Writing a paper in MLA format can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the style. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. This resource, updated to reflect the MLA Handbook (8th ed.), offers examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page.

When writing an MLA paper, keep in mind the following stylistic guidelines:

• Use a size 12 font.
• Use double spacing throughout the entire paper.
• Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks (unless otherwise instructed by your instructor).
• Set the margins of your document to 1 inch on all sides.
• Indent the first line of each paragraph one half-inch from the left margin.
• Create a header that numbers all pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin.

When it comes to citing sources, there are several different formats you can use. The most common is the MLA in-text parenthetical citation method. This involves placing relevant source information in parentheses after a quote or a paraphrase. Generally, you want to provide the last name of the author and the specific page numbers of the source.

When it comes to creating a Works Cited page, remember that the MLA style requires to list all the sources you used on a separate page at the end of your paper. This page should be titled “Works Cited” and should appear after the body of your paper. All entries in the Works Cited page must correspond to the works cited in your main text.

Overall, following the guidelines of the MLA style can help you write a successful paper. Be sure to consult your instructor if you have any questions or concerns about writing an MLA paper.