How do I write a paper in MLA format?

Note: Each professor and/or assignment may have specific formatting and writing guidelines. Always carefully follow the directions for the assignment as given by your professor.

The Modern Language Association (MLA) has developed guidelines for standardized writing and formatting of academic and professional papers in the fields of Humanities, Modern Languages, Literature, and other related disciplines, and many professors expect students to utilize MLA standards when drafting an academic paper. While a comprehensive explanation of MLA style writing and formatting is outside the scope of this FAQ, simple guidelines are provided below. 

General Formatting:

• The paper should be typed/printed on standard-sized copy paper (8.5" x 11") with 1-inch margins on all sides and double-spaced lines.
• The font must be legible, with strong contrast between the regular and italic styles. The actual font used is determined by the professor or publisher, but 12-point Times New Roman is recommended.
• The first line of each paragraph should be indented one-half inch from left margin (using Tab key).
• The pages should be numbered in the top header, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. The student/author's last name should precede the page number (e.g., Smith 3). 

First Page Formatting:

• The upper left hand corner should list the student/author's name, the instructor's name, the course name, and the date. Each item should be on a separate line, double-spaced.
• The title should be centered above the first paragraph. It should be in Title Case, in regular type (not bold or italics), and without quotation marks or underlining. 

Other Formatting Considerations:

• Title pages are only used at the request of the professor, or if the paper has multiple authors.
• Section headings should be used in longer papers to improve readability. Headings should be numbered with Arabic numerals, followed by a period, a space, and then the heading title. Additional information and examples may be found in the resources listed at the bottom of this FAQ.
• Endnotes should be used sparingly and placed on a separate page before the Works Cited page. Visit Purdue OWL: MLA Endnotes and Footnotes for more information and examples.
• All resources used in the preparation and writing of the paper, both directly and indirectly, should be cited both within the text and in a Works Cited page following the body of the paper. Citations should be in MLA style. More detailed information about formatting citations in MLA style is available in the How do I create a citation in MLA format? FAQ.

For more extensive coverage of MLA writing and formatting, visit the MLA General Format guidelines, developed by Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL), which provides comprehensive instructions on how to correctly format your work in MLA style and gives multiple examples for many kinds of papers. Physical copies of the MLA Handbook are available in the libraries on both the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses. The NSU Writing Center also provides in-person and online assistance with citation, grammar, and other writing concerns.