Rules for MLA Style Writing

Modern Language Association (MLA) writing style provides guidelines for writers in the English language. The "MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers" includes the extensive guidelines the style requires when writing and publishing papers. When you write a homework paper in the MLA style format, double check with whoever assigned it for any rules they have that may deviate from the overall style guide.
  1. General Paper Formatting Rules

    • The MLA style guide calls for papers to be double-spaced with 1-inch margins. Include a header on each page with page numbers in the upper right-hand corner and flush with the right margin.

    Omit Title Page

    • Unless the person who assigned the written work asks for one, the MLA style guide does not require a title page. Include the title of your paper on the first page of your paper. Also include your name, instructor's name, course name and the date in the upper left corner.

    Section Headings

    • Use arabic numbers to outline different sections throughout your paper, if you have them. Follow each number with a period, a space and then the section title.

    In-Text Citations

    • To cite a source within a paragraph, refer to the author and work you are citing. At the end of that sentence, include the page number you are citing from, in brackets.

    Works Cited List

    • Title the page "Works Cited" and include your cited works in alphabetical order. List the names of authors with their last names first. To cite books, include the author's name, title and subtitle (underlined or italicized), place of publication, publisher, and date. To cite an individual article, include the author's name, title of article (in quotation marks), title of overall work, date accessed and page numbers cited.

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