9 min read
Published on: Apr 1, 2024
Last updated on: Jul 12, 2024
Are you working on your MLA research paper? Do you find the formatting rules and guidelines difficult and overwhelming? Well, this blog is perfect for you!
In this blog, you will find a detailed breakdown of different MLA rules for each section of a paper. You will also find examples that will make it easy to understand the rules and how to use them in your paper.
So let’s get started!
MLA format (full form: Modern Language Association) handbook (8th Edition) helps create consistent, professional, and clear documents. It is a commonly used citation style, in addition to the APA, Harvard, and Chicago, etc.
Here are the general rules you should follow to format your paper in MLA style:
Here are the general rules about page and paragraph settings in MLA style:
Margins: Set uniform margins of 1 inch on all sides of your document. This creates a balanced, professional look.
Font: Opt for a readable font like Times New Roman, and stick to a standard size of 12 pt to maintain clarity and uniformity.
Line-Spacing: Double-spacing is mandatory throughout your document, including notes, quotes, and the works cited page.
Indentation: The first line of each paragraph should be indented by half an inch from the left margin, which can be easily set using the tab key.
Title, header, and page numbers are the first things that appear on your document. Here are the general rules for each of them:
Title:
Your title should be centered, capitalized, and in title case. It should also be positioned above the main text without underlines or italics.
Header and Page Number:
The header in an MLA page is on the top right corner of each page with your last name followed by the page number.
Here is an MLA Format Template for a Header:
If your paper is lengthy, use numbered section headings to improve readability. Here is what you should remember about different section headings in MLA:
First Level Heading:
They use title cases, are centered, and are bold. Use this type of heading for major parts like Introduction, Methods, Results, etc.
Second-Level Heading:
These levels of headings are italicized and aligned to the left. They’re used for sections like the Literature Review, Data Analysis, Limitations, etc.
Third-Level Heading:
These headings are centered and bolded. They are used for detailed parts like Research Questions, Findings, etc.
Take a look at this infographic for a better understanding:
Tables and figures can help explain your points, but they shouldn’t break up the flow of your writing.
Here are some general rules you should follow:
When using direct quotes, you should cite them properly. Here is how you can format different quotation types.
Short Quotes:
For quotations that are fewer than four lines, enclose them in double quotation marks and incorporate them into the text.
Here is an example for a better understanding:
According to Jane Doe, "There's nothing a piece of chocolate can't fix" (45). |
Long Quotes:
Also known as block quotes, quotations that extend to more than four lines should be formatted as a block of text, indented one inch from the left margin.
Take a look at this example for a better understanding:
Jessie James eloquently describes the essence of chocolate: "Chocolate is not just a treat; it's a celebration of life's sweetness. With every bite, we embrace the joy that resides in the simple pleasures. It's a confectionery symphony that plays on our taste buds, leaving behind a melody of happiness and contentment" (112). |
Here is how you can format additional materials in MLA style:
In MLA style, abbreviations should be used sparingly. Common trends include:
Here are the rules for formatting numbers in MLA style:
Look at the example below:
When including images such as photographs, maps, or diagrams, here is what you should remember:
Here is an example:
Fig. 1. “An animated angry cat raising its paw, surrounded by flowers” Bing-AI |
Note: The image above is AI-generated
Musical scores are treated similarly to images. Here is what you should remember:
Take a look at this example for a better understanding:
Ex. 1 Carl Orff, O Fortuna, 1936 Source: Virtual Sheet Music, https://www.virtualsheetmusic.com/score/SC-201770001406600014083.html |
In MLA format, lists can be presented in two ways:
Here is how you can add parenthetical citations in the text:
If you want to know about in-text citations, then check out this blog having detailed guidelines about MLA in-text citations.
Here are the general rules for citing your sources in MLA style:
Here are the citation examples of different types of sources in MLA:
Citing a Book:
Jane, Eve. The History of Chocolate and Milk Combo. ChocolateFactory, 2020. |
Citing a Journal Article:
Jones, Mary. “The Effects of Chocolate on Your Health.” Journal of Chocolate, vol. 15, no. 3, 2021, pp. 123-45. |
Citing a Website:
Jamie, James. “How to Make Chocolate Lava Cake.” James’ Cooking Blog, 15 Feb. 2021, jamesblog.com/how-to-make-chocolate-lava-cake. Accessed 17 July 2022. |
Here is an MLA format sample of a Work Cited list:
Now that you know how to format and cite the material, it is important to remember the most important step before submitting your paper:
Here is how you can proofread and edit your paper:
Consistency: Check for consistent use of font, margins, and formatting as per MLA guidelines.
Grammar and Punctuation: Look for grammatical errors and proper punctuation.
Verify Citations: Verify that all in-text citations and Works Cited entries are formatted correctly.
Outside Review: Have someone else review your work for an objective assessment.
Professional Tools: Consider using online tools such as paraphrasing or content improvement tool for additional help.
Do you want to save time citing your sources accurately? Try out our MLA citation machine today and let go of the hassle.
Just enter the details of your source and get your citation formatted according to the latest MLA guidelines. Yes, it is that easy!
Our citation generator online is reliable, user-friendly, and free. Try it today and see the difference.
Note: All information given in this article about the MLA Style Referencing has been obtained from the official manual, that can be accessed at: https://style.mla.org/mla-handbook-ninth-edition
No! In MLA style, a title page is usually not required for your paper. Instead, MLA recommends including a header on top of your page. However, if your professor asks you to include a title or if your paper is a group project, then create a separate title page.
In MLA style, footnotes aren’t typically used. However, you can still use footnotes or endnotes in MLA style for other purposes, such as:
WRITTEN BY
Cathy Aranda (Mass communication)
Cathy is a highly dedicated author who has been writing for the platform for over five years. With a Master's degree in Mass Communication, she is well-versed in various forms of writing such as articles, press releases, blog posts, and whitepapers. As an essay writing guide author at PerfectEssayWriter.ai, she has been helping students and professionals improve their writing skills by offering practical tips on research, citation, sentence structure, and style.
Cathy is a highly dedicated author who has been writing for the platform for over five years. With a Master's degree in Mass Communication, she is well-versed in various forms of writing such as articles, press releases, blog posts, and whitepapers. As an essay writing guide author at PerfectEssayWriter.ai, she has been helping students and professionals improve their writing skills by offering practical tips on research, citation, sentence structure, and style.
On This Page On This Page
APA vs. MLA: A Complete Comparison
APA Format (7th Edition) - Updated Guidelines
Chicago Style Citation - Guidelines with Examples and Templates
Turabian Style - Learn How to Use With Examples
IEEE Citation - All That You Need to Know
ACS Citation and Referencing - Quick and Simple Guidelines
Vancouver Style Citation & Referencing - An Easy Manual
ASA Format Made Simple: A Quick Manual for Beginners
APSA Citation - Learn How to Cite With Examples
Harvard Style Citation & Referencing - What it is and How to Use it?
AMA Citation Format – An Easy Manual to AMA 11th Edition
NLM Citation Style: Easy-to-Follow Guidelines
AAA Citation Style - Formatting and Referencing Guidelines
First Order Free