What is MLA Format for an Essay: Everything you need to Know

How Can I Get Essay For Free and Is it realistic to expect a low-cost, High-Quality Essay from a Cheap Paper Writing Service?

If you are looking for guides on how to format an essay, we welcome you to an overview of “What is MLA Format?” You can easily format your essay by following the detailed instructions, examples, and visual samples provided.

History of the MLA Format

The Modern Language Association (MLA) is the group that established the MLA guidelines. Since its inception, it has served as a standard for writing literature and language study projects. A uniform or consistent approach to writing an essay or assignment simplifies reading. In modern times, many fields have expanded beyond literature and language to use MLA.

The most up-to-date edition of the MLA Handbook was published in April 2021 by the Modern Language Association. All the information you need to know about citing properly and submitting work that follows the MLA’s guidelines can be found in the Handbook. Even though we are not officially associated with the MLA, the citation experts here at Essay Basics’  have put together this comprehensive and insightful guide to the format.

Do you want guidance on switching to a different style altogether? Learn the ins and outs of how to write an essay in APA Format.

How Common Is MLA Format?

One of the most common and easy-to-understand methods of giving credit is the Modern Language Association (MLA) format. As of the year 2021, it has reached its ninth edition. This technique is the most commonly used when conducting research in a wide range of humanities disciplines. In addition, over 1,100 academic publications adhere to the MLA style.

The Basics of the MLA Format

The essay writing basics for formatting your essay as per the MLA format are as follows;

• Marginize every text by one inch.

• It is recommended that you use Times New Roman at 12-point size, which is flexible.

• Make sure to double-space your essay.

Page Numbers and a Running Head

Make a running header and include page numbers before writing your essay.

• Just half an inch from the top right, create a running head.

• Having page numbers at the top of each page would be helpful. That depends on the word processor you’re using.

• Make sure to include your surname before the page number. A page number and your last name should appear at the top of each page.

• On average, a running head appears on the second page, though it can debut on the first and persist throughout. Usually, the professor or editor has specific guidelines for this.

Header Format for the MLA Format

While an MLA essay’s first page need not include a cover page, it should still have a header. Be sure you have a consistent heading scheme for the entire essay.

• Make sure there is space of one inch on all sides.

• Get started one inch up from the top and flush with the left margin on the first page.

• On the first line, type your full name; on the second, type the title and name of your professor; on the third, type the name of your course and the course number; and on the fourth, type the date. The correct way to write the date is as follows: April 24, 2021.

• Center the title and move it down the line (it should already be double-spaced). It’s inappropriate to emphasize the title with decorative formatting. A title should always be capitalized correctly.

• To begin writing your introduction, go down a line and make a half-inch margin (often using the tab key).

MLA Titles and Headings

Once you start your essay, it helps to divide it into subsections for organization and readability.

• If you call the first section of your work “Heading 1,” each subsequent heading must be numbered in sequential sequence.

• The same rule also applies to all subheadings. This means that if you have a “Heading 1,” you must use the same format for all following headings and subheadings, such as 1.1, 1.2, etc.

How to Format Quotations and Citations in-Text Utilizing the MLA Style?

If you paraphrase or quote someone else in your article, you must include in-text citations per MLA style.

• If a quote is less than four lines long, put it in quotation marks.

• After the parenthetical citation, add the punctuation.

Parenthetical citations should be placed after the quoted material. Parenthetical referencing is used in situations like this. Any time you use a passage from another source without paraphrasing it, you must include a parenthetical citation in your essay.

• Author’s Name asserted that [insert fascinating information here] (202).

• This fascinating quotation is featured in my essay (Author Last Name 202).

• In his or her lengthy investigation of this fascinating notion, Author Name (202).

An example of a properly formatted in-text citation is provided above; note that this example includes both the author’s name and the page number. Author names should be included either in the sentence or in the parenthetical reference, but not both. All references cited in the text should have a corresponding entry in the Works Cited list after the essay.

Formatting a Long Quotation in MLA Style

It is recommended to indent and format a block quote for any quotation that is more than four lines long.

• A new line should be started for the quotation.

• The quotation should be indented to the left by half an inch.

• Block quotations should not have quotation marks around them.

• Put the citation in parentheses after the period after the quote.

• Poems and songs should be quoted with their line break preserved.

Use of Paraphrased Material in a Citation

Not all of the time do you need to paraphrase an author to get across the ideas they are discussing. In this situation, it is acceptable to restate the material in your own words and provide a parenthetical citation.

The author expresses interesting perspectives on this (Author last name 202).

Use of Author Name When Referencing a Known Work

Include the author’s name in the text or a parenthetical reference at the end of the sentence if you can determine which is appropriate. Put the period at the end of the sentence, not inside the brackets, after the reference.

Johnson’s characterization of the topic as “quite interesting” enhances my essay (202).

The feedback on my essay has been overwhelmingly positive (Johnson 202).

References to Works Without Author

Without author information, you should provide the article’s title and, if relevant, its page number.

Including the concept that “the sky is blue…” as a point of reference makes my essay more engaging (“Article on Blue Skies” 8).

Referencing Multiple Writers Who Share a Surname

It is possible to reference multiple authors sharing the same surname. Use the writers’ initials before their last names if you choose.

Some people think this fascinating truth is real (T. Adams 202), but others point out another possibility worth considering (F. Adams 203).

When Referring to a Collection of Works by Several Authors

Include all authors’ names in the parenthetical reference if there are three or fewer authors for the work you are referencing. If there are more than three writers, list them the first time and then just the first author’s last name followed by et al. (which stands for “and others”) the rest of the time.

The authors Thomas Author, Virginia Writer, and Francis Author all think this is a fascinating idea (202).

The authors write, “this idea is very intriguing” (Austin, Baker, and Cook 76).

Referencing Websites

You should give them credit in the text if you know who wrote anything. The article’s title can be used instead if the author’s name is unknown. A shorter title version may be used if it is excessively long. Here’s an example:

Incorporating a nutrient-dense soil conditioner is the simplest method of preparing the soil for planting (Smith).

Adding a nutrient-dense soil conditioner is the simplest method of preparing the soil for planting (“Things to Do Before Planting …”).

The Nine Essential Parts of a Works Cited

There are various citation styles to follow depending on the source used. These nine essential components of a Works Cited list eventually become the norm. To avoid having to fill in the blanks, you can omit data for any element for which you don’t have any. The in-text reference format and the Works Cited page will change depending on the publication format (book, journal, online article, etc.).

Author, Title of source, Title of container, Other contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication date, and Location.

How to Format Your Body Text in MLA Style

The MLA style essay format provides guidelines for the actual content of your work, including the typeface, spacing, structure, numbers, and abbreviations you should use.

Clear Font Size

You should use a legible font when writing your essay. Your instructor is not interested in pulling out a magnifying lens to examine your essay. For this reason, MLA suggests using a clear, legible typeface like Arial or Times New Roman that can easily differentiate between plain and italicized text. In addition, an 11 or 12-point font size is recommended. Don’t think using a 14-point font will make your essay appear longer.

Paragraph Spacing and Formatting

Keep the text double-spaced throughout the entire body and works cited, and align it to the left margin such that the right margin is ragged. Each new paragraph should be indented five spaces to the right by pressing the tab key on your keyboard. Use proper punctuation, such as commas and periods, to maintain order.

The MLA Format for Numbers

However, there are some criteria you must adhere to while using numbers in MLA. The MLA style guide guides the appropriate usage of Arabic and Roman numerals and when to spell out numbers or use only the Arabic version. If you know how to write down a number in words, by all means, do so. For longer expressions, however, Roman numerals like 1,345,267 are preferable to their Arabic counterparts. The act of writing that one out could cause some discomfort in your fingers.

Figures Used as an Example

Numbers: 10, 26, 2,000,000

129, 879, 3 ¾

The MLA Format for Abbreviations

If you’re using MLA format and your fingers are starting to cramp, don’t worry; you can use abbreviations. Abbreviations, like any other form of writing, must adhere to certain standards. Abbreviations should conclude with periods if the last letter is lowercase, and months with more than four letters should be shortened.

For example,

Jan, Feb, ACL

Secret Tip: Did you know how to format an essay for a scholarship? Follow the MLA style for a perfectly formatted essay that will be the first step in your scholarship journey.

How to Use the MLA Style for Tables and Figures

The tables and figures you include in your work are also an important aspect of the MLA format. Not only do they liven up your project, but some things are better displayed than read. Keep the figure as close to the text as feasible, and format it according to MLA standards when including tables and figures.

MLA Table Formatting

A table in an MLA document can be formatted easily. Plus, you’re free to add as many as you like. Simply adhere to these guidelines for proper formatting.

• The word “Table” and a numeral appear to flush left on the table’s label.

• In the title case, the Table is flush left, and the title is capitalized.

• Immediately below the table, cite your sources. Information that extends onto a second line must be flush left, with a hanging indent. All information should also be double-spaced.

• Separate the source material from the table with a line.

MLA Format for Essay with Figures

We will examine the MLA format for figures. Writing on aesthetic or linguistic subjects works best in MLA format. Therefore, visual aids like photographs, graphics, and maps may play a significant role in your essay. When using MLA style, formatting an image is comparable to formatting a table, with a few key differences.

• Underneath each illustration, the label “Fig.” is followed by the appropriate Arabic number.

• The caption will be placed next to the label. Figure 1: A map of Scotland, as an example.

• Any necessary citations in the text can be avoided if the source information is included in the caption.

Musical examples are labeled as examples but follow the same conventions as figures.

Formatting Rules in General for the MLA Format

• To avoid confusion, include a separate page for the Works Cited section at the end of your essay.

• Like the rest of the essay, format this section with 1-inch margins and a header containing your last name and the page number.

• Title the page “Works Cited,” and put the title in the page’s middle. Don’t put the title in quotation marks or italics.

• Citation entries should be aligned to the left margin.

• Double space between paragraphs.

• Each citation item’s second and subsequent lines should be indented by half an inch.

• Organize your data by alphabetizing the columns.

• Use “p.” before the page number to indicate that you are referencing a specific page in a printed source (e.g., p. 632).

• Use the abbreviation “pp.” for noting several pages throughout the source. If necessary, specify the range of pages after the abbreviation (for example, when you refer to a particular chapter or article, e.g., pp. 65-112).

• Italicize the name of the database used to locate the original print publication whenever you cite information found there.

Feeling Lost in the Fine Print?

The formatting requirements of the MLA style are extremely onerous. A learner may become frustrated due to those insignificant and vexing requirements on how to write an essay in MLA format. The essay writing team at Essay Basics has spent significant time working with various formatting styles, including the MLA Format, the APA Style, the Chicago Style format, and the Harvard Style. We are completely familiar with each one of them. Feel free to seek our trained professionals’ assistance if you require assistance composing an engaging & perfectly formatted essay.

Looking for something else?

The essay writers on our team can handle any type of paper you throw at them, whatever time of day or night. Would you like advice on how to format a college essay? Click here!