MLA Style, the Modern Language Association’s standard for formatting manuscripts and citing research in writing, plays a crucial role in academic writing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of MLA Style, from formatting your paper to perfecting your citations. Using MLA Style not only enhances your writing but also showcases your commitment to academic integrity by acknowledging your sources correctly and preventing plagiarism.
Cite Your Source Automatically in MLA
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s make your life easier. You can use citation machines to automate the process of creating MLA citations. These tools are incredibly handy and ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent throughout your paper. One such tool is CitationMachine.net, where you can search by URL, title, or keyword to generate MLA citations effortlessly.
Where to Find MLA Guidelines
If you’re required to use MLA format, be sure to consult the latest edition of the “MLA Handbook” (currently the 9th edition). This invaluable resource is readily available in most writing centers and reference libraries. You can also find it in bookstores, libraries, and on the official MLA website. Additionally, publishing scholars and graduate students should consider referring to the “MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing” (3rd edition) for in-depth guidance.
Formatting Your Paper in MLA Style
General Guidelines
When it comes to formatting your paper, follow these essential guidelines:
- Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
- Double-space the entire paper and use a legible font, such as Times New Roman. MLA suggests that regular and italicized type styles should be distinct from each other. Stick to a font size of 12 pt.
- Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks unless your instructor specifies otherwise.
- Set your document margins to 1 inch on all sides.
- Indent the first line of each paragraph by one-half inch from the left margin. Use the “Tab” key instead of hitting the space bar multiple times.
- Create a header in the upper right-hand corner that numbers all pages consecutively, starting from the second page, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. Note that the first page may omit the page number as per your instructor’s guidelines.
Formatting the First Page
Usually, you won’t need a title page unless it’s explicitly requested or for group projects. If needed, list all contributors’ names, each on a separate line in the header. Then, follow these guidelines for the remainder of the page:
- In the upper left-hand corner, include your name, your instructor’s name, the course, and the date. Maintain double-spacing.
- Double space again and center your paper’s title. Do not underline, italicize, or enclose it in quotation marks. Follow Title Case (standard capitalization), not all caps.
- If your title mentions other works, use quotation marks or italics as you would in the body of your text.
- Double space between the title and the first line of text.
- In the upper right-hand corner, create a header with your last name, followed by a space and the page number. Number all pages consecutively with Arabic numerals, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. The first page may exclude the last name/page number header, following instructor guidelines.
Section Headings
In some cases, using section headings can improve your document’s readability, especially in longer papers or essays. Here’s how to handle section headings in MLA Style:
Essays
MLA recommends numbering sections with an Arabic number followed by a period, a space, and the section name. For instance:
- Early Writings
- The London Years
- Traveling the Continent
- Final Years
Books
MLA does not prescribe specific heading systems for books. However, if you use headings, ensure consistency throughout your document. If you have multiple levels of headings, provide a key to your chosen level headings and formatting for your instructor or editor.
Conclusion
Mastering MLA Style is a valuable skill that elevates your academic writing. It not only ensures impeccable formatting but also upholds your academic integrity. By citing your sources correctly and adhering to MLA guidelines, you protect your work from plagiarism accusations. Remember, consistency is key in MLA Style, so apply these guidelines throughout your paper to achieve excellence in your academic writing.