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MLA General Format 

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MLA Style specifies guidelines for formatting manuscripts and citing research in writing. MLA Style also provides writers with a system for referencing their sources through parenthetical citation in their essays and Works Cited pages. 

Writers who properly use MLA also build their credibility by demonstrating accountability to their source material. Most importantly, the use of MLA style can protect writers from accusations of plagiarism, which is the purposeful or accidental uncredited use of source material produced by other writers. 

If you are asked to use MLA format, be sure to consult the  MLA Handbook  (9th edition). Publishing scholars and graduate students should also consult the  MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing  (3rd edition). The  MLA Handbook  is available in most writing centers and reference libraries. It is also widely available in bookstores, libraries, and at the MLA web site. See the Additional Resources section of this page for a list of helpful books and sites about using MLA Style.

Paper Format

The preparation of papers and manuscripts in MLA Style is covered in part four of the  MLA Style Manual . Below are some basic guidelines for formatting a paper in  MLA Style :

General Guidelines

• Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
• Double-space the text of your paper and use a legible font (e.g. Times New Roman). Whatever font you choose, MLA recommends that the regular and italics type styles contrast enough that they are each distinct from one another. The font size should be 12 pt.
• Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks (unless otherwise prompted by your instructor).
• Set the margins of your document to 1 inch on all sides.
• Indent the first line of each paragraph one half-inch from the left margin. MLA recommends that you use the “Tab” key as opposed to pushing the space bar five times.
• Create a header that numbers all pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. (Note: Your instructor may ask that you omit the number on your first page. Always follow your instructor's guidelines.)
• Use italics throughout your essay to indicate the titles of longer works and, only when absolutely necessary, provide emphasis.
• If you have any endnotes, include them on a separate page before your Works Cited page. Entitle the section Notes (centered, unformatted).

Formatting the First Page of Your Paper

• Do not make a title page for your paper unless specifically requested or the paper is assigned as a group project. In the case of a group project, list all names of the contributors, giving each name its own line in the header, followed by the remaining MLA header requirements as described below. Format the remainder of the page as requested by the instructor.
• In the upper left-hand corner of the first page, list your name, your instructor's name, the course, and the date. Again, be sure to use double-spaced text.
• Double space again and center the title. Do not underline, italicize, or place your title in quotation marks. Write the title in Title Case (standard capitalization), not in all capital letters.
• Use quotation marks and/or italics when referring to other works in your title, just as you would in your text. For example:  Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas  as Morality Play; Human Weariness in "After Apple Picking"
• Double space between the title and the first line of the text.
• Create a header in the upper right-hand corner that includes your last name, followed by a space with a page number. Number all pages consecutively with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. (Note: Your instructor or other readers may ask that you omit the last name/page number header on your first page. Always follow instructor guidelines.)

Here is a sample of the first page of a paper in MLA style:

The First Page of an MLA Paper

Section Headings

Writers sometimes use section headings to improve a document’s readability. These sections may include individual chapters or other named parts of a book or essay.

MLA recommends that when dividing an essay into sections you number those sections with an Arabic number and a period followed by a space and the section name.

MLA does not have a prescribed system of headings for books (for more information on headings, please see page 146 in the MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing , 3rd edition). If you are only using one level of headings, meaning that all of the sections are distinct and parallel and have no additional sections that fit within them, MLA recommends that these sections resemble one another grammatically. For instance, if your headings are typically short phrases, make all of the headings short phrases (and not, for example, full sentences). Otherwise, the formatting is up to you. It should, however, be consistent throughout the document.

If you employ multiple levels of headings (some of your sections have sections within sections), you may want to provide a key of your chosen level headings and their formatting to your instructor or editor.

Sample Section Headings

The following sample headings are meant to be used only as a reference. You may employ whatever system of formatting that works best for you so long as it remains consistent throughout the document.

Formatted, unnumbered:

Level 1 Heading: bold, flush left

Level 2 Heading: italics, flush left

Level 3 Heading: centered, bold

Level 4 Heading: centered, italics

Level 5 Heading: underlined, flush left

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How to Format A College Essay: 15 Expert Tips

College Essays

When you're applying to college, even small decisions can feel high-stakes. This is especially true for the college essay, which often feels like the most personal part of the application. You may agonize over your college application essay format: the font, the margins, even the file format. Or maybe you're agonizing over how to organize your thoughts overall. Should you use a narrative structure? Five paragraphs?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll go over the ins and outs of how to format a college essay on both the micro and macro levels. We'll discuss minor formatting issues like headings and fonts, then discuss broad formatting concerns like whether or not to use a five-paragraph essay, and if you should use a college essay template.

How to Format a College Essay: Font, Margins, Etc.

Some of your formatting concerns will depend on whether you will be cutting and pasting your essay into a text box on an online application form or attaching a formatted document. If you aren't sure which you'll need to do, check the application instructions. Note that the Common Application does currently require you to copy and paste your essay into a text box.

Most schools also allow you to send in a paper application, which theoretically gives you increased control over your essay formatting. However, I generally don't advise sending in a paper application (unless you have no other option) for a couple of reasons:

Most schools state that they prefer to receive online applications. While it typically won't affect your chances of admission, it is wise to comply with institutional preferences in the college application process where possible. It tends to make the whole process go much more smoothly.

Paper applications can get lost in the mail. Certainly there can also be problems with online applications, but you'll be aware of the problem much sooner than if your paper application gets diverted somehow and then mailed back to you. By contrast, online applications let you be confident that your materials were received.

Regardless of how you will end up submitting your essay, you should draft it in a word processor. This will help you keep track of word count, let you use spell check, and so on.

Next, I'll go over some of the concerns you might have about the correct college essay application format, whether you're copying and pasting into a text box or attaching a document, plus a few tips that apply either way.

Formatting Guidelines That Apply No Matter How You End Up Submitting the Essay:

Unless it's specifically requested, you don't need a title. It will just eat into your word count.

Avoid cutesy, overly colloquial formatting choices like ALL CAPS or ~unnecessary symbols~ or, heaven forbid, emoji and #hashtags. Your college essay should be professional, and anything too cutesy or casual will come off as immature.

Mmm, delicious essay...I mean sandwich.

Why College Essay Templates Are a Bad Idea

You might see college essay templates online that offer guidelines on how to structure your essay and what to say in each paragraph. I strongly advise against using a template. It will make your essay sound canned and bland—two of the worst things a college essay can be. It's much better to think about what you want to say, and then talk through how to best structure it with someone else and/or make your own practice outlines before you sit down to write.

You can also find tons of successful sample essays online. Looking at these to get an idea of different styles and topics is fine, but again, I don't advise closely patterning your essay after a sample essay. You will do the best if your essay really reflects your own original voice and the experiences that are most meaningful to you.

College Application Essay Format: Key Takeaways

There are two levels of formatting you might be worried about: the micro (fonts, headings, margins, etc) and the macro (the overall structure of your essay).

Tips for the micro level of your college application essay format:

• Always draft your essay in a word processing software, even if you'll be copy-and-pasting it over into a text box.
• If you are copy-and-pasting it into a text box, make sure your formatting transfers properly, your paragraphs are clearly delineated, and your essay isn't cut off.
• If you are attaching a document, make sure your font is easily readable, your margins are standard 1-inch, your essay is 1.5 or double-spaced, and your file format is compatible with the application specs.
• There's no need for a title unless otherwise specified—it will just eat into your word count.

Tips for the macro level of your college application essay format :

• There is no super-secret college essay format that will guarantee success.
• In terms of structure, it's most important that you have an introduction that makes it clear where you're going and a conclusion that wraps up with a main point. For the middle of your essay, you have lots of freedom, just so long as it flows logically!
• I advise against using an essay template, as it will make your essay sound stilted and unoriginal.

Plus, if you use a college essay template, how will you get rid of these medieval weirdos?

What's Next?

Still feeling lost? Check out our total guide to the personal statement , or see our step-by-step guide to writing the perfect essay .

If you're not sure where to start, consider these tips for attention-grabbing first sentences to college essays!

And be sure to avoid these 10 college essay mistakes .

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Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.

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MLA Format Heading

This page contains guidelines on how to properly format the headings of your research paper using the MLA format.

1. The Opening Page:

On the opening page or the first page, you would include the whole heading and your paper’s title. The whole heading would include the following information:

• Your Instructor’s Name
• Your Class Information
• Your Paper’s Due Date
• Font: choose an easy to read font such as Times New Roman.
• Font Size: set the font size to be twelve (12) throughout your research paper, including your paper’s title. Never set the font site larger than 12.
• Margins: 1-inch for top/bottom/right/left throughout your paper.
• Double-space: double-space throughout your paper. Don’t add extra spaces (besides double-space) between your headings, your title and your paragraphs.

Sample of the Opening Page:

A sample of the first page of your paper.

2. The Inner Pages:

For the pages that follow the first page, set the heading like this: instead of the whole heading, you would use the header feature on your word processing program and including the following information: Your Last Name and the Page Number.

Sample of the Inner Page:

Example of the heading for inner pages.

3. The Works Cited Page:

Every research paper must include a works cited page.

• The works cited list is placed at the end of your paper, on a new page.
• The heading for your works cited pages should be the same as the heading for your inner pages, which include your name and the page number at the top.
• Enter the title as “ Works Cited ” and place this title 1-inch from the top of the page, see more details in the example illustration picture below.

Sample of the Works Cited Page:

Example of the works cited page.

– MLA Handbook, 8th edition

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I have the following level 3 heading in my thesis:

Project management office and (pmo) metrics team.

Should the abbreviation pmo be in lower case as it is or should it be in upper case?

Please Advise. Thanks.

So for the works cited page, you don’t need the name, teacher, date, and period heading at all?

No. It should only be on the first page of the essay.

This is some good stuff to know.

I have to write a paper for an application and they want it to be in MLA format. I don’t know how to do the heading because it’s not going to one teacher in particular and it is not for one class.

I don’t think you need a heading besides the “Last name-1” on the inner pages.

Hey Shannon. You might try “To Whom it may concern” or something like that. Don’t trust me on this because I am not for sure on that and if you did do this you might get it wrong and whoever might not accept your application. I hope you figure out how to do it and do great on that application! 😀 – Christopher

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Get top-notch content from the best college paper writing service., what is a college paper heading.

A college paper heading is the array of data located in the upper part of your essay. It’s a quintessential part of your document because it formally states information about the author, grade, college, professor, and more.

In short, it’s the date and name you write at the top of a test. Nevertheless, while most high school students are allowed to choose whatever font and style they prefer, college requires a much more strict approach.

Furthermore, in high school, you may have very few research papers to head. Alternatively, most colleges expect you to head every document you put together because they become official proof of your academic progress. For this reason, we are dedicating the following article: heading of college paper.

In this editorial, you’ll find a thorough step-by-step guide to heading college paper. The information will help your academic endeavors even if you get help from a college paper writer or a freelance professional.

Step by step guide to head a college paper

Before picking up a pen, you should know that there is more than one paper style. Having multiple options means that your professor can ask you to use one or another for different essays. Being able to mix it up means that you are capable, attentive, and organized.

The two main college paper header styles are:

• Modern Language Association, MLA, is the most used citation style, specific to the Humanities.
• American Psychological Association, APA, is specific to Sciences, Education, and Psychology as the name suggests.

We’ll explain how the heading for college paper works, and we’ll also specify the requirements for each style.

Step 1: Choose the paper style you need

We previously named the two main styles. So, choose the one that seems more appropriate if your teacher hasn’t expressed their preference. MLA is the most used, but if you’re in Sciences, Psychology, or Education, APA might be better.

Next, check to see if your grammar software or writing app has any options regarding styles. A similar option might make it easier for you to follow the criteria. Dedicated writing apps will help you maintain a specific heading type and will automatically correct you.

Step 2: Margins And Page Format

Start by setting the margins and spacing according to the style you choose.

For this college heading format, you’ll need to set your paper to the standard size (8.5 x 11 inches). All page margins should be one inch while the text is double spaced and typed. Moreover, titles are redundant in MLA unless your professor precisely asked for one.

You can use Times New Roman, Modern, or Arial fonts, as they are the most advised, but don’t forget to pick the 12-point font size. If you want to stand out, you can also select a rarely used font as long as it’s easy to read and not in a script-style. Lastly, when typing the four lines of the heading, don’t skip any lines in-between.

The APA style requires a standard paper with double-spaced typed text, just like the MLA style. The four margins can be broader, around a one-and-a-half-inch.

Unlike MLA, The APA college heading format expects a page title, called a “manuscript header.” To compose a manuscript header, you should pick two essential keywords from your paper title that describes your research. Write them in lower-case letters except for the first letter of each word. Then, add the number of the page. These elements should be directed to the right and one inch below the top margin.

Next, add your title below the manuscript header but centered on the page. The preferred fonts are Times New Roman, Arial, and all the non-script ones.

Step 3: Name and surname

You have to specify the author of your research. So, write your first and last name.

When using the MLA style, you’ll need to add your surname and number of the page to every top right corner in a right-justified format with no punctuation. Then, you’ll write your first and last name to the left.

After the title of your research paper, place your name. It should be centered just like the title.

Step 4: College details

After the name and titles, you can add more information about your course, professor, and institution.

Write your professors’ name, code, and the title of the course, as well as the date (day, name of the month capitalized, and year). Your name and these last lines should appear at the top left of your page. In contrast, the surname and number of the page should be the only thing aligned to the right at the very top.

After your name, write the institution’s name and the department you major in, but make sure it’s all centered.

Step 5: First paragraph

This particular college paper heading format presents your work title before the first paragraph, centered with capitalized words. Avoid underlining or quoting your title.

Starting with the first paragraph, try to make your essay easier to read and understand. You can do so by adding subheadings with titles and a one-space line between two paragraphs.

All of your sections should have a five-space indentation at the beginning of the first sentence.

Lastly, remember to set your text to double-spaced.

For APA, here’s where you start your essay. The abstract is followed by:

• Text, which can be divided into sections with titles for each one.
• References and appendices.
• Author notes.
• Tables and figures.

Once you finished your paper, each section, such as “References,” should have an appropriate title with centered text.

The APA college paper heading format allows you to have subheadings that you can use to section your thesis. Nonetheless, you might want to ask your professor for advice or consult the APA stylebook.

Practical tips every student can use when writing a college paper heading

Writing a college paper header may seem as simple as can be but make no mistake. It can a valuable occasion for you to show that you are a dedicated student who puts effort into their work.

Pay attention to the details mentioned previously. Keep these tips in mind when revising and proofreading the paper.

Tip 1: Be original

Don’t try to make your paper longer by enlarging the font or copy-pasting words at the bottom. If you want academic success, you should only deliver a genuine product of your intellectual skills.

Moreover, keep in mind that your professors are experienced and knowledgeable. You’ll damage your reputation as a student if you try to deceive your teachers. Better to play it safe.

Tip 2: Use standard formatting

Don’t over-decorate your page. Adding a script-style font and too many figures will make your report less comprehensible and formal. Try to use the standard fonts and if you wish to add some extra elements, ask your professor for advice.

Tip 3: Use punctuation correctly

Use quotation marks and italics for quotations and works you’re mentioning in your paper. Leave your title, name, and most elements free of decorative or particular formatting and punctuation.

Tip 4: Use spaces wisely

Use a spaced line inside paragraphs (every two or three sentences) and between them, but don’t overdo it.

Tip 5: Use software to help you

You can use different software that can ease your work with grammar check and syntax.

Plagiarism is also an important aspect of your work. Only deliver 100% original work. Otherwise, you might be severely penalized academically. To prevent accidental plagiarism, check your work through anti-plagiarism apps.

The way you present your college paper says a lot about you. A proper heading can indicate that the author is passionate, determined, and focused on their work. So, when you’re preparing your next essay, try to follow our guide.

Firstly, choose your style and stick to it. MLA and APA styles are most common, but if you wish to use other formatting styles, gather as much information as you can.

Next, write your name, your professor’s and university’s, and place the title according to the requirements. Divide your paragraphs and keep them clear and easy to understand. Furthermore, try to avoid decorative stile and over-the-top punctuation. Keep a formal outlook and simple syntax. Also, check to see if your grammar is spotless and if your work is original.

We also recommend you ask for help.

The first person who should help you is your professor. It’s their job to guide you and offer valuable advice. So, contact them and ask for clarification. You can also kindly ask them to revise your work. Nonetheless, teachers are busy and may not have the time. Consider hiring a professional writer to help you with your schoolwork.

Additionally, you can offer to revise your peer’s works, and they can do the same. Cross-checking can be useful because we often tend to overlook repetitive mistakes. So, having someone else look at your work might point them out. 

Finally, plenty of reliable sites can help you write from scratch, edit, revise, and format your work. You can get professional help from people who went to the same college as you, thus having an ideal approach for your situation. Just make sure that you pick a highly-rated site that offers you 24/7 customer service and employs professionals. Also, look out for plagiarism checks and reviews.

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Citation Styles

MLA Format Guidelines - Everything You Need to Know

Published on: Nov 19, 2024

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2024

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Many students find it challenging to correctly format their papers in MLA style, especially when dealing with citations and layout.

Mistakes in MLA formatting can lead to lower grades, credibility issues, and even unintentional plagiarism, causing frustration and wasted time.

This guide simplifies MLA format with clear rules and examples, helping you format your paper accurately. 

So, keep reading to learn MLA formatting.

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What is MLA Format?

MLA format, developed by the Modern Language Association, is a standardized citation style commonly used for writing and documenting sources in academic papers. 

It is widely adopted by students and scholars in the humanities, particularly in fields like literature, language arts, and cultural studies. 

General MLA Formatting Guidelines

When writing in MLA format, it's important to follow these basic guidelines to ensure your paper is properly structured:

• Font: Use Times New Roman in a 12-point size for clear readability.
• Spacing: Double-space the entire paper, including the header, title, and works cited page.
• Margins: Set 1 inch from the left margin, 1 inch from the top and right side of the document.
• Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches, typically done by pressing the "Tab" key.
• Running Head: MLA format does not typically require a separate running head. Instead, the student's last name and page number are used in the header of each page.
• Page Numbers: The page number should appear in the upper right corner of every page, including the first page. It should include your last name followed by the page number, separated by a space (e.g., Smith 1). This can be set by going to the "Insert" option in your word processor, selecting "Header," and aligning the text to the right.

Formatting Your Paper in MLA Format

When citing a research paper in MLA format, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure your document is properly structured:

MLA Heading and Title Format

The MLA format doesn’t include a separate title page. On the first page of your MLA paper, the heading should be placed in the upper left corner and include the following information in this order:

• Your instructor’s name
• Course title
• Date (formatted as Day Month Year, e.g., 7 October 2024)

Below the heading, the title of your paper should be centered on the next line. It must be in the same font and size as the rest of the text, without any bold, underline, or italics. There should be no extra spaces between the title and the first paragraph of your paper.

Formatting Different Level Headings in MLA

MLA allows the use of different levels of headings to organize your paper. Here are the general guidelines for formatting each level:

• Level 1 (Main Headings): Centered, in Title Case, without bold or italics (e.g., Introduction).
• Level 2 (Subheadings): Left-aligned, in Title Case, without bold or italics.
• Level 3 (Sub-subheadings): Indented, in Title Case, ending with a period. The text follows immediately after the heading on the same line.

Headings in MLA format are not numbered, and using them effectively can help organize longer papers or essays with multiple sections.

How to Do In-Text Citations in MLA Format

MLA format in-text citations provide a way to credit the sources of information used in your writing. Here are the basic rules:

• Basic Format: Include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence. For example: (Smith 23).
• No Author: If a source has no identifiable author, use the title of the work in place of the author’s name. For example: (“Impact of Climate Change” 45).
• Multiple Authors: For a work by two authors, include both last names in the citation, separated by "and." For example: (Smith and Jones 15). If there are three or more authors, use the first author's last name followed by "et al." For example: (Smith et al. 42).
• Multiple Works by the Same Author: If you cite more than one work by the same author, include a shortened title of the work in the citation to distinguish between them. For example: (Smith, Title of Work 78).

How to Format a Works Cited Page in MLA

Creating a Works Cited page in MLA format is essential for properly attributing the sources used in your research paper . Here are the rules for adding MLA format references:

• Alphabetical Order: List all entries in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. If there is no author, use the title of the work instead.
• Hanging Indent: Each entry should feature a hanging indent. This means the first line of each citation is flush left, while subsequent lines are indented by 0.5 inches.
• Spacing: The entire Works Cited page should be double-spaced, consistent with the rest of your paper. Avoid adding extra space between entries.
• Alignment: Center the title "Works Cited" at the top of the page, ensuring all entries are left-aligned beneath it.
• Header Format: Include your last name and the page number in the header, just as you would on the other pages of your paper. This helps to maintain a professional appearance throughout your work.

How To Cite Sources in MLA Format

Here’s how to format different types of sources in MLA format:

Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example: Smith, John. Understanding Climate Change. Penguin Books, 2020.

• Journal Articles:

Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages. DOI or URL (if applicable).

Example: Jones, Mary. “The Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems.” Environmental Studies Journal, vol. 15, no. 4, 2021, pp. 45-62. doi:10.1234/esj.v15i4.567.

Last Name, First Name (if available). “Title of Webpage.” Title of Website, Publisher (if applicable), Date of publication, URL.

Example: “Climate Change and Coastal Cities.” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, 12 July 2022, www.noaa.gov/climate-change-coastal-cities.

YouTube Videos, Social Media Posts, etc.:

• YouTube Video:  

Last Name, First Name (if available). “Title of Video.” YouTube, uploaded by Channel Name, Date, URL.

Example: “How Climate Change Affects Our Oceans.” YouTube, uploaded by Ocean Awareness, 5 May 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcd1234.

• Social Media Post:  

Last Name, First Name (if available). “Content of the Post.” Platform, Date of post, URL.

Example: Johnson, Lisa. “Excited to see the new climate initiatives in action!” Twitter, 10 Aug. 2023, twitter.com/lisajohnson/status/123456789.

Less Common Sources:

• Films: 

Title of Film. Directed by Director’s Name, Production Company, Year.

Example: An Inconvenient Truth. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, Paramount Classics, 2006.

• Interviews: 

Last Name, First Name of Person Interviewed. Interview by Interviewer’s Name. Date of Interview.

Example: Smith, John. Interview by Jane Doe. 15 Jan. 2023.

• Podcasts:  

Host Last Name, First Name. “Title of Episode.” Title of Podcast, Network, Date, URL.

Example: Brown, Sarah. “Climate Change and Its Impact on Wildlife.” Eco Talks, Green Network, 20 June 2023, www.greennetwork.com/ecotalks/episode123.

MLA Format Template for Students

Having a clear template can make formatting your paper in MLA style much easier. Here are some helpful MLA format examples pdfs:

MLA Format Template

MLA Format Essay Example

In conclusion, understanding how to do MLA format is essential for students who want to present their work clearly and professionally. 

By following these guidelines for formatting, using in-text citations, and creating a proper Works Cited page, you can ensure a properly formatted MLA paper. 

The templates and examples provided will help you focus on your ideas while making the writing process easier.

However, if you’re still struggling to format your paper or cite your sources correctly, our expert writers are here to assist you. You can always hire our professional essay writing service to ensure you receive perfectly formatted papers. 

Our team of qualified writers is experienced in all citation styles and formatting, so whatever help you need, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is mla format arranged.

In MLA format, sources on the Works Cited page are arranged in alphabetical order by the author's last name. If there is no author, the title of the work is used instead. 

Each entry has a hanging indent, where the first line is flush left and subsequent lines are indented by 0.5 inches. For multiple authors, list them in the order they appear, and for works with three or more authors, include only the first author's name followed by "et al." Each entry must follow consistent formatting rules based on the type of source.

What does MLA format stand for?

MLA format stands for Modern Language Association format. It is a style guide used primarily in the humanities, particularly in literature, language arts, and cultural studies, to help writers structure their papers and cite sources consistently.

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How To Format A College Essay

Table of Contents

College years bring students a lot of joyful and challenging moments. And absolutely every student encounters writing a new type of academic paper – a college essay . Its writing process takes much pain to many students as they face college essay format, which is different from high school essay format.

How to write headings? Where to watch out for the right structure? How to organize titles? These and more questions will be covered below, so students don’t worry about how to write  college personal essays .

College Application Essay Format

What if we tell you that a university application paper can either boost or decrease your chance of being applied to a university? A university admission paper is a powerful tool that summarizes your knowledge acquired from high school and your ability to clearly state your thoughts. Even an incorrectly written title can create a negative picture of your work. Thus sticking to the right university admission paper format is rule number one for every applicant.

Every college sets its requirements on how the admission paper should look like. Be sure to meet all the requirements. But before you do an ideal university admission paper, turn your attention to the submitting type. It can be writing an article in a text box or attaching a file. If you are supposed to submit the admission paper in a text box, use the following rules:

• Avoid using italics or bold text. While putting it in a box, everything will likely mess up as the program will not identify your formatting correctly. And it can be a fatal mistake for your application process.
• Double-check your structure. A text box may not identify the paragraphs’ separation or spacing. After you write it in a box, be very attentive to the college essay format structure.
• Stick to a simple article structure. Indeed, writing a university admission paper in a certain shape looks more attractive and readable but not in the case of text box submission.

Formatting Attached Document

If the college you are dreaming about requires attaching a document, then the structure of your university admission paper will be correct with these tips:

• Don’t experiment with the font: let it be standard Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri with the 12 font size.
• Separate the lines with 1,5 spaces.
• When submitting a university admission paper, attach it in PDF format. First, it doesn’t allow editing. And second, it will show an essay in the right college essay format since Microsoft Word has multiple versions that can change the document when showing it.

How To Structure A College Essay

The clearer the structure of your admission paper, the easier it is to read and perceive information. Depending on the university requirements, you can choose to write using the conventional or unconventional university admission paper structure. Let’s start with the traditional essay structure.

For the traditional way of writing university papers, you can choose from the three structures:

• In-the-moment narrative
• Narrative through a long period of time

In-The-Moment Narrative

In the in-the-moment narrative essay structure, a writer shares his experience from one event. The main goal of this university paper structure is to make the reader feel your story. This structure is very strong when applying for admission. It allows a writer to express his emotions and thoughts about an event. Descriptions of details, inner experiences, and emotions are common for this type of paper.

The most challenging task is to describe the event but not overwhelm a reader. Thus the structure should consist of an introduction, key points, and a conclusion. In-the-moment narrative essays should be written from the first-person perspective, which is not usual for academic paper writing. To add more expressiveness, use metaphors, analogies, and rhetorical questions when composing a college admission paper.

Narrative Through a Long Period of Time

Narrative through a long period of time structure suits well when the purpose of writing is to shed light on different experiences. It has several parts that refer to different time intervals. Such a university paper structure is suitable when a writer wants to depict the transformation over an extended period of time. To preserve a coherent structure, it is important to summarize the events. Every event should have a proper understanding of why it was included in a college paper format.

Don’t forget to state the time with appropriate markers and adverbs of time. Include flashbacks and triggers for the events in the past. A narrative through a long period of time is fitting for showing a writer’s personality. It can be a powerful message that will greatly support an applicant.

In the montage structure, you can be a real film producer. This university paper structure involves composing a complete story from a set of different stories. A writer is free to pick up a few not necessarily related anecdotes and frame them into a paper. By montaging them, a writer unfolds different events that have one thing in common. The scenes can be chosen from different periods. They are not obliged to be chronically connected. The thing is that the anecdotes form one message that should be revealed in the conclusion of a montage college essay format.

There is another way to express your thoughts in a university paper structure. While you are thinking: “How to write my college essays?” applicants use unconventional structures. Following this route, you should be full of courage to play with the college essay format. Before you do this, make sure your college allows such a risky step. Otherwise, your paper will not meet the requirements.

When you want to show your creative nature, you can choose the following formats:

• A movie. Write a university essay structure as a script for the movie.
• A legal document. What could be more creative than turning a college essay format into a detective story?
• A story in an original visual format. Shape your essay into a certain form or image.
• A debate. Come to a conclusion through the debate college essay format.
• A story with the song lyrics. Insert some melody into your paper.

You can also play with the linguistics and write it in different variations.

College Essay Titles

A title is the first thing a reader sees. Among the many applicants, you need to stand out. And it is the title that serves as this powerful tool. A title for a college essay format should be a “hook” that engages readers to move further and continue reading. It should also tune readers to read and give them a hint about what the paper will be about. Here are the essential tips to make a winning title for your university admission paper.

Write a Precise Title

All great college essays that worked had concise titles. A title should not consist of any meaningless words like “bad” or “good.” It should work only for your university admission paper structure and fit only your theme. If it can easily be applied to any other topics, you had better change it.

Avoid Generalization

Too general topics like “My Experience,” “The Story Of My Life,” or “What I Believe In” will only weaken your work. Under general topics, readers can imagine everything. They will not be focused on getting something extraordinary from your university admission paper.

Use the Active Voice

If you have verbs in your title, write them only in the active voice.

Don’t Play With the Words

If you plan to insert some clever phrases that can be perceived in multiple ways, substitute them with the easier ones. Some readers will understand you correctly, and some will treat your university admission paper as weird.

Double-Check the Title for Misspellings

It is very common for writers to make a mistake in the title. Don’t undermine your reputation by writing “piece” instead of “peace” and so on.

College Essay Headings

Taking into account the similarity of these two definitions, let’s state the difference between title and heading. A title names the whole document. A heading is used to name sections. Headings are useful not only for a clear understanding of content but for separating the chapters. And using a heading, readers can find specific information. Follow these tips on how to create headings, and your university admission paper will put you on the top of the application list.

• Write a descriptive heading. A heading should guide a reader through the section it corresponds to. Make it short and clear. But don’t put only one word as a heading.
• Don’t repeat headings in your university admission paper. Just as no two sections are the same, there should not be two identical headings. If it is difficult to define sections in a different way, use more descriptive headings.
• Capitalize headings according to the rules. You can use online services which can capitalize the heading for your college essay. But you can do it by yourself. Capitalize all the words except conjunctions, prepositions, and articles.
• Use automatic heading creation. If you use Microsoft Word or Google Docs, you can compose headings for college essays with heading styles.

Essay Writing Checklist

The best approach to writing a research paper on breast cancer, why is a ‘how to write assignment’ request too common among learners.