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How to write a research paper in MLA format: examples can help out

Numerous times through your scholastic career you will be required to write research papers. As you get further along in your studies teachers will begin assigning research papers that have to be written using MLA format. MLA format stands for Modern Language Association and is a commonly used writing style that allows you to write papers citing multiple sources. There are several criteria that have to be met when writing a research paper in MLA format:

General formatting guidelines

Double space
Legible 12 pt font
One space after each punctuation mark
Use 1 inch margins
Indent the 1st line of every paragraph ½'' from the left margin
Use a header that numbers the pages in order making sure it’s placed in the top right corner, ½'' from the upper margin
Only use italics for long titles and emphasis
End notes should be titled “Notes” centered and unformatted on the page before the Works Cited page

Formatting first page guidelines

No title page
List your name , your instructor’s name, class name, and date in the upper right corner ½'' from the upper margin
Double space and center the title
Double space between the title and first line of the text
Create a header in the upper right corner with your last name, a space, and the page number using the 1,2,3, etc. numbering system ½'' from the upper margin

Various other formatting items

In-text citations
Quotations
End notes
Foot notes

Works cited

Books
Periodicals
Electronic sources
Examples – Before you being writing your MLA format research paper it is necessary to look for examples in research papers that have been previously written. Using those examples will provide you with a platform in which you can compare and model your paper after. There are several examples of such papers both online and various other sources.

Although there are set guidelines for writing research papers in MLA format it is also important to seek clarification from your instructor on any deviations from standard guidelines that they are making to the assignment to ensure you are fulfilling all the requirements correctly. The more research papers you write in MLA format, the better you will become.