Understanding the MLA Format
If you repeatedly find yourself asking “What is MLA format?“, then breathe easy because you’re about to learn everything you need to know. At its core, the MLA format is an academic writing style utilized across various universities globally.
What is MLA Format for an Essay?
The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is a writing style that sets specific guidelines for academic papers and essays. It is highly popular in fields such as literature and humanities. Demystifying “what is MLA format for an essay” can take your academic writing skills to a whole new level.
Anatomy of the MLA Formate
The typifying elements of the MLA formate should include 1-inch margins, a readable font typically Arial or Times New Roman, size 12, double-spacing, a header with a page number, and notably, a Works Cited page citing your references.
How to use MLA Formatter?
Using the MLA formatter is not rocket science. You only have to focus on specific details while penning your essay.
Title:
Your title should be centered and written in standard capitalization, without bolding, underlining, or italic quotes, unless specifically instructed.
Header:
Insert your last name and page number at the right upper corner of every page.
Works Cited Page:
List down the sources, with the author’s surname followed by their first name, the title of the work, the publisher’s name, publication year, etc., adhering to the stipulated MLA guidelines.
In-Text Citation:
State the author’s surname and the page number from where the information was taken.
FAQs: Whats MLA Format?
1. Can I include footnotes and endnotes in the MLA format?
Yes, you can include footnotes and endnotes in your essay. Remember, page numbers should be in Arabic numerals, and separate notes with a single line space.
2. What about online citations?
The MLA online citation should include the author’s name, page title, website title, publication date, URL, and access date.
Illuminating the MLA format with examples
Now that we’ve answered the question “what’s MLA format”, let’s make it easier with a few examples.
In-text citation:
A parenthetical citation example – (Smith 34).
Works Cited Page:
Book – Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets. Bloomsbury, 1998.
Website – MLA Formatting and Style Guide. Purdue Online Writing Lab, Purdue University, owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/.
Now that we have unlocked the secrets of the MLA format for essay writing, its time for you to put this all into practice and boost your grades! Remember that while MLA format might seem complex, practice makes perfect. Happy writing!
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