MLA Format

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a standardized format for writing papers. It is especially used in the writing of research papers because it provides a uniform way to use in-text citations and footnotes and to cite sources. MLA also provides a standard form for the heading and title of a paper, margins, and font.



Paper Format
MLA Format requires that papers be typed on white, 8.5 x 11-inch paper, using 1-inch margins on all sides. MLA does not specify a specific font, but suggests using a legible font with a clear difference between regular and italic type. The font should be 12 pt. For page numbers, the author should put their last name followed by the page number on the right side of a header. The entire paper should be double-spaced, including the heading and title.

Heading and Title
The heading of the paper should be double-spaced on the left margin at the top of the first page. It consists of a list of the writer's name, the teacher's name, the class name, and the date. The title should be on the next double-spaced line after the date. It should also be centered on the page. After the title, on the next double-spaced line, the paper begins. The first line of each paragraph should be indented one half-inch from the margin.