Research Paper Format—MLA
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Double-space text on all pages of the research paper.
Use one-inch top, bottom, left, and right margins.
Indent the first word of each paragraph one-half inch from the left margin.
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At the right margin of each page, place a page number one-half inch from the top margin.
On each page, precede the page number by your last name.
The MLA style does not require a title page. Instead, place your name and course information in a block at the left margin beginning one inch from the top of the page.
7. Center the title one double-space below your name and course information.
In-Text Citations of Sources – MLA
8. Place author references in parentheses with the page number(s) of the referenced information.
9. The MLA style uses in-text parenthetical citations instead of noting each source at the bottom of the page or at the end of the paper.
10. If used, explanatory notes elaborate on points discussed in the paper.
11. Use superscript (raised number) to signal that an explanatory note exists.
Works Cited List – MLA
12. The MLA style uses the term works cited to refer to the bibliographic list of sources at the end of the paper.
13. The works cited page alphabetically lists sources that are referenced directly in the paper.
14. Place the list of sources on a separate numbered page.
15. Center the title, Works Cited, one-inch from the top margin.
16. Double-space all lines.
17. Begin the first line of each source at the left margin indenting subsequent lines of the same source one-half inch from the left margin.
18. List each source by the author’s last name.
19. Underline or italicize the title of each source.