How To Write A Good Research Paper Using The MLA Format

When you write a research paper, you need to write it in line with a specific formatting style. One such style is the MLA formatting style, which is one of the most commonly used styles. If you need a bit of help with the format, read the following article about how to write a good research paper using the MLA format.

Choose a suitable topic

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is usually used for research papers in the humanities, so you need to ensure that your topic falls under the umbrella of the humanities. If not, you may need to choose another topic or style. Also make sure that your advisor wants you to make use of this style, as you don’t want to submit your work in the wrong style.

General rules

Whenever you make use of the MLA style, there are certain basic rules that you need to follow. These are:

  • Print your work on standard white A4 paper
  • Type your work on a computer
  • Use double-line spacing
  • Use a clear, readable font in size 12
  • Use margins of one inch on all sides of your page
  • Put your page number on the top right of each page
  • Only leave one space after punctuation marks, like commas or full stops

Don’t make a title page

The MLA style doesn’t make use of a title page, so you should only make one if you are specifically required to do so. Instead, start your first page by putting your own name, your advisor’s name, the course name, and the date in the top left-hand corner. Then, write the title of your research paper in the centre of the page. Don’t put it in italics or underline it at all, and make sure you use Title Case instead of capitalising the first letter of every word. Now, you can start writing your work right under your title.

Use works cited instead of references

When you use the MLA format, you need to make a Works Cited list at the end of your research paper. This list needs to be organised in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. There’s a precise format for each of the different types of works cited, such as journal articles or memos, and you can find a complete list of these on the Internet.