How do I format a paper in MLA style?

Formatting a College Essay — MLA Style

After the body of your paper comes the works cited page. It features the reference sources used in your essay. List the sources alphabetically by last name, or list them by title if the author is not known as is often the case of web-based articles. You will find links to examples of the works cited page in several of the sample MLA essays at the end of this section.

Among the diverse types of sources you will find, the recent influx of video production might have you relying on videography as a reliable piece of information. Although these aren’t traditional sources, there are still easy templates that MLA has provided.

You must cite your sources as you use them. In the same way that a table or figure should be located right next to the sentence that discusses it (see the previous example), parenthetical citations, or citations enclosed in parenthesis that appear in the text, are required. You need to cite all your information. If someone else wrote it, said it, drew it, demonstrated it, or otherwise expressed it, you need to cite it. The exception to this statement is common, widespread knowledge. For example, if you search online for MLA resources, and specifically MLA sample papers, you will find many similar discussions on MLA style. MLA is a style and cannot be copyrighted because it is a style, but the seventh edition of the MLA Handbook can be copyright protected. If you reference a specific page in that handbook, you need to indicate it. If you write about a general MLA style issue that is commonly covered or addressed in multiple sources, you do not. When in doubt, reference the specific resource you used to write your essay.

Formatting an Essay in MLA Style

The author’s name is usually the first item listed in the MLA citation. Author names start with the last name, then a comma is added, and then the author’s first name (and middle name if applicable) is at the end. A period closes this information.

The MLA recommends that you include URLs or DOIs (Digital Object Identifier) in your Works Cited list. If you can, cite the DOI assigned to an online publication instead of the URL.

In regards to citing books in MLA format, there are several key elements you need to look out for. These elements ensure that your citation is complete and accurate. Here is a list of components you need to gather about every source you include:

However, you may want to instead consider locating the original source of the information. This should be fairly easy to do thanks to the references at the bottom of each article.

Look online to see samples of a properly formatted MLA essay.

It is also important to stay updated with the latest guidelines, as MLA format may evolve over time to accommodate new types of sources and technological advancements. Currently, MLA style is on its ninth edition, with room to grow.

Exercise 1: MLA In-text Citations

Each entry listed should include the author's name, the title of the work, the publication date, and other pertinent information critical to the identification of the piece. Depending on the source, the specific format may vary, so always check with the MLA handbook or online resources for detailed instructions.

Exercise 1: MLA In-text Citations

If you are going to the US style, be consistent in its use. You’ll find you have the option on page 83 of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th edition. You have many options when writing in English as the language itself has several conventions, or acceptable ways of writing particular parts of speech or information. For example, on the next page our MLA Handbook addresses the question:

To use MLA format in an essay, consider the following:

Now let’s transition from a general discussion on the advantages of MLA style to what we are required to do to write a standard academic essay. We will first examine a general “to do” list, then review a few “do not” suggestions, and finally take a tour through a sample of MLA features. Links to sample MLA papers are located at the end of this section.

MLA citations have nine core elements:

Before we transition to specifics, please consider one word of caution: consistency. If you are instructed to use the MLA style and need to indicate a date, you have options. For example, you could use an international or a US style:

Full citations are generally placed in this MLA citation format:

For the purpose of this article, let's assume that you are referencing page 27 in a book by John Smith titled “Book.” Using the 9th edition of MLA as a guideline, you must include in-text citations in your essay If you: