How To Write Mla Format

The main body of your paper starts on the same page directly under the title.

How to write mla format. Your full name first and last don t use nicknames your teacher s name. 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. Leave one space after a period or other concluding punctuation mark unless your instructor prefers two spaces. Align the title so it sits in the center of the mla format paper. Include your name and the page number right aligned in the header on every page.

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. Italicize the title of a self contained whole e g. Download the mla heading template word. This document will show you how to format an essay in mla style. A book film journal or website.

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. Indent set off quotations half an inch as well for examples see 76 80 in the mla handbook. Double space the entire research paper including quotations notes and the list of works cited. You should also create a running header containing your last name and the page number on each page.

In mla style source titles appear either in italics or in quotation marks. Whatever font you choose mla recommends that the regular and italics type styles contrast enough that they are each distinct from one another. Only include italics if your title includes the title of another source. The title should be written in standard lettering without underlines bold font italicized font or any quotation marks. Use quotation marks around the title if it is part of a larger work e g.

Your subject and class and possibly also grade as needed period 1 the name of the class with your class color if the teacher color codes their classes etc the date. Double space the text of your paper and use a legible font e g. Mla modern language association style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. There should be no. Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard white 8 5 x 11 inch paper.