Introduction to Research Skills: Basics of MLA Style (9th Edition)

The MLA Handbook is a style and formatting guide used in several disciplines, most commonly English and Literature. Please consult your assignment instructions to see what style is the best to use for your project.

MLA Format Basics

Below is a brief overview of the basics of MLA formatting. This overview is not comprehensive, however, so please consult course materials and the official MLA Handbook. Always follow additional guidelines and rules outlined by your instructor.

General Guidelines

• According to MLA guidelines, the font for your paper should be 12 pt. It is suggested that you use an easy-to-read font style, such as Times New Roman. Check your assignment guidelines to see if your instructor recommends a particular font.
• Text should be double spaced and all paragraphs should be indented.
• In the top right corner of the page should be your last name (the author's) followed by the page number.
• Margins should be set to 1 inch on all sides of the paper.
• MLA papers typically do not have a title page. Instead, include your (the author's) first and last name in the top left corner of the first page of text. On separate lines below the author's name, list the instructor's name, the course name, and the date.
• The title of the paper is located on the line below the date. It should be centered and should use title case.

In-Text Citations

• For in-text citations, place the author's last name and the page number in parentheses (Last ##).
• If the author is called out in the text, meaning their name is used in the sentence needing the citation, then the page number is the only element included in parentheses. Example: Smith explored the potential impact of ChatGPT and other AI tools in the classroom (345).
• If there is no known author for a text, use a shortened version of the source title in place of the author's last name.
• If the author is a corporate entity, use the corporation's name in the place of the author's last name. When applicable, abbreviate elements of the corporation's name.
• If the source has two authors, include both authors' last names in the in-text citation [Example: (Smith and Johnson 35)]. If the source has three or more authors, the in-text citation should include the first author's last name followed by et al. [Example: (Smith et al. 167)].

Works Cited Page

• The Works Cited page should begin on a separate page after the conclusion of your paper. Include the title Work Cited at the top of the page, centered and in bold font.
• All entries on the Works Cited page are aligned to the left and double-spaced. Each entry should have a hanging indent, meaning any lines after the first should be indented .5 inches.
• All entries should be alphabetized by the left most element of the citation (typically the author's last name).