How To Write Mla Format

This resource updated to reflect the mla handbook 8 th ed offers examples for the general format of mla research papers in text citations endnotes footnotes and the works cited page.

How to write mla format. Indent the first line of a paragraph half an inch from the left margin. To write a paper in mla format create 1 inch margins on all sides of the page and use 12 point font and double space your text as you write. Italicize the title of a self contained whole e g. Here s an example of a title page following the mla writing format. Mla modern language association style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities.

In mla style source titles appear either in italics or in quotation marks. The date is most commonly written in the day month year format. Remember that only the first page should include the whole heading and title. A book film journal or website. Mla style does not require a separate cover page.

Indent set off quotations half an inch as well for examples see 76 80 in the mla handbook. You should also create a running header containing your last name and the page number on each page. Your full name first and last don t use nicknames your teacher s name. Use quotation marks around the title if it is part of a larger work e g. 0 2 if instead of questions about putting the final formatting touches on your essay you have questions about what to write see instead my handouts on writing a short research paper coming up with a good thesis statement and using quotations in the body of your paper.

Align the title so it sits in the center of the mla format paper. A chapter of a book an article in a journal or a page on a website. Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard white 8 5 x 11 inch paper. Only include italics if your title includes the title of another source. Double space the entire research paper including quotations notes and the list of works cited.

Include your name and the page number right aligned in the header on every page. This document will show you how to format an essay in mla style. Download the mla heading template word. There should be no. On the first page type your heading in the upper left corner.