MLA Style: Home

MLA Style is the format used by the Modern Language Association. Most papers written for classes in the arts and humanities use MLA style; instructors in other disciplines may also prefer MLA format.

For additional information on MLA Style, consult

• MLA Handbook, 8th Edition
• The MLA Style Center at https://style.mla.org/mla-format/

Page Layout

• Double space throughout
• Use one-inch margins on all sides
• Font should be clear and readable, with good contrast between regular type and italics, in 11 or 12 pt. type size, depending on instructor requirements
• The student's last name and the page number should appear in the upper right corner of every page, half an inch from the top

Elements of an MLA Paper

Text of the Paper:

MLA papers do not have title pages. Instead, an information block appears in the upper left corner of the first page, including the student’s name, the instructor’s name, the course name and/or number, and the due date:

Stanley Student

Professor Smart

Engl 1010.100

4 September 2020

The title of the paper is centered over the text

Works Cited List

The Works Cited list appears after the text of the paper:

• Center the title, Works Cited, at the top of the page
• Use a hanging indent to format entries
• List sources in alphabetical order by authors' last names
• Alphabetize unsigned works by the first word of the title (except A, An, and The).