Writing an essay in MLA format can seem daunting, but with a few simple guidelines, it can be made easy. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. In this article, we will provide a quick guide on how to write an essay in MLA format, covering the basics of formatting, citations, and references.
Introduction to MLA Format
The MLA format is designed to be simple and easy to follow, with a focus on clarity and readability. The basic elements of an MLA-formatted essay include a legible font, such as 12-point Times New Roman, double spacing throughout the document, and one-inch margins on all sides. The header should include the student’s last name and page number, while the title page should include the title of the essay, the student’s name, and the instructor’s name.
Formatting Guidelines
When it comes to formatting, MLA has specific guidelines that must be followed. The font size should be 12-point, and the line spacing should be double-spaced. The margins should be set to one inch on all sides, including the top, bottom, left, and right. The indentation should be five spaces for each new paragraph, and the header should include the student’s last name and page number.
| Formatting Element | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Font | 12-point Times New Roman |
| Line Spacing | Double-spaced |
| Margins | One inch on all sides |
| Indentation | Five spaces for each new paragraph |
| Header | Last name and page number |
Citations and References
Citations and references are an essential part of any MLA-formatted essay. The in-text citation should include the author’s last name and page number, while the works cited page should include a list of all sources used in the essay. The works cited page should be titled “Works Cited” and should be double-spaced, with each entry formatted according to MLA guidelines.
In-Text Citations
In-text citations are used to acknowledge the source of a quote or idea. The author-page citation should be used for most sources, while the author-title citation should be used for sources with no author or page numbers. The parenthetical citation should be used to separate the citation from the rest of the sentence.
For example:
- (Smith 23) - author-page citation
- ("The Great Gatsby" 12) - author-title citation
- (Jones and Johnson 45) - multiple authors
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a list of all sources used in the essay. The entries should be formatted according to MLA guidelines, with each entry including the author’s name, title of the source, publication date, and page numbers. The hanging indent should be used to indent each entry five spaces.
For example:
- Smith, John. The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner's Sons, 1925. Print.
- Johnson, Jane. "The Importance of Citation." Journal of Academic Writing, vol. 10, no. 2, 2018, pp. 12-20. JSTOR, doi: 10.2307/123456.
What is the purpose of the MLA format?
+The MLA format is designed to provide a consistent and clear way of formatting and citing sources in academic writing, particularly in the humanities.
How do I cite a source with no author?
+If a source has no author, use the title of the source in the in-text citation and the Works Cited page. For example: ("The Great Gatsby" 12)
What is the difference between a citation and a reference?
+A citation is a brief reference to a source in the text, while a reference is a full citation that includes all the necessary information about the source, such as author, title, publication date, and page numbers.
In conclusion, writing an essay in MLA format requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the guidelines. By following the formatting, citation, and reference guidelines outlined in this article, students can ensure that their essays are well-organized, easy to read, and properly cited. Remember to always use the most recent edition of the MLA Handbook and to consult with instructors or peers if you have any questions or concerns.
