Example of Argumentative Essay

A Step By Step Guide for your Essay MLA Project

If you have to write an essay in MLA style, it is advisable first to do some research on this popular writing format. This format developed and regulated by the Modern Language Association (MLA) is popular with writers in the literature and language fields. However, its use has increased beyond these traditional disciplines and you will also find it in social sciences among other areas. An MLA format essay is not only easy to read but also neat and uniform and you will find your work presentable.

This article highlights the main guidelines used in MLA to ensure your paper meets the high standards expected. Keep reading to learn more.

Basics of MLA

Your term paper format should correspond to the following guidelines:

  1. The default font is Times New Roman, 12-point.
  2. 1” inch on each side margins for your paper
  3. Single space after periods
  4. The first line of every paragraph indented one half-inch from the edge of the left. Preferably use the tab key to attain this spacing.
  5. The entire essay or MLA format essay should have double-spaced lines
  6. The title page is not a must but you can include it if your professor requests so.
  7. Name of author, the name of the professor, the title of the course, date of paper on the first page of the paper.

Titles, Citations, Page Numbers

  1. For emphasis italicize titles
  2. In the MLA format citation end notes are on a separate page before the bibliography or works cited page.
  3. Page numbers in the top right corner, with your last name on the left side of the page numbers.
  4. For the title page, center the title of your essay below the date.
  5. The references should have an author's name, the title of the book, publication date, publisher and place of publication
  6. For in-text citation, include the person’s name in the sentence or use the name as a parenthesis after the citation.
  7. The MLA handbook indicates you must credit the source even when you Paraphrases in MLA.
  8. Set-off quotations should have an indent of one inch from the left margin

3. Headers

To create a header for your essay, on the top of the first page flush with the left margin, type your name, instructor’s name, course number, and the date all double-spaced and on separate lines. Use another double space and center the title of your paper. To understand how to do this, find an MLA format example online and check where the header goes.

4. Works Cited

This is the last page on your essay and should contain all the references you have used for your paper. On the top of the page, there should be a running head and final page number. List the items on the works cited the page in alphabetical order (Alphabetize entries by the last name) and double space the entire page. All hanging citations should be indented.

The MLA citation includes follows the format; author, source title, containers, contributors, versions, numbers, publisher, publication date and location.

If you have an MLA paper to write, go online and download an MLA sample paper to get a better idea of these guidelines. You can also find an experienced essay writer to help you out.