Modern Language Association (MLA) is a style that specifies guidelines on how to write and cite papers using the English Language. The style provides the writers and learners with a system for referencing the sources through parenthetical citations in their works and essays cited pages. The use of MLA style protects learners and writers from cases of plagiarism, a state where the writers accidentally or intentionally use materials or sources that have been written by other scholars or writers.
How to Write an MLA paper
A writer is supposed to type his or her paper on the computer on a standard white paper which measures 8.5 by 11 inches. The text of the paper is double-spaced. The font size of the paper is 12 fonts. One space should be left after punctuations or periods. The margins of the paper should be 1 inch on all sides. The first line of the paragraphs should be indented and should be one and half-inch from the left margin. This can be achieved best by the use of the Tab key instead of pushing the Space bar.
After the paper has been written and intended, the next step is to create headers which number all the pages in the paper consecutively. This is done on the right-hand corner of the paper. The numbering should be one and half inch from the top and should flush with the right margin. It is recommended that when writing a paper using the MLA, all the sub-headings should be italicized as this will provide emphasize.
The name of the writer, instructor, the course and the date of submission are placed in the left-hand corner of the page. When referencing works of other scholars, it is recommended that the work is cited with the authors name and the page number in which the information was extracted. Work cited is provided at the end of the essay and on its page.
