The Modern Language Association (MLA) is an organization responsible for developing MLA format, which is a writing style and protocol for formatting research papers. MLA format is commonly used for papers focused on the humanities disciplines such as English literature, modern languages, visual and performing arts, cultural studies, and other related fields. This type of research paper typically includes research on textual evidence from other literary or cultural works.
The basic format MLA prescribes for writing and formatting a research paper includes guidelines for formatting the overall structure as well as individual elements. Some of the key formatting rules and guidelines for sample research papers written in MLA style include:
General Paper Format: MLA research papers should be typed, double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5×11 inches) with 1-inch margins on all sides. The final version should be paginated at the top right corner. An MLA research paper does not require a title page, but your instructor may request one. The first page of the text should include simply the title, your name, the name of your teacher or professor, and the course name and section number.
Header and Running Head: In the upper-right corner of every page, insert your last name and page number. Number the pages consecutively throughout the entire essay in the top right header, about half an inch from the top. Page 1 should be abbreviated as p. 2, p. 3, etc.
Title Block: The title block serves as the heading for your title. The title should be centered on the first page only. Do not bold, italicize, or type the title in all capital letters. Only italicize words that would normally appear in italics according to MLA guidelines.
Body Text: The body, or main text, of the paper should be double-spaced throughout with 1-inch margins. Paragraph indents should be a half-inch, or five spaces using a consistent font (e.g., 12-pt Times New Roman). Section headings like literature reviews, analysis, findings, and conclusion should each be on separate pages.
Parenthetical Citations: Any referenced material within the body of a paper should have an in-text citation using the author’s last name and the page number, enclosed in parentheses. For example: (Smith 25). If no author is given, use the title and page number in quotes, like (“Article Title” 25).
Works Cited Page: The last page of the research paper is the Works Cited page, sometimes called References. Here all sources referenced in the body text are listed alphabetically by author’s last name or title if no author is given. The Works Cited page starts on a new page and is double-spaced like the body text. Each entry begins with a half-inch hanging indent.
In addition to formatting guidelines, sample MLA research papers should adhere to basic rules of writing mechanics. This includes using Times New Roman 12-point font, double spacing with consistent margins, in-text citations for any quoted and paraphrased material, and a Works Cited page. Additional guidelines address the appropriate format for headings, subheadings, block quotes, lists, and other elements. Paying close attention to each of these formatting rules will ensure the paper presents itself in a neat, clean, and professional manner according to standard MLA specifications.
An example MLA research paper would typically include an introductory paragraph with a clear thesis statement, several body paragraphs expanding on the main points that support the thesis, and a concluding paragraph that wraps up the analysis. Within each paragraph, students would integrate textual evidence from their sources to contribute to their argument using the proper in-text citations. In this way, the paper flows smoothly between the student’s original analysis and ideas interspersed with quoted material.
The Works Cited page lists all sources cited in alphabetical order by author’s last name or title if no author is given. Every entry begins with a half-inch hanging indent and follows a specific formatting structure depending on whether it is a book, magazine/journal article, website, etc. For example, a book citation would include the author’s name, book title in italics, publishing city, publisher name, year published. A website citation would include the author name if available, title of page in quotation marks, name of website in italics, publishing/posting date if available, and date accessed.
By following the prescribed rules and formatting guidelines for an MLA research paper, students can present their findings and arguments in a clear, consistent manner that is most appropriate for papers focused on the humanities or liberal arts. Adhering to standard conventions makes the paper credible and professional-looking. Sample papers provide clear models to guide the proper formatting of citations, headings, pages, and the Works Cited list to correspond with Modern Language Association specifications. An accurately formatted paper strengthens the analysis and helps effectively establish the credibility and legitimacy of research.