Writing an incredible essay with great points is every student’s desire. However, the whole process of essay writing doesn’t end with just great and amazing points. It is possible to write the best essay ever but end up getting low grades. Have you ever wondered why? Well, this could be a result of failure to follow the set guidelines for formatting an essay.
Different teachers and institutes require students to submit their essays in different formats. This write-up features an essay MLA format and all the requirements for MLA format. Other common formatting styles include APA and Chicago. Therefore, whether you are in high school, college, or other higher learning institutions, you need to equip yourself with adequate knowledge in regard to essay formatting styles.
What is MLA format for an essay?
Created by the Modern Language Association, the MLA college essay format is a style used in academic papers, mostly academic essays, literary research, and humanities-related subjects.
When the guidelines require you to use an essay MLA format, you must understand all the rules of MLA format and how to apply them to your academic work to meet the purpose of the paper.
The purpose of citing or formatting your paper following the required style is a significant aspect of writing essays as a way of avoiding plagiarism.
So, what does it take to bring out a desirable sample MLA format essay? Let’s find out below.
Top 15 MLA format rules you must know
General Guidelines
- Paper size – when setting your paper for a MLA format, choose a standard white paper of 8.5 x 11 inches.
- The font – the font should be any formal/legible font such as Times New Roman with size 12. Make sure the font you choose can contrast italics from the regular style.
- Spacing options – after any punctuation mark, make sure you leave only one space unless the teacher or the institute’s guidelines states otherwise.
- Margin – in your MLA essay format, the margins of the paper should be 1 inch (all sides)
- Indentation – in MLA formatting guidelines, be sure to use the tab key instead of using the space bar when indenting the first line of each paragraph. The indentation should be ½ inch from the left margin.
- Creating the header – the header in MLA formatting style should number all pages sequentially ½ inch from the top through the right margin in the upper right-side corner. Sometimes, the rules may state that you don’t number the first page. Therefore, always review the guidelines for each assignment, even if you have mastered the MLA formatting guidelines.
- Using italics – when formatting your paper in the MLA style, you can always use italics throughout the paper. However, this should only apply when necessary. For instance, when highlighting titles of longer works and when emphasizing a point.
- Endnotes – should your essay have endnotes, put them on another page before the page where you cited your work.
Formatting the first page of your MLA paper guidelines
- Title page – unless stated otherwise by the tutor or it is a group project, do not create the title page. Should it be a group project, add all participants’ names in the header, with each name on its line. Once this is in place, format the next steps as shown below while relating to the guidelines set by the instructor.
- The names – write your name, tutor’s name, course, and the date in the upper left-side corner of the first page using the double-spacing option.
- The title – the title should be centered with the double-spacing option. Avoid using quotes, italics, or underlining the title in MLA format.
- Using other works in the title – should your title contain other people’s work or phrases, make sure you use quotation marks and/or italics.
- Formatting the first line – include double spaces between the title & the first line of your text.
- Creating the header – your header should appear in the upper right-side corner with your last name, then a space with the page number. All the pages should be numbered Arabically ½ inch from the top right margin.
- Review the format – finally, once you have your MLA paper in order, make sure you review your formatting. All details should align with MLA and the tutor’s guidelines.
Conclusion
Whenever tasked to use the MLA format in your essay, do not fumble. Simply apply the above concepts and match everything with the institute’s or teacher’s requirements, and everything else will fall into place.