MLA (Modern Language Association) is a popular style used for academic writing, including essay writing. Here is a guide to essay writing in MLA format:
Formatting: The essay should be typed on 8.5 x 11 inch white paper with 1 inch margins on all sides. The font size should be 12 pt. Times New Roman, and the text should be double-spaced.
Title: The essay should have a centered title, without bold or italicized formatting. Capitalize the first letter of each word in the title, except for articles, prepositions, and conjunctions.
Header: Include a header in the upper right corner of each page with your last name and the page number.
In-text citations: When referencing sources within the essay, use parenthetical citations. Include the author's last name and the page number where the information was found, separated by a space. For example: (Smith 43). If the source has no author, use the title of the work in place of the author's name.
Works Cited page: At the end of the essay, include a Works Cited page that lists all sources used in alphabetical order by the author's last name. The Works Cited page should be double-spaced and use a hanging indent for entries that extend beyond one line.
Basic format for a book citation: Last name, First name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year.
Basic format for a website citation: Last name, First name. "Title of Webpage." Name of Website, Publisher or Sponsor, Publication Date, URL.
Use italics for titles of longer works, such as books and movies, and quotation marks for shorter works, such as articles and poems.
By following these guidelines, you can write an essay in MLA format that is both professional and organized.