How to Format a Paper in MLA Style

MLA Formatting: A Simple Guide

So, you're writing a paper and need to use MLA format? Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

MLA Basics: The Essentials

Think of MLA as the dress code for academic papers. It's all about being clear and consistent. Here's what you need:

• Font: Use Times New Roman or Arial, size 12. Simple!
• Margins: One inch all around. Think of a ruler – one inch from each edge.
• Spacing: Double-space everything. That includes your name, the title, even the Works Cited page. No extra spaces between paragraphs though!
• Heading: In the top left corner: Your name, your teacher's name, the class, and the date. Single-spaced here.
• Page Numbers: Your last name and the page number in the upper right corner. Most word processors can do this automatically.
• Title: Centered, no fancy stuff like bold or italics. Capitalize important words only – like this sentence.

In-Text Citations: Giving Credit

Giving credit is super important! Use parentheses to cite your sources. For example:

"Shakespeare's Hamlet is awesome!" (Shakespeare 123).

Here are a few tricky situations:

• Multiple Authors: Two authors? List both last names. Three or more? Use the first author's name, then "et al." (It means "and others").
• No Author? Use a short version of the title in quotes.
• Indirect Sources: If you're using a quote from a source that you found in another source, use "qtd. in" before your actual source.
• Online Sources: No page numbers? Use paragraph numbers or section headings.

Works Cited Page: Your Source List

This page goes at the end of your paper. It's a complete list of everything you cited. Here are some examples:

Examples of Works Cited Entries:

1. Book:

   Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.

2. Journal Article:

   Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Article Title." Journal Title, volume number, issue number (year): page numbers. DOI or URL.

3. Website:

   Author's Last Name, Author's First Name (if available). "Page Title." Website Title, Date, URL.

4. Online Video:

   Uploader's Name. "Video Title." YouTube (or other platform), Date, URL.

Remember these things for your Works Cited page:

• Alphabetical Order: List everything alphabetically by the author's last name (or title if no author).
• Hanging Indents: The first line is flush left, the rest are indented. Most word processors can do this automatically.
• Consistency: Keep the formatting consistent. No surprises!

More Advanced MLA Stuff

Sometimes, things get a little more complicated:

• Long Quotes: Quotes longer than four lines? Indent them one inch from the left margin. No quotation marks needed!
• Multiple Works by Same Author: Use three hyphens instead of the author's name after the first entry.
• Pictures, Tables, etc.: Cite them properly! Include captions and a list of figures or tables at the end.

Using Technology

Word processors often have built-in citation managers. They can help a lot! There are also online tools that can check your formatting. But remember – always double-check everything yourself!

Why Bother with MLA?

Using MLA shows you're serious about your work. It shows you understand academic standards and take your work seriously. It makes your paper look professional and credible. It's all about clear communication!

Conclusion: You've Got This!

MLA might seem daunting at first, but it's really just about following some simple rules. With a little practice, you'll be an MLA master in no time! Remember, it's about clear communication and showing you're a responsible researcher.