Many scholars use the Modern Language Association (MLA) documentation technique across multiple disciplines. Besides the citation guidelines, the MLA format paper example provides styling and formatting rules. Hence, people need to know the basic principles of the MLA format. In this case, an in-depth discussion on MLA formatting focuses on the first page, general guidelines, and the work cited page.
First Page Formatting
The first page in the MLA format paper example has a distinct appearance. For example, people place a header containing a page number preceded by the author’s surname at the top right corner in the MLA title page. Basically, they repeat this mode of pagination on each page of the essay. Then, the MLA style paper does not require the author to provide a separate title page. In this case, writers place the author’s name, instructor’s name, course, and date of submission at the top left of the first page. Below the date of submission, they put the title of the paper in title case and center it horizontally. In turn, there are no extra spaces between the date and title of the paper. Moreover, the text of the identification information and the title of the page are not subjected to additional formatting.
General Formatting Guidelines on the MLA Paper Format Example
General formatting guidelines in the MLA format paper example establish some form of consistency in essays. For instance, people should present the text in the MLA paper format by using a legible font that allows a reader to easily distinguish between regular and italicized text. In this case, the MLA format template does not identify a specific font type and size. However, people use the Times New Roman font with a font size of 12. Basically, they have the freedom to choose a font type and size. In turn, writers should apply this rule to the entire document. Hence, the first line of each paragraph is typically indented by half an inch. There are some exceptions to the paragraphing rule, for example, a paragraph after a first-level heading has no indentation. Also, people use double spacing for the MLA styled text.
MLA Example
The MLA format paper example does not define a strict approach to formatting of section headings. In this case, the basic principle for section headings is to ensure that the different heading levels have distinct formatting. Thus, a sample five-level section heading formatting approach is:
Styling the Work Cited Page
People organize the list of sources’ bibliographical information at the end of the essay. For example, they put individual work cited entries in the MLA format paper example to portray a hanging indentation. In this case, writers align the first line of the MLA Works Cited with the left margin. However, all subsequent lines are indented by half an inch. Also, scholars organize entries in alphabetical order. Basically, this alphabetization is based on the first letter of the work cited entries. In turn, the rules for the creation of the reference list entries are explained in the MLA format Works Cited.
Conclusion on the MLA Format Paper Example
In conclusion, the MLA format paper example describes a specific appearance for the entire paper. In this case, the first page and Works Cited have clearly defined formats. Additionally, the general guidelines mentioned govern the styling of the body paragraphs.