MLA
MLA Explained
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a common format used in a number of academic disciplines. All levels of English classes use the MLA format as the basic format for essays. Other academic disciplines often use the MLA format, as well.
MLA style refers to how a paper is formatted and how sources are cited both within a paper and on a Works Cited page.
Spanish Explanation
The Purdue OWL has a Spanish language explanation available.
MLA Template
Stress less! Use our template below, and read ahead to understand how the template was created. Click file > make a copy or download to use.
Basic Format of an MLA Paper
Essays written in the MLA format should follow these characteristics:
Paper: White paper, 8 1/2 x 11 inches
Margins: 1 inch (top, bottom, left, and right) ; 1 inch = 2.5 cm
Text Formatting:
Font: Times New Roman (this is the most accepted font, though other easily readable 12-point fonts may be acceptable--check with your instructor if unsure)
Size: 12 point
Do not justify the text; instead, align along the left margin
indent all paragraphs one half-inch from the margin, using the Tab button
Double-space the entire research paper, including lines separating different paragraphs (make sure not to add an extra space between paragraphs)
Header and Page Numbers: Include a header in the upper right of every page. This header should include your last name and the page number.
Title: Every MLA essay should have a title, which should be centered and appear toward the top of the first page, after the header and before the opening paragraph.
Citations: All sources need to be cited within the text and on a Works Cited page, which should be the last page of the essay. In-text citations need to include the author last name, if available, and page number, if applicable. If the source that is cited does not list an author name, the title of the source should be used instead. All other information, such as publisher, date, location, etc. should appear on the Works Cited page. Detailed information and examples can be found on this site's MLA In-Text Citations and MLA Works Cited pages.
More Resources
For more information about MLA style, visit the Aims Learning Commons and speak with a librarian or writing tutor, consult a credible composition manual, or visit the Modern Language Association website at www.mla.org.