Your Expert Guide to MLA Research Paper Formatting

When you're working on an MLA research paper, attention to detail in formatting makes a significant difference. This includes setting up your document correctly from the start. Ensure your paper has standard one-inch margins on all sides and is double-spaced throughout. Your name, instructor's name, course number, and date should appear on the first line of the header, left-aligned. The page number, preceded by your last name, should be in the upper right-hand corner of every page, including the title page if you choose to use one (though a separate title page isn't standard in MLA 9th edition).

Citations are a cornerstone of MLA style. For in-text citations, you'll typically include the author's last name and the page number in parentheses, like (Smith 42). If the author's name is mentioned in the sentence, you only need the page number (42). For sources without page numbers, like websites, you might use the author's name or the title of the work if no author is listed. The Works Cited page is where you list all the sources you've referenced in your paper. Each entry needs specific information formatted precisely, including author, title, publisher, and publication date, depending on the source type.

Formatting your Works Cited page correctly is vital. Entries should be alphabetized by the author's last name (or by title if no author is given). The page itself should be titled 'Works Cited' and centered at the top. Each entry uses a hanging indent, meaning the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented. Pay close attention to punctuation, capitalization, and the order of elements for each source type, whether it's a book, journal article, website, or other media. Getting these details right demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity and thorough research.