Last updated on October 18th, 2024 at 07:48 pm

Formatting academic papers in MLA (Modern Language Association) style is an essential skill for students and researchers alike. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of MLA formatting, covering everything from in-text citations to creating a properly structured Works Cited page. Whether you are formatting a paper in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, this guide will help you adhere to MLA guidelines, ensuring your academic work looks professional and is properly cited.

Understanding the MLA Format

MLA style is a widely-used formatting and citation style, primarily used in the humanities, particularly for writing on literature, cultural studies, and languages. The MLA Handbook (9th edition) is the go-to resource for understanding the specifics, but this guide will offer an accessible breakdown of the essentials.

Key MLA formatting elements include:

• Font and Size: Use a legible font such as Times New Roman, set to 12-point.
• Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Spacing: Double-space the entire document, including quotations and the Works Cited page.
• Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph one-half inch from the left margin.
• Title: Include a centered title without any additional formatting like bold or italics.

How to Create In-Text Citations in MLA Format

In-text citations are a fundamental part of MLA style, ensuring that readers can easily locate the sources of any quoted, paraphrased, or summarized material.

Basic Format of In-Text Citations

The basic structure of an MLA in-text citation includes the author’s last name and the page number from which the information was taken, enclosed in parentheses. This is placed directly after the quoted or paraphrased material.

• Example: (Smith 23)

If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, you only need to include the page number in parentheses.

• Example: Smith argues that “the data clearly shows a correlation” (23).

Multiple Authors

When citing a source with two authors, include both names separated by “and.”

• Example: (Smith and Jones 45)

For more than two authors, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.”

• Example: (Smith et al. 89)

Citing Non-Page Numbered Sources

For sources without page numbers, such as websites, use the author’s name alone.

• Example: (Johnson)

If no author is provided, use the title of the work in quotation marks.

• Example: (“MLA Citation Guide”)

How to Format a Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page lists all the sources you have referred to in your paper. It appears at the end of your document, beginning on a new page, and follows a strict format to ensure uniformity.

Basic Rules for the Works Cited Page

1. Title: Center the title “Works Cited” at the top of the page without any bolding or underlining.
2. Alphabetical Order: List entries alphabetically by the author’s last name. If there is no author, alphabetize by the title.
3. Hanging Indent: Use a hanging indent for each entry, where the first line is aligned with the left margin and subsequent lines are indented by one-half inch.

Example Entries for Different Sources

• Book: Last Name, First Name. Title of the Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
  • Example: Smith, John. Understanding MLA Formatting. Academic Press, 2020.
• Article in a Journal: Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Article.” Title of the Journal, vol. number, no. number, year, pages.
  • Example: Doe, Jane. “Citing in MLA Style.” Academic Journal, vol. 12, no. 3, 2019, pp. 45-60.
• Website: Last Name, First Name (if available). “Title of the Web Page.” Website Title, Publisher (if different from website title), Date of publication, URL.
  • Example: Johnson, Mark. “How to Cite Websites in MLA Format.” Citation Resources, 1 Mar. 2021, www.citationresources.com/mla-websites.

Formatting MLA Essays in Word and Google Docs

MLA formatting can be done in both Microsoft Word and Google Docs, but each platform has its own methods for applying the style. Below is a step-by-step guide for both.

MLA Format in Microsoft Word

1. Margins: Go to the “Layout” tab, select “Margins,” and choose “Normal” to set 1-inch margins.
2. Font and Size: In the “Home” tab, choose “Times New Roman” and set the font size to 12.
3. Double Spacing: Under the “Home” tab, click on the “Line and Paragraph Spacing” icon and select “2.0” for double spacing.
4. Header: Insert a header by going to the “Insert” tab and selecting “Header.” Type your last name and page number on the right side.
5. Hanging Indent: To format your Works Cited page, highlight the entries, right-click, choose “Paragraph,” and under “Indentation,” select “Hanging” by 0.5 inches.

MLA Format in Google Docs

1. Margins: Go to “File” → “Page Setup,” then set the margins to 1 inch on all sides.
2. Font and Size: In the toolbar, select “Times New Roman” and size 12.
3. Double Spacing: Click on the “Line Spacing” icon and select “Double.”
4. Header: Go to “Insert” → “Page numbers” → “Header & page number.” Type your last name and add the page number.
5. Hanging Indent: Highlight the text on your Works Cited page, right-click, select “Paragraph Options,” and choose “Hanging” under “Indentation.”

Common MLA Formatting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Students often make avoidable mistakes when formatting their papers in MLA style. Here are some of the most common errors and how to avoid them:

• Incorrect Font Size or Style: MLA requires Times New Roman, 12-point font. Other fonts or sizes are often used incorrectly.
• Missing or Misformatted In-Text Citations: Always include the author’s last name and page number in parentheses after a quote or paraphrase.
• Improperly Formatted Works Cited Page: Ensure that each entry uses a hanging indent and follows MLA structure exactly.
• Title Page: MLA format does not require a separate title page, which is a common misconception. Simply place your name, instructor’s name, course, and date in the upper-left corner on the first page.

MLA Citation Generator Tools – Which One Should You Choose?

fWith so many MLA citation and referencing generators available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here’s a quick breakdown of the top MLA tools and their features:

How to Write the Date in MLA Format

When writing the date in MLA format, follow this structure: Day Month Year, with no commas.

• Example: 18 October 2024

This format is used in both the heading and the Works Cited entries when noting publication dates.

Conclusion

Mastering MLA formatting is an important skill for academic writing, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this guide, students can ensure that their papers are properly structured, citations are accurate, and common mistakes are avoided. Whether you’re working in Word or Google Docs, this step-by-step guide has you covered.