MLA format is a style guide developed by the Modern Language Association (MLA) for use in academic writing. MLA stands for Modern Language Association. MLA format provides guidelines for formatting papers, including the use of margins, font, and citations. MLA format is widely used in the humanities, particularly in English and literature studies.
MLA Style Guide Structure
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style guide is a set of formatting rules used to cite sources and create academic papers. It is widely used in research and writing in the humanities, such as English literature, history, and art history.
Page Setup
- Use 8.5″ x 11″ paper
- Set 1-inch margins on all sides
- Use Times New Roman font, size 12
- Double-space the entire document
Title Page
- Do not create a separate title page.
- Center the title of your paper at the top of the first page, spaced two lines down from the top margin.
- Space one line down and center your name.
- Space one line down and center your institutional affiliation or course information.
- Space one line down and center the date.
Header
- Create a header at the top of every page except the first page.
- The header should contain your last name and the page number, right-aligned.
- The page number should be one-half inch from the top of the page.
In-Text Citations
- Use parenthetical citations to cite sources in the text.
- The citation should include the author’s last name and the page number(s) of the source being cited.
- Example: (Smith 123)
Works Cited Page
- The Works Cited page lists all the sources you have cited in your paper.
- Create a new page titled “Works Cited.”
- Center the title “Works Cited” at the top of the page, spaced two lines down from the top margin.
- Double-space the entire Works Cited page.
- Arrange the sources alphabetically by the author’s last name.
- Use hanging indents for all entries after the first line of each citation.
- Follow the specific MLA formatting guidelines for each type of source (book, article, website, etc.).
Sample MLA Citations
Book:
- Last name, First name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
- Example: Smith, John. The History of the United States. Oxford University Press, 2023.
Article in a Journal:
- Last name, First name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, Volume, Number, Year, Pages.
- Example: Jones, Mary. “The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Development.” Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychology, vol. 14, no. 2, 2023, pp. 123-134.
Website:
- Last name, First name. “Title of Webpage.” Title of Website, Publisher, Date Published. URL
- Example: Brown, David. “The Evolution of the Internet.” Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2023. https://www.britannica.com/technology/Internet
Question 1: What is the full form of “MLA format”?
Answer: MLA format stands for Modern Language Association format.
Question 2: What do the initials “MLA” stand for?
Answer: In the context of citation and writing style, MLA stands for Modern Language Association.
Question 3: Which organization established the MLA format?
Answer: The Modern Language Association (MLA) developed and maintains the MLA format.
Well, there you have it! Now you know what MLA format stands for and how to use it. Thanks for sticking with me through this quick and easy guide. If you have any more questions about MLA format or any other writing-related topics, be sure to check out my website or drop me a line. I’m always happy to help! Until next time, keep writing and keep learning!