12 Mla Style Tips For Easy Formatting

When it comes to academic writing, formatting is a crucial aspect that can make or break the overall presentation of a paper. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most widely used formatting styles in the humanities, and it can be daunting for students and researchers to master. However, with the right tips and tricks, formatting in MLA style can be easy and straightforward. In this article, we will explore 12 MLA style tips for easy formatting, covering everything from font and spacing to citations and references.

Understanding the Basics of MLA Style

Before we dive into the tips, it’s essential to understand the basics of MLA style. MLA style is a set of guidelines for formatting academic papers, and it is commonly used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. The MLA style is known for its simplicity and clarity, making it easy to read and understand. The MLA Handbook is the official guide to MLA style, and it provides detailed instructions on formatting, citations, and references.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Font and Size

According to the MLA Handbook, the recommended font for MLA style is Times New Roman, and the font size should be 12 points. This font and size combination is clear and easy to read, making it perfect for academic writing. It’s also essential to use a legible font, as it will make your paper more readable and visually appealing.

Tip 2: Set the Correct Margins and Spacing

MLA style requires a specific margin and spacing setup. The margins should be set to 1 inch on all sides, and the spacing should be double-spaced throughout the paper. This setup provides ample space for comments and feedback from instructors and peers. It’s also essential to use a consistent spacing setup throughout the paper to maintain a professional look.

Here's a breakdown of the margin and spacing setup:

• Top margin: 1 inch
• Bottom margin: 1 inch
• Left margin: 1 inch
• Right margin: 1 inch
• Spacing: Double-spaced

Tip 3: Use a Legible Header and Footer

A header and footer can provide essential information about the paper, such as the author’s name, page number, and title. In MLA style, the header should be placed in the upper-right corner of the page, and it should include the author’s last name and page number. The footer should be placed at the bottom of the page, and it should include any additional information, such as the paper’s title or a copyright notice.

Here's an example of a legible header and footer:

Header: Lastname 1

Footer: Paper Title

Tip 4: Format Your Title Page Correctly

The title page is the first page of the paper, and it should include essential information, such as the title, author’s name, and institutional affiliation. In MLA style, the title page should be centered and double-spaced, with the title in title case and the author’s name in uppercase and lowercase letters.

Here's an example of a correctly formatted title page:

Title: The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Communities

Author: John Doe

Institutional Affiliation: Harvard University

Tip 5: Use Headings and Subheadings Effectively

Headings and subheadings can help organize the paper and provide a clear structure. In MLA style, headings and subheadings should be used to divide the paper into sections, such as introduction, body, and conclusion. The headings should be in title case, and the subheadings should be in sentence case.

Here's an example of effective headings and subheadings:

Introduction

The introduction provides an overview of the paper’s topic and thesis statement.

Background Information

The background information provides context and supporting evidence for the paper’s argument.

Tip 6: Format Your Citations Correctly

Citations are essential in MLA style, as they provide credit to the original authors and help readers locate the sources. In MLA style, citations should be placed in the text, either in parentheses or as a footnote. The citations should include the author’s last name, page number, and publication date.

Here's an example of a correctly formatted citation:

(Doe 23)

or

Footnote: 1. John Doe, "The Impact of Climate Change," 23.

Tip 7: Create a Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page is a list of all the sources cited in the paper, and it should be placed at the end of the paper. In MLA style, the Works Cited page should be double-spaced, with each entry formatted according to the source type, such as book, article, or website.

Here's an example of a correctly formatted Works Cited page:

Doe, John. "The Impact of Climate Change." Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 20-30.

Tip 8: Use Tables and Figures Effectively

Tables and figures can provide additional information and supporting evidence for the paper’s argument. In MLA style, tables and figures should be labeled and placed near the relevant text. The labels should be in title case, and the tables and figures should be formatted according to the source type.

Here's an example of a correctly formatted table:

Tip 9: Proofread Your Paper Carefully

Proofreading is essential in MLA style, as it helps ensure that the paper is error-free and professional-looking. In MLA style, proofreading should involve checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, as well as formatting and citation errors.

Here's a checklist for proofreading:

• Grammar
• Punctuation
• Spelling
• Formatting
• Citations

Tip 10: Use MLA-Approved Software

MLA-approved software can help format the paper and citations correctly. In MLA style, software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs can be used to format the paper, with built-in templates and citation tools.

Here's a list of MLA-approved software:

• Microsoft Word
• Google Docs
• MLA Citation Generator

Tip 11: Consult the MLA Handbook

The MLA Handbook is the official guide to MLA style, and it provides detailed instructions on formatting, citations, and references. In MLA style, the handbook should be consulted regularly to ensure that the paper is formatted correctly.

Here's a summary of the MLA Handbook:

The MLA Handbook provides guidance on:

• Formatting
• Citations
• References
• Headings and subheadings
• Tables and figures

Tip 12: Seek Help from Instructors or Peers

Finally, seeking help from instructors or peers can be essential in MLA style, as it provides additional guidance and support. In MLA style, instructors or peers can help with formatting, citations, and references, as well as provide feedback on the paper's content and structure.

Here's a list of resources for seeking help:

• Instructors
• Peers
• MLA Handbook
• Online resources