Owl Purdue Mla Guide: Format Made Easy

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely used format for writing and citing research papers, particularly in the humanities. The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a renowned resource that provides comprehensive guidance on MLA formatting. In this article, we will delve into the world of MLA formatting, exploring the guidelines and best practices for creating a well-structured and properly cited research paper.

Introduction to MLA Style

MLA style is a set of guidelines for formatting and citing sources in research papers. It is commonly used in subjects such as literature, language, and cultural studies. The MLA style is designed to be simple and straightforward, making it easier for writers to focus on the content of their paper rather than the formatting. The MLA Handbook, now in its eighth edition, is the official guide to MLA style, providing detailed instructions on formatting, citation, and referencing.

Key Elements of MLA Style

There are several key elements to MLA style, including:

• Font: MLA recommends using a legible font, such as 12-point Times New Roman.
• Margins: One-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right) are required.
• Line Spacing: Double spacing is used throughout the paper, including the heading and block quotes.
• Heading: The heading includes the writer’s name, instructor’s name, course name, and date, all on separate lines, and is usually placed in the upper left corner of the first page.
• Page Numbers: Page numbers are placed in the upper right corner of each page, one-half inch from the top.

Formatting the Research Paper

When formatting a research paper in MLA style, it is essential to pay attention to the layout and organization of the content. The paper should be divided into sections, including the introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should provide an overview of the topic, while the body should present evidence and analysis to support the argument. The conclusion should summarize the main points and reiterate the thesis statement.

Headers and Footers

In MLA style, headers and footers are not required, but they can be used to provide additional information, such as the title of the paper or the page number. The header should be placed in the upper right corner of each page, and the footer should be placed in the lower right corner.

Citing Sources in MLA Style

Citing sources is an essential part of academic writing, as it allows writers to acknowledge the work of others and provide evidence for their arguments. In MLA style, citations are placed in the text, using a combination of the author’s last name and page number(s). The citation is usually placed at the end of the sentence, in parentheses, and is separated from the text by a space.

Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page is a list of all the sources cited in the paper, formatted according to MLA guidelines. The page should be titled “Works Cited” and should be centered at the top of the page. The sources should be listed in alphabetical order, using a hanging indent for each entry.

In MLA style, there are different types of sources, including books, articles, and websites. Each type of source has its own set of formatting guidelines, which can be found in the MLA Handbook or online at the Purdue OWL website.