When it comes to academic writing, formatting is a crucial aspect that can make or break the quality of a paper. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most widely used formatting styles in the humanities, and mastering its secrets can help students achieve better grades. In this article, we will delve into the world of MLA formatting, exploring its intricacies and providing tips and tricks to help students improve their writing and formatting skills.
Understanding MLA Formatting Basics
MLA formatting is a set of guidelines that dictate how to structure and format academic papers. The style is characterized by its use of double-spacing, one-inch margins, and a legible font such as Times New Roman or Arial. The MLA style also requires the use of in-text citations and a works cited page to credit sources and avoid plagiarism.
Header and Footer Formatting
The header and footer are essential components of an MLA-formatted paper. The header should include the student’s last name and page number, while the footer should be left blank. To format the header, students can use the “Header” feature in their word processing software, selecting the “Different First Page” option to ensure that the header does not appear on the first page.
| MLA Formatting Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Font | Legible font such as Times New Roman or Arial |
| Font Size | 12-point font |
| Line Spacing | Double-spaced |
| Margins | One-inch margins on all sides |
| Header | Last name and page number in the upper right corner |
Mastering In-Text Citations
In-text citations are a critical component of MLA formatting, allowing students to credit sources and avoid plagiarism. To format in-text citations, students should use the author-page method, including the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses. For example: (Smith 24). If the source has no author, students should use the title in place of the author’s name: (“The Great Gatsby” 24).
Works Cited Page Formatting
The works cited page is the final page of an MLA-formatted paper, listing all sources cited in the paper. To format the works cited page, students should use hanging indents and alphabetize sources by author’s last name. Each source should be formatted according to its type, such as book, article, or website. For example:
Book: Smith, John. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.
Article: Johnson, Mary. "The Impact of Climate Change." The New York Times, 10 Feb. 2020, pp. 1-3.
Website: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "Climate Change." NOAA, 2020, www.noaa.gov/climate-change.
What is the purpose of MLA formatting?
+The purpose of MLA formatting is to provide a standardized way of structuring and formatting academic papers, making it easier for readers to follow and understand the content.
How do I format a works cited page in MLA style?
+To format a works cited page in MLA style, use hanging indents and alphabetize sources by author’s last name. Each source should be formatted according to its type, such as book, article, or website.
What is the difference between a header and a footer in MLA formatting?
+The header includes the student’s last name and page number in the upper right corner, while the footer is left blank.
