Basic Rules of MLA Format - Guide

MLA is the most frequently used format in academic writing. To help you determine the appropriate structure of MLA, here is a guide for you to follow to create a flawless writing piece using MLA format. To begin with, the basics of MLA paper formatting, use Microsoft word MLA 8th edition to write your article or essay. Create margins on sides, top, and bottom of 1 inch. At the beginning of every paragraph apply indent on the first word also indent one-half inch on set-off quotations from the left side. Try using Times New Roman font for fine writing and to easily read. Use font size 12. Double-space to your entire essay or research paper even to your work cited page. Leave single space after punctuation marks such as period etc.

The basic structure for an MLA research paper or essay includes an in-depth overview of various sections such as:

  • Header
  • Title page & MLA heading format
  • Page Numbers & Running Head
  • Quotations
  • Paraphrases
  • Abbreviations
  • Punctuation

MLA stands for Modern Language Association. It is a professional academic organization that publishes scholarly journals. Tthe Modern Language Association released the latest 8th edition that adheres to the modern language rules and standards. An essay writing service provides proper MLA formatted documents for you to analyze.

To create a header, from the top of the page, begin with one inch of space, type your name, your instructor's name, your course number, and date individually in each line. Use the double-space format for the entire paper. Center the title, do not write it in capital letters or bold or underline it. Do not place a full stop after your title or any other headings. Add double space between title and text. Add a half-inch indent before the first letter of the text and a 1-inch margin on the right.

A running head is a heading that is written in the top right corner. It consists of the last name and the page number. From the top, the running head is placed half an inch from the right margin. There is no need to write 'p' or 'page' with the page number. If you are still confused, get help from a write my paper service now.

Quotations are the evidence you provide to support your argument, emphasize or prove your point. Quotes are a significant component of your paper, however, quotes should not cover the majority of your paper. Though, they should be in moderate amounts. Use direct quotes to provide solid and strong proof. It is also employed to enhance and elucidate your writing and ideas. It is mandatory to source or credit your quotations, otherwise, it leads to plagiarism and copied material. While adding in-text citations, you may cite the source between the texts. For example, if you have taken a quote from a book, you can add the book's page number or paragraph where the quote exists and cite it before the period. There are various ways to add quotes e.g.

With the author's name in the sentence

Example: Charles Dickens shares a glimpse of the protagonist “Scrooge and he were partners for I don't know how many years” (2).

Without the author's name in the sentence

Example: “Scrooge and he were partners for I don't know how many years” (Dickens 2).

Paraphrasing is done when speech or text is outsourced but the essay writer decides to paraphrase it in their own words to avoid plagiarism. Even if the writer is paraphrasing the quotation, still it needs to be credited using the correct format.

Abbreviations are a common part of writing, especially in source types such as blog posts, websites, journal articles, and books. However, while writing a paper, essay, or journal, you should write abbreviations in their full forms. It avoids confusion and ensures clarity in your writings. To include some general tips, you should never place periods between capital letters or abbreviations e.g. the United States will be the US and not the U.S.

Proper Punctuation provides lucidity to your paper and builds your structure of text or sentences well. Commas are used for pauses and better understanding. Similarly, while adding quotations, either make use of quotation marks or parenthesis and a full stop. Always be careful about such tips to write your paper. It helps in creating quality content - or you will be requesting others such as write my essay agency.