Writing Center: MLA Style

What is MLA Style?

A set of guidelines for formatting academic manuscripts and citing materials used by other writers. It is most often used by writers in the Humanities and Liberal Arts. Citing sources you've consulted gives your paper credibility, and adhering to MLA's citation guidelines protects you from unintentional plagiarism.

Formatting Your Paper in MLA Style

The format of your paper should generally include:

• Typed manuscript on letter-sized (8.5x11in.) paper
• Standard 12 point font in Times New Roman typeface
• 1-inch margins on all sides of text
• Double-spacing of all text
• Works Cited list on new page at the end of your manuscript
• Page numbers in the upper right-hand header, preceded by your last name
• No title page - list information like your name, course number, professor, and date in the upper left-hand corner of page one on separate, double-spaced lines.
• Title centered directly above the text of your paper. Do not italicize, underline, or place title in quotations.