Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. #, no. #, Publication Date, page range.
Website:
Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Web Page.” Name of Website, Publisher, Publication Date, URL.
Pay close attention to punctuation and omitting nonessential information. Credible online sources like databases or organizational websites are also acceptable to use. Always double check your citations match the corresponding sources listed in-text. An accurate Works Cited list is essential for credibility in academic writing.
Finalizing Your Paper
Finally, proofread your essay thoroughly before submission. Check for:
Consistent formatting of headings, block quotes, font, etc.
Fluid transitions between paragraphs and ideas.
Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Accurate in-text citations that match Works Cited entries.
Logical flow and organization of content.
Absence of opinions, personal ideas, slang, contractions.
Conduct peer reviews to gain another perspective. Some professors may require a draft for preliminary feedback as well. Printing a hard copy can help you identify errors more easily. Once proofread and revised as needed, your MLA format essay will be perfectly formatted and ready for submission.
The key things to remember are consistency, accuracy, and adherence to MLA style guidelines. With practice, proper MLA formatting and citation will become second nature. Following these steps will ensure your typed essays and research papers are of the highest professional caliber. Mastering MLA is an important academic skill that will serve you well throughout your educational career and beyond.