The Modern Language Association (MLA) specifies a standard format for essays and research papers written in an academic setting: one-inch page margins, double-spaced paragraphs, last name and page number in the header for short titles, and citations in parentheses when a source is referred to, rather than footnotes. This format allows for clear communication of ideas between writer and reader.
The Purdue OWL’s guide for MLA style papers outlines several key parts. First, a title page with the title centered, your name, instructor, course number, and date centered below. Next, the paper itself has a header in the upper right corner with your last name and page number. Font style and size conventions are Times New Roman 12pt.
Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch from the left margin. Use in-text citations for any reference to someone else’s work, providing the author’s last name and page number(s). For sources without page numbers, omit the page numbers from citations. List full citations alphabetically by author’s last name on a separate Works Cited page at the end.
For shorter quotes under 4 lines, the quote should be enclosed in double quotation marks and cited in parentheses. For longer quotes, indent the quote 1⁄2 inch from the left margin and do not use quotation marks. Maintain double spacing throughout the paper. Keep in mind your instructor’s preferences as well, such as regarding word count minimums/maximums.
In terms of structure, the body comprises the main sections of your argument broken into logical paragraphs. Introduce your topic in the first paragraph and state your main thesis. Subsequent body paragraphs then provide evidence and elaboration that supports your thesis through analysis and explanation of sources. Conclude by restating your thesis and summarizing your key points without just repeating verbatim what you already covered.
Citations comprise an important part of academic writing to give appropriate credit to outside sources and demonstrate credibility. An MLA works cited page lists all references in alphabetical order by author’s last name. The entry should provide the author, title, publisher, date published, and medium. For example:
LastName, FirstName. “Title of Source.” container [other contributors], Name of Publisher, Date Published, URL/DOI.
Requirements like consistent formatting, structure, and citations make the complex process of research easier for readers to understand your perspective and evaluate your evidence and reasoning objectively. The Purdue OWL is a valuable research guide for students to learn and apply MLA style properly in their own work. Clarity, credibility and communication are fundamental purposes this style supports in scholarly writing.