What is how to do mla format?

Here's a breakdown of MLA format essentials:

• General Formatting:

  • Paper and Margins: Use standard 8.5 x 11-inch white paper. Set all margins (top, bottom, left, and right) to 1 inch.
  • Font: Use a readable font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, size 12.
  • Spacing: Double-space everything, including the heading, body paragraphs, quotations, and Works Cited list. Do not add extra spaces between paragraphs.
  • Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph one-half inch from the left margin. Use the Tab key.
  • Page Numbers: Include a header with your last name and the page number in the upper right-hand corner of every page.

• First Page:

  • Heading: In the upper left-hand corner, list your name, your instructor's name, the course name, and the date (in day month year format, e.g., 5 June 2024), each on a separate line.
  • Title: Center your title on the next line after the heading. Capitalize the first letter of all principal words.
  • Introduction: Begin your essay on the next line after the title.

• In-Text Citations:

  • Parenthetical Citations: Use parenthetical citations to give credit to sources within your essay. Typically, include the author's last name and the page number(s). For example: (Smith 42).
  • Signal Phrases: Integrate sources smoothly by using signal phrases to introduce quotations or paraphrases (e.g., "As Smith argues,..."). If you use a signal phrase, you may not need the author's name in the parenthetical citation.

• Works Cited Page:

  • Title: Begin a new page at the end of your essay. Center the title "Works Cited" at the top.
  • Entries: List all sources cited in your essay alphabetically by the author's last name.
  • Hanging Indent: Each entry should have a hanging indent (the first line is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented one-half inch).
  • MLA Citation Format: Pay close attention to the specific format for each type of source (book, article, website, etc.). The MLA Handbook provides detailed guidance. Look for templates online.