So you’re writing a MLA

formatted essay…

……Here’s what you should know…..

What is M

LA Style?MLA Style establishes standards of

written communication concerning:formatting and page layoutstylistic technicalities (e.g. abbreviations, footnotes, quotations)citing sourcesand preparing a manuscript for publication in certain disciplines.

What does a well written MLA format essay consist of:

Proper Heading Original TitlePage NumberThesis statement Double spacingIn-text CitationWorks Cited

Proper Heading A proper heading consist of:

Your nameYour teacher’s nameClass PeriodDate of the Paper

Original TitleTitles are to be centered Written in 12-point, Times New Roman fontShould not be bolded, underlined, or italicized

Page NumberPage numbers begin on and with page 1Type your name next to the page number so that it appears on every page

Thesis Statement

Your thesis sentence helps to guide and control your paper

A good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes:

take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree deal with a subject that can be adequately treated given the nature of the assignment express one main idea assert your conclusions about a subject

Your thesis statement is usually the last sentence of the

introduction.

The thesis is a clear position that you will support and

develop throughout your paper

Double Spacing MLA requires double-spacing throughout a

document; do not single-space any part of the

document.

In-text CitationIn-text citations occur after the

quote but before the period.

The author’s/ Authors’ name/s go before the Page Number with no comma in between.

Works Cited The Works Cited page begins on a new page. Center the title “Works Cited” Without Underlining, bolding, or italicizing it. If there is only one entry, title this page “Work Cited.”