Schools are fond of following a specific format and writing style. One such style is MLA formatting, but what is it and what do you need to know to create an essay in this format?
Read our expert guide on MLA format essays so you’re fully prepared in the classroom.
What Is MLA Format for an Essay?
Let’s start at the beginning; what is MLA format for an essay? MLA stands for the “Modern Language Association” and is a writing style format. It dictates how you present your essays and whether you’ll use margins and indentations. It is also instrumental in showing you how to cite and reference your work.
When using the MLA style, you must lay out your title page in a specific way. You should include upper-right hand corner margins measuring one inch from the left and follow the necessary font style. An MLA format paper must follow various rules. This is regardless of whether you’re writing an essay for school or a research paper.
How To Write in MLA Essay Format
Let’s take a look at how to write in MLA essay format. Most of the requirements have to do with the presentation and layout of your writing when outlining an essay. Additional requirements refer to the way you cite and reference your sources.
Here are the main requirements of MLA formatting:
- Insert page numbers in the header, half an inch from the top.
- The title must be center-justified.
- Use one-inch margins.
- Include double spacing.
- Write in a font like Times New Roman, size 12.
- New paragraphs must feature 0.5-inch indentations.
- Never underline anywhere in your text.
- Media titles should be italicized.
- Use clear labels for any figures or tables.
- Always include parenthetical citations and a Works Cited list.
What Does the MLA Handbook Say About Works Cited?
Including a Works Cited list is essential for MLA formatting and the MLA handbook. Works Cited is similar to a bibliography and features the sources you have used when writing your essay. However, a Works Cited list only refers to your actual citations, not your wider reading sources.
When adding entries to your Works Cited list, you’ll need to include the following information:
- The author’s name
- The title of the source
- The title of the container
- Additional contributors
- Version and edition
- The publication number
- The publisher’s name
- The date of the publication
- The location of the publication
So, this is what a Works Cited entry will look like:
Rowling, Joanne K., and GrandPre Mary. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. A.A. Levine Books, 1998.
Parenthetical Citations
Parenthetical citations are in-text citations. You’ll need to insert round brackets or parenthesis after paraphrasing a source and insert the author’s surname and page number.
Where To Find an MLA Format Essay Example
Now let’s take a look at an MLA format essay example. You’ll find MLA format essay examples in the MLA Style Center. Each sample MLA paper can be used as a reference point to cite your work.
What Other Writing Formats Are There?
Several different writing formats are used across the US, including the MLA format and APA citation style. Here are some of the format styles that you might come across.
MLA Formatting
The MLA writing style is dominantly used in Humanities subjects. It is a format that focuses on the author and is thought to be an easier style to follow. In-text citations only include the author’s last name and the page number where the source can be found.
APA Writing Style
Academic writing will either follow the MLA format or the APA writing style. The APA format was developed by the American Psychological Association and is mainly used for social science essays. In-text citations include the year of publication, as well as the author’s name and page number.
APA formatting focuses on the publication date and is a good style for research comparisons. It is a more complex writing style, especially for newer students.
University of Chicago Style
Chicago Style is over a hundred years old and is thought to offer greater flexibility to the writer. Variations in this formatting include using a serial comma, double quotations instead of single, and using book title italics.
Associated Press Formatting
Journalists and news outlets follow the AP, or Associated Press, writing style. The AP style requires specific rules for capitalization, headlines, dates, numbers, and citations.
How Can I Cite a URL in MLA Formatting?
When citing a URL, insert the date the site was accessed inside your Works Cited list. You’ll also need to include a link for the URL. The date the site was accessed is necessary as webpage contents can easily change and be updated.
In most circumstances, you should be able to get a title and author name, as well as publication date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include subheadings when following an MLA format?
Yes, you can use subheadings when following an MLA format. Subheadings are important and can help organize your writing in a better way. It’s easier for the reader to digest a series of subheadings instead of a large text block.
Can I use a bold typeface for my title when using an MLA writing style?
No, you can’t use a bold typeface for your title when using a MLA writing style. This is also true for italicizing your text, despite the desire to make the title stand out from the crowd.
MLA formatting requires that all text matches one another. This means zero bold typefaces or italics anywhere in the essay.
Why is it important to use in-text citations and a Works Cited list?
The purpose of using in-text citations and a Works Cited list is to give credit to the author. After all, you’re using their work and their sources so they deserve the credit!
But you’ll also benefit when you successfully cite your sources. Firstly, you’ll avoid plagiarism, which can cause numerous problems if identified. Use our Plagiarism Checker to ensure you haven’t plagiarized your work. But, you’ll also generate increased credibility and score a higher grade.
What does an in-text citation look like?
An in-text citation will include the author’s last name and the page number of the source within round brackets. So, after paraphrasing your citation, you might write something like this: (Bratwurst 67).
What does MLA style say about the title page?
MLA style requires a simple and minimalistic title page. The title page must be the first page of your essay. This means a clear MLA format heading with no extra capital letters or bold or italic typeface.
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