GUIDE TO ACADEMIC WRITING: MLA FORMAT TIPS.

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5 May 2025

MLA Format Tips: A Guide to Academic Writing

When writing academic papers, using the correct format is crucial to ensure clarity, consistency, and credibility. One of the most commonly used styles in humanities, especially in English and literature, is the Modern Language Association (MLA) format. The 9th edition of the MLA Handbook outlines specific rules that help writers present their work professionally. This guide summarizes essential MLA formatting tips that every student should follow.

First and foremost, MLA format requires the use of a readable, professional font such as Times New Roman, size 12. The entire document should be double-spaced, including block quotes, the Works Cited page, and headings (Modern Language Association 1.3). Margins should be set to one inch on all sides to create a uniform appearance. Additionally, the first line of each paragraph should be indented half an inch from the left margin, which can typically be done using the Tab key.

Another vital aspect of MLA formatting is the header and pagination. In the top right-hand corner of every page, include a header with your last name followed by a space and the page number. This header helps keep the pages organized in case they are separated (Modern Language Association 1.4).

Unlike other citation styles that may require a title page, MLA does not. Instead, the first page should begin with a four-line heading on the upper left-hand corner of the page. This heading should include the writer’s name, the instructor’s name, the course title, and the date in day-month-year format (e.g., 5 May 2025). Below this, center the title of your paper. It should not be bolded, underlined, italicized, or placed in quotation marks. The title should be written in standard capitalization (capitalize major words) and centered on the line above the start of the essay (Purdue OWL).

In academic writing, referencing sources is critical. MLA uses parenthetical in-text citations to reference external sources. The basic format for in-text citations includes the author's last name and the page number in parentheses—for example, (Smith 23). The period always comes after the citation, not before. If the author's name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number needs to be included in the parentheses: “According to Smith, the results were conclusive (23).”

If no author is listed, use a shortened version of the source’s title in quotation marks followed by the page number: (“Global Warming” 45). For digital sources without page numbers, omit the page number entirely: (Smith). When citing classic literary works with multiple editions, include the book and line numbers or chapters as appropriate (Shakespeare 2.3.45).

Short quotations (fewer than four lines of prose or three lines of poetry) should be enclosed in quotation marks and incorporated into the text. For longer quotes, format them as block quotations. Start block quotes on a new line and indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin. Do not use quotation marks for block quotes, and place the in-text citation after the punctuation.

The MLA Handbook provides a clear directive:

    “When quoting more than four lines of prose, format the quote as a block. This not only improves clarity but visually separates borrowed material from the writer’s own analysis” (Modern Language Association 5.30).

The final page of an MLA-style paper is the Works Cited page, which lists all sources referenced in the text. Begin this page on a new sheet with the title “Works Cited” centered at the top. Like the rest of the document, it should be double-spaced. Each entry should have a hanging indent, meaning the first line of the citation is flush left, and all subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches (Purdue OWL).

Entries should be listed alphabetically by the author’s last name. If the author is unknown, alphabetize by the first main word in the title (excluding “A,” “An,” or “The”). Entries must follow the specific citation format for each source type—books, articles, websites, and so on.

Mastering MLA formatting is essential for academic success, particularly in humanities courses. By following these straightforward guidelines—concerning general formatting, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page—students can ensure their work appears professional and meets academic standards. Keeping up with the latest edition of the MLA Handbook and consulting reliable resources like the Purdue OWL will help maintain accuracy. Ultimately, proper formatting is not just about appearance; it demonstrates the writer’s respect for intellectual property and scholarly communication.


Works Cited

Doe, Jane. “The Future of Literary Criticism.” Journal of Modern Literature, vol. 35, no. 2, 2022, pp. 45–67.

“Climate Change.” National Geographic, 5 Jan. 2023, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/climate-change-overview.

Modern Language Association. MLA Handbook. 9th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2021.

Purdue Online Writing Lab. “MLA Formatting and Style Guide.” Purdue OWL, owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide.html.

Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 2003.

Smith, John. Understanding Literature. Penguin Books, 2020.


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