mla research outline example

How to write an outline in MLA format

Published October 22, 2020. Updated August 15, 2021.

What is an outline?

An outline is like a floor plan for your paper. It is used to plan out the scope of the paper, what it is going to explore, and most importantly, what it is going to look like, i.e., its presentation. Outlines themselves have a structure and format that should be followed for the best results.

An outline in MLA format should have the following:

• 1-inch margins, with double spacing
• 12-point font, left-aligned text
• center-aligned title with capitalized words using headline case

For help writing your essay, research paper , or other project, check out these writing tips .

Features of an outline

Following are the basic elements that need to be included in any outline.

The outline opens with a title or heading that directly addresses the topic. The title should be short and easy to read. As it is the first thing you see, it should convey the basic topic or objective of the paper quickly and creatively.

Thesis statement

This is the most important part of an outline. Not to be confused with an introduction or abstract, the purpose of a thesis is to highlight the topic under discussion. It is brief (not more than 4-5 lines) and presents the topic, aim, and logical conclusion of the paper. This is presented with the word ‘THESIS’ in capital letters followed by a colon (:) before you begin your statement.

Headings should be the main points that address your thesis statement. Ideally, headings should be labeled using numbers or letters and an outline typically does not have more than 4-5 headings,  though the number of headings depends on the length of the paper and the complexity of the topic. These should be concise and should be keywords or short phrases that describe what you are going to discuss, rather than presenting full sentences or details. Use a logical and coherent order to arrange the headings in your outline. This order will correspond to the order and structure of your paper, meaning that the paper will follow the outline’s sequence for discussing these points.

Subheadings

These fall under the main headings and should also be numbered in a way that differentiates them from the main headings. For example, if you use letters to label the main headings, then you should use numbers for your subheadings or vice-a-versa. Subheadings are used to present the key points that support your headings. Again, these should be short and should only include keywords that represent what is going to be explored under the particular heading.

Note : Too many headings and/or subheadings can crowd the outline, making it look confusing and clumsy. So, include only the most important and relevant points in these sections. Outlines should be concise and precise, as their purpose is to provide an overview of the paper and not its details.

Sample MLA outline

The following is a sample MLA style outline:

Florida Panthers in Danger

THESIS: The Florida panther has become the topmost endangered species of America due to various causes. This animal needs immediate preservation and protection, otherwise, it will cease to exist.

• Natural Habitat
• Decreasing Population Statistics
• Loss of Habitat
• Illegal Poaching
• Natural Causes
• Preservation Laws for Forest Covers
• Anti-Poaching Laws
• Assistance from Wildlife Organizations
• Public Awareness
• Successful Implementation of Protection Measures
• Unsuccessful Implementation of Protection Measures

MLA Style Guides

MLA Format: Annotated bibliography | Abstract | Block Quote | Headings | MLA 8 vs. 9 | Outline | Page Numbers | Sample paper | Title page

Citing Sources: In-text citations | Works cited | Footnotes | Citing Multiple Authors | Citing Sources with No Authors | Using et al

MLA Citation Generator: Article | Book | Image | Interview | Journal | Movie | PDF | Textbook | Website | YouTube

Published July 14, 2021.

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How to Write an Outline of a Research Paper in MLA Style

Table of contents

• 1.1 Thesis Statement of Research MLA Paper Outline
• 1.2 Headings and Subheadings of Research MLA Paper Outline
• 1.3 Time and Date
• 1.4 Alphanumeric Format
• 2.1 Choose a Topic and Define Your Thesis Statement
• 2.2 Determine Main Headings Based on Key Points of Your Research
• 2.3 Use Roman numerals (I, II, III) for Main Headings
• 2.4 Identify Sub-Points for Each Main Heading
• 2.5 Use Capital Letters (A, B, C) For Subheadings
• 2.6 Provide Additional Details or Supporting Points for Sub-Points
• 2.7 Use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) for detailed points
• 2.8 Use Consistent Punctuation and Parallel Structure for All Points
• 2.9 The Templates of MLA Research Paper Outline
• 2.10 Alphanumeric outline example
• 2.11 Decimal outline example
• 2.12 Checklist of a Good MLA Outline for a Research Paper
• 3 Prepare For Easy Writing

If you want to learn how to write an MLA outline, this article is the right resource to guide you. An MLA outline serves as a plan, the bedrock of your research paper. It is highly recommended; even your professor would recommend you write it!

• We will explore the essential features that make for a great MLA outline.
• We will walk you through the process of drafting your paper, outlining the necessary components and steps.
• You’ll learn how to organize your paragraphs and sections and structure your work.
• After reading this article, you’ll better understand how your outline can help you compose an outstanding research paper in MLA format.

Let’s now look into the features of MLA style outline and discuss how you can write yours.

Key Components of an MLA Outline

Every MLA outline requires certain components. If you begin with these key components in mind, you will be done in no time. Let’s discuss what should be included in your MLA outline.

Thesis Statement of Research MLA Paper Outline

Before you even start with the MLA paper, you need to write a thesis. It is important for any paper, and it is essential. It goes before the research paper outline and explains the paper, the ideas, and the main elements you will use. It should be 6–7 lines, but you can shorten it. You can proceed to the research paper outline once you have them. It is essential to add that the thesis is not an introduction for an MLA-style outline, essay, or anything similar. Rather, it is a summary that explains the point of your paper.

Headings and Subheadings of Research MLA Paper Outline

Now, you will have to organize the ideas you will use. In simple terms, do not use vague or unimportant pieces of information. You will create headings, and then you will create subheadings. A structured research paper outline will have as many headings/subheadings as you need to explain the topic in detail.

MLA format may be beneficial in this case scenario. An outline in MLA format should present all main ideas. The goal is to stay accurate and detailed but not extreme. Remember to use Times New Roman as it is the standard for an MLA research paper.

Creating an MLA outline for a research paper is essential to writing. An outline helps to ensure that your work remains focused and organized throughout the writing process. If you struggle to create an outline, an online paper writer can help you create a comprehensive, and effective one.

Time and Date

In an MLA research paper outline, you typically do not include specific dates or times as part of the outline structure. The primary purpose of an outline in MLA format is to organize the content of your paper into a hierarchical structure with headings and subheadings

You may include dates or times within the body of your research paper when discussing events, studies, or historical context relevant to your topic. However, these should be incorporated within the paragraphs and not as part of the outline itself.

Here’s an example of how you might incorporate a date within the body of your paper:

• Background and Historical Context
• Early Developments in the Field (Late 19th Century)

Alphanumeric Format

An alphanumeric system is required for MLA format. It involves alternating between alphabets and numerals, depending on the sections. You may have to use Roman or Arabic numerals and upper or lower case letters.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an MLA Research Paper Outline

If you are still lost on how to write an outline in MLA format, there is no need to worry. We have provided MLA guidelines and rules for writing a research paper . The steps below will provide a guide to structuring your paper.

Choose a Topic and Define Your Thesis Statement

Consider the assignment requirements and pick a topic that interests you. Ensure the scope is neither too broad nor narrow; you can ask your professor for guidance.

Once your topic has been finalized, the next step to beginning your MLA format outline for speech is to define your thesis statement. You do not have to get it right the first time. Instead, see it as a preliminary to help you structure your assignment. You can adjust it to suit your preferences while drafting your MLA outline format.

Determine Main Headings Based on Key Points of Your Research

Your main headings should reflect the main scope of your MLA format research paper. You can outline these headings by looking at the key points of your paper. Other sublevel headings can signal the scope of the main headings.

Use Roman numerals (I, II, III) for Main Headings

Differentiate the main headings in your paper from other headings using Roman numerals in front.

Identify Sub-Points for Each Main Heading

The sub-points of the main headings in an MLA outline sample are necessary for determining other headings. An example of this importance is the sublevel headings these points will represent.

Use Capital Letters (A, B, C) For Subheadings

The MLA outline for your research paper requires subheadings. You should always present these sublevel headings in capitals to emphasize them in the assignment.

Provide Additional Details or Supporting Points for Sub-Points

Your research outline should include additional details with MLA formatting. These details should serve as supporting sentences for the sub-points you identified for each heading.

Use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) for detailed points

Structure the detailed points with Arabic numerals to differentiate them from other information in the outline.

Use Consistent Punctuation and Parallel Structure for All Points

When using the MLA style outline for your research paper, ensure all points in the outline are properly punctuated and formatted with the right structure.

The Templates of MLA Research Paper Outline

Since you now have an appreciable knowledge of how to structure a research paper, here are a few MLA format outline examples.

Alphanumeric outline example

Decimal outline example

Checklist of a Good MLA Outline for a Research Paper

The MLA format outline of every good research paper should follow a certain structure. An example of the ideal research paper layout contains all the necessary details. Drafting with a checklist would help ensure its structure follows the standard procedure. The best way to avoid skipping any of these details is a checklist. You can cross all the items and headings off your list once you have added them to the MLA format outline for your research paper. Use the checklist below to vet your work.

• The topic meets the assignment requirements.
• The entire text in the MLA outline follows the right format.
• The correct alphanumeric structure is used for the outline (e.g., I, II, III for main headings; A, B, C for subheadings; 1, 2, 3 for details).
• Parallel structure is used for all points (e.g., if using verbs, they are in the same tense and form).
• Double-spaced with a legible font (usually Times New Roman), 12-point size.
• The MLA research paper outlines One-inch margins on all sides.
• Header with page numbers in the upper-right corner.
• Points are organized logically, progressing from general to specific.
• Main headings correspond to main ideas/sections.
• The writer’s name, instructor’s name, course, and date are listed on separate lines (double-spaced) below the title.

Prepare For Easy Writing

It is necessary to draft a research paper outline before you begin writing in MLA format. This simple task would provide a foundation and guide you as you tackle your assignment. The basic sections of your outline are the introduction, body, and conclusion, so work your way around these, and you’ll be done in no time. Remember to select the appropriate MLA edition for your paper and read its manual before starting the outline. You should check out our MLA paper outline template for an idea of what is expected of you.

What is an MLA outline?

An outline in MLA format is precise as you think. It is a plan you will use to write the assignment. It consists of the headings, subheadings, and ideas you will have to use. Basically, this is a path you will take while writing, and it will reflect how your complete task will look at the end.

According to the modern language association, this is mandatory, and something all of you need to complete first. It eliminates mistakes and makes the whole task easier. Now you have a plan. You may want to follow these steps here and get the job done in less time and expect a better grade.

How to write an outline for a research paper MLA?

You will have to start by explaining the main idea of your essay. Then you will start with defining the headings. Add all the subheadings now and try to focus each one on an important part of the writing. Each one should explain the idea. This is the guide on what you will write later on. The idea must be relevant, accurate, and simple if possible. Do not use ideas that are inaccurate, have flaws, or are completely irrelevant to the essay. These can make a reader get bored and not interested.

When does the page numbering of the MLA research title page begin?

It should start with the first page. It always uses Arabic numbers, and all pages should be numbered. The numbers will have to be present in the upper right corner of the page, and there are no exceptions. The only expectation is that some professors will ask you not to number the first page. If that is mandatory, you will start from the second page using number 2 and move on. Numbers must be 0.5 inches from the top, and they must be flush with the proper margin.

How to set the outline of a research paper in MLA Style in Google Docs?

Formatting your research in this case scenario is simple. You will have to start a new document and click on the file/new/template. From there, you will have to search for the MLA template and open it when you find it. Then start with the main idea at the top. You will now have to write the headings followed by or containing the subheadings.

As you can see, the whole process is super easy and far easier than when using other platforms. There is no need to adjust all the settings and optimize the content manually. Keep in mind that you should use font sizes 12, 11.5, or 11.

How to set the outline of a research paper in MLA style in Word?

To start with your research paper outline in Word, start a new document. Click on no spacing and choose font and size. Write the main idea. Click on multi-level numbering and define multiple-level numbering then. Change the values. They should be A., I., 1. and so on (enter formatting for number). Choose the number style for this number in I, II, III for the first level, A, B, C for the third level, and 1, 2, 3 for the third level. Now you can start writing.

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Generate accurate MLA citations for free

• Knowledge Base
• MLA format for academic papers and essays

MLA Format | Complete Guidelines & Free Template

Published on December 11, 2019 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on September 5, 2024 by Jack Caulfield.

The MLA Handbook provides guidelines for creating MLA citations and formatting academic papers. This includes advice on structuring parenthetical citations, the Works Cited page, and tables and figures. This quick guide will help you set up your MLA format paper in no time.

Cite your MLA source

Start by applying these MLA format guidelines to your document:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Use double line spacing
• Include a ½” indent for new paragraphs
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

Alternatively, you can automatically apply the formatting with our MLA docx or Google Docs template.

Table of contents

How to set up mla format in google docs, header and title, running head, works cited page, creating mla style citations, headings and subheadings, tables and figures, frequently asked questions about mla format.

The header in MLA format is left-aligned on the first page of your paper. It includes

• Your full name
• Your instructor’s or supervisor’s name
• The course name or number
• The due date of the assignment

After the MLA header, press ENTER once and type your paper title. Center the title and don’t forget to apply title-case capitalization. Read our article on writing strong titles that are informative, striking and appropriate.

For a paper with multiple authors, it’s better to use a separate title page instead.

At the top of every page, including the first page, you need to include your last name and the page number. This is called the “running head.” Follow these steps to set up the MLA running head in your Word or Google Docs document:

• Double-click at the top of a page
• Type your last name
• Insert automatic page numbering
• Align the content to the right

The running head should look like this:

The Works Cited list is included on a separate page at the end of your paper. You list all the sources you referenced in your paper in alphabetical order. Don’t include sources that weren’t cited in the paper, except potentially in an MLA annotated bibliography assignment.

Place the title “Works Cited” in the center at the top of the page. After the title, press ENTER once and insert your MLA references.

If a reference entry is longer than one line, each line after the first should be indented ½ inch (called a hanging indent ). All entries are double spaced, just like the rest of the text.

Generate accurate MLA citations with Scribbr

Prefer to cite your sources manually? Use the interactive example below to see what the Works Cited entry and MLA in-text citation look like for different source types.

Headings and subheadings are not mandatory, but they can help you organize and structure your paper, especially in longer assignments.

MLA has only a few formatting requirements for headings. They should

• Be written in title case
• Be left-aligned
• Not end in a period

We recommend keeping the font and size the same as the body text and applying title case capitalization. In general, boldface indicates greater prominence, while italics are appropriate for subordinate headings.

Chapter Title

Section Heading

Tip: Both Google Docs and Microsoft Word allow you to create heading levels that help you to keep your headings consistent.

Tables and other illustrations (referred to as “figures”) should be placed as close to the relevant part of text as possible. MLA also provides guidelines for presenting them.

MLA format for tables

Tables are labeled and numbered, along with a descriptive title. The label and title are placed above the table on separate lines; the label and number appear in bold.

A caption providing information about the source appears below the table; you don’t need one if the table is your own work.

Below this, any explanatory notes appear, marked on the relevant part of the table with a superscript letter. The first line of each note is indented; your word processor should apply this formatting automatically.

Just like in the rest of the paper, the text is double spaced and you should use title case capitalization for the title (but not for the caption or notes).

MLA format for figures

Figures (any image included in your paper that isn’t a table) are also labeled and numbered, but here, this is integrated into the caption below the image. The caption in this case is also centered.

The label “Figure” is abbreviated to “Fig.” and followed by the figure number and a period. The rest of the caption gives either full source information, or (as in the example here) just basic descriptive information about the image (author, title, publication year).

Source information in table and figure captions

If the caption of your table or figure includes full source information and that source is not otherwise cited in the text, you don’t need to include it in your Works Cited list.

Give full source information in a caption in the same format as you would in the Works Cited list, but without inverting the author name (i.e. John Smith, not Smith, John).

MLA recommends using 12-point Times New Roman , since it’s easy to read and installed on every computer. Other standard fonts such as Arial or Georgia are also acceptable. If in doubt, check with your supervisor which font you should be using.

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Apply double line spacing
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch

The fastest and most accurate way to create MLA citations is by using Scribbr’s MLA Citation Generator .

Search by book title, page URL, or journal DOI to automatically generate flawless citations, or cite manually using the simple citation forms.

The MLA Handbook is currently in its 9th edition , published in 2021.

This quick guide to MLA style  explains the latest guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers according to MLA.

Usually, no title page is needed in an MLA paper . A header is generally included at the top of the first page instead. The exceptions are when:

• Your instructor requires one, or
• Your paper is a group project

In those cases, you should use a title page instead of a header, listing the same information but on a separate page.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2024, September 05). MLA Format | Complete Guidelines & Free Template. Scribbr. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/mla/formatting/

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MLA 9th Edition Formatting

A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide + Free Template

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | July 2023

Formatting your paper in MLA style can feel like a pretty daunting task . In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to set up your paper for MLA (9th edition), as quickly and easily as possible. We’ll also share our popular free MLA template , to help you fast-track your writing.

Overview: MLA 9th Edition Formatting

• Structure and layout
• General page setup
• The opening section
• The main body
• Works cited (reference list)
• Free MLA 9 template

MLA Structure and Layout

Let’s start by looking at the overall structure of a typical student paper formatted for MLA 9th edition, before diving into the details of each section. For the most part, MLA papers follow a standardised structure, consisting of the following parts:

The opening section : While MLA doesn’t require a dedicated title page (unlike APA ), it does require an opening section that details some important information about yourself, your university and the paper itself.

The main body : The main body begins directly after the opening section on the first page. This is the “heart” of your paper and there are a very specific requirements regarding how you present and format this content.

The appendix (or appendices):  While using an appendix in a student paper is relatively uncommon, you’ll place this section directly after the main body section, if required by your university.

The “Works Cited” list : This section is equivalent to what we’d usually call a references page and it’s where you’ll detail all the reference information corresponding to the in-text citations in the main body of your paper.

These four sections form the standard structure and order of a student paper using MLA 9th edition. As we mentioned, not all sections are always required , so be sure to double check what your university expects from you before submitting. Also, it’s always a good idea to ask your university if they have any  style requirements in addition to the standard MLA specification.

Now that we’ve got a big-picture view of the typical paper structure, let’s look at the specific formatting requirements for each of these sections.

Generic Page Setup

Before you jump into writing up your paper, you’ll first need to set up your document to align with MLA’s generic page requirements. Alternatively, you can download our MLA paper template (which comes fully preformatted).

MLA 9th edition requires a 1-inch margin on all sides , for all pages. That said, if you’re writing a dissertation, thesis or any document that will ultimately be printed and bound, your university will likely require a larger left margin to accommodate for physical binding.

Fonts & sizing

MLA does not require that you use any specific font, but we do recommend sticking to the tried and tested , well-accepted fonts. For example, you might consider using one of the following:

• Sans serif fonts : Calibri (11), Arial (11), or Lucida Sans Unicode (10)
• Serif fonts : Times New Roman (12), Georgia (11), or Computer Modern (10)

Whichever font you opt for, be sure to use it consistently throughout your paper . Don’t chop and change, or use different fonts for different parts of the document (e.g., different fonts for the body text and the headings). Also, keep in mind that while MLA does not have a specific font requirement, your university may have its own preference or requirement. So, be sure to check with them beforehand regarding any additional specifications they may have.

In general, all text throughout your document needs to be left-aligned and should not be justified (i.e., leave an uneven right edge). You might consider using a different alignment for section headings, but in general, it’s best to keep things simple .

Line spacing

MLA 9th edition requires double line spacing throughout the document . There should also be no extra space before and after paragraphs . This applies to all sections of the paper, including the “Works Cited” page (more on this later).

Page header

Last but not least, you’ll need to set up a running header for your document. This should contain your last name, followed by the page number. Both of these should be positioned in the top right corner of all pages (even the first page). On a related note, there’s no need for you to include any footer content unless your university specifically requests it.

Now that we’ve looked at the generic formatting considerations, let’s dive into the specific requirements for each section of your paper.

The Opening Section

While MLA-formatted papers typically don’t require a title page, there are very specific requirements regarding the opening section of the first page .

Here’s how you can set your first page up for MLA 9th edition.

• On the first line, write your full name (flush left)
• On a new line, write your professor or instructor’s full name
• On a new line, write the course code and course name
• On a new line, write the full date spelt out (e.g., 15 June 2023)
• On a new line, write the full title of your paper , centre-aligned and using title case (consider using a title case converter if you’re not familiar with this)
• On a new line, begin your body content

All of the above should be in plain, unformatted font – in other words, you don’t need to apply any boldfacing, underlining , etc. That said, you should use italics whenever you’re writing out the titles of other works (for example, titles of books or articles).

To make it all a little more tangible, below is an example of a first page formatted according to the MLA specifications that we just covered.

The Main Body

While the formatting requirements for the body section are relatively light for MLA (at least when compared to APA ), there are still quite a few important things to pay attention to. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Each of your paragraphs needs to start on a new line , and the first sentence of each paragraph requires a half-inch indent (while the rest of the paragraph is flush left aligned). Note that each paragraph simply starts on a new line and doesn’t require an additional blank line.

MLA 9th edition is fairly flexible in terms of heading formatting. There is no specified formatting, so you can decide what works best for you. However, there are still a few basic rules you need to follow:

• All your headings should be written in title case – never use all caps
• There should be no period following a heading
• Each heading level needs to be uniquely formatted and easily distinguishable from other levels (for example, a distinct difference in terms of boldfacing, underlining or italicisation)
• You can have as many heading levels as you need, but each level must have at least two instances

Abbreviations

When using abbreviations, you’ll need to make sure that you’re using the MLA version of the abbreviation . Below we’ve listed a few common ones you should be aware of:

• Appendix: app.
• Circa: c. or ca.
• Chapter: ch.
• Column: col.
• Definition: def.
• Department: dept.
• Example: e.g.
• Edition: ed.
• Figure: fig.
• Foreword: fwd.
• That is: i.e.
• Journal: jour.
• Library: lib.
• Manuscript(s): MS
• Number: no.
• Quoted in: qtd. in
• Revised: rev.
• Section: sec. or sect.
• Series: ser.
• Translation: trans.
• Version: vers.
• Variant: var.
• Volume: vol.

If you’re interested, you can find a more comprehensive list here . Alternatively, if you have access to the MLA 9th edition handbook, you can find the full list in the first appendix.

In-text citations

MLA 9 has a very specific set of requirements regarding how to cite your sources within the body of your paper. Here are some of the most important things to help you get started with MLA citations.

Author-page number system: in-text citations consist of (at a minimum) the lead author’s last name, followed by the page number of the paragraph you are citing. There is no comma between the two components (only a space).

Types of citations: MLA allows two types of in-text citations: parenthetical and narrative . Parenthetical citations feature the author and page number in parentheses (brackets) at the end of the respective sentence. Here’s an example:

MLA 9th edition is easy to grasp if you visit the Grad Coach blog (Jansen 13).

Narrative citations, on the other hand, weave the author’s name into the flow of the sentence and then present the publication date in parentheses at the end of the sentence. Here’s an example:

Jansen states that MLA 9th edition is easy for students to grasp if they visit the Grad Coach blog (13).

In general, it’s a good idea to utilise a mix of both in your writing. Narrative citations are particularly useful when you want to highlight or contrast authors or their viewpoints, while parenthetical citations are useful when you want to strengthen your own academic voice. In other words, both formats have their respective strengths and weaknesses, so try to use citation format strategically in your writing.

Quotations: when quoting text verbatim from a source, there is no need to do anything differently in terms of the citation itself, but do remember to wrap the verbatim text in quotation marks. Here’s an example:

Jansen proposes that MLA 9th edition is “easy to grasp if you visit the Grad Coach blog” (13).

Multiple authors: when citing resources that were authored by three or more people, you only need to list the lead author, followed by “et al.”. Here’s an example:

MLA 9th edition is easy to grasp if you visit the Grad Coach blog (Jansen et al. 13).

 Below are a few more examples from our free MLA template .

Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of all the MLA 9th edition citation-related requirements – just a shortlist of the most commonly relevant ones. If you’d like to learn more, consult the MLA handbook .

The Works Cited (Reference List)

The final section that you’ll need to pay close attention to is the “Works Cited” page, which should contain a list of reference information for all the sources cited in the body of the paper. Again, MLA has a quite a meaty set of specifications regarding the content and formatting of this list, but we’ll cover the basics here to get your started on the right foot. 

Basic setup

Your reference list needs to start on a new page and should be titled “Works Cited”. The title should be unformatted and centred . The reference list should then start on the next line. As with the rest of your document, you should use double line spacing throughout.

When it comes to the reference list itself, you’ll need to keep the following in mind:

• All the sources that you cited in the body of your document should feature in the reference list. Make sure that every citation is accounted for .
• The references should be ordered alphabetically , according to the lead author’s last name .
• The exact information required within each entry depends on the type of content being referenced (e.g., a journal article, web page, etc.)
• Components that may need to feature (other than the author) include the title of the source, the title of the container, other contributors, the article version or number, the publisher, the publication date, and the location.
• All references should be left-aligned and should use a hanging indent – i.e., the second line of any given reference (if it has one) should be indented a half inch.

We have to stress that these are just the basics. MLA 9th edition requires that your references be structured and formatted in a very specific way , depending on the type of resource. If you plan to draft your reference list manually, it’s important to consult your university’s style guide or the MLA manual itself. This leads us to our next point…

In general, it’s a bad idea to write your reference list manually . Given the incredibly high level of intricacy involved, it’s highly likely that you’ll make mistakes if you try to craft this section yourself. A better solution is to use (free) reference management software such as Mendeley or Zotero . Either of these will take care of the formatting and content for you, and they’ll do a much more accurate job of it too. 

If you’re not familiar with any sort of reference management software, be sure to check out our easy-to-follow Mendeley explainer video below.

Wrapping Up

In this post, we’ve provided a primer covering how to format your paper according to MLA 9th edition. To recap, we’ve looked at the following:

• The structure and layout
• The general page setup
• The “Works Cited” page (reference list)

Remember to always check your university’s style guide to familiarise yourself with any additional requirements they may. Also, if your university has specified anything that contrasts what we’ve discussed here, please do follow their guidance . 

If you need any help formatting your paper for MLA 9, take a look at our “done for you” language editing and proofreading service . Simply send us your document and we’ll take care of all the MLA formatting intracies on your behalf. 

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MLA Research Paper Formatting

• MLA 9th Template & Paper Sample
• Finding Sources for Your Paper
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MLA Style (9th Edition)

• Sample Papers

You are going to love this! Save this template somewhere safe or e-mail it to yourself. Then resave it immediately with the name of your new document. This will keep your template safe and ready to reuse again for future assignments.

This template will be sufficient for most student MLA papers. For more information on formatting your paper, consult the official MLA Style website:  https://mlahandbookplus.org/books/book/5/chapter/56247/Introduction-to-Formatting-Your-Research-Project  or pages 1-14 in the MLA Manual. 

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• Sample Papers - MLA Style Center PDFs available of the 2022 MLA Student Essay Contest winners.
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Getting started with your research paper outline

Levels of organization for a research paper outline

First level of organization, second level of organization, third level of organization, fourth level of organization, tips for writing a research paper outline, research paper outline template, my research paper outline is complete: what are the next steps, frequently asked questions about a research paper outline, related articles.

The outline is the skeleton of your research paper. Simply start by writing down your thesis and the main ideas you wish to present. This will likely change as your research progresses; therefore, do not worry about being too specific in the early stages of writing your outline.

A research paper outline typically contains between two and four layers of organization. The first two layers are the most generalized. Each layer thereafter will contain the research you complete and presents more and more detailed information.

The levels are typically represented by a combination of Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, uppercase letters, lowercase letters but may include other symbols. Refer to the guidelines provided by your institution, as formatting is not universal and differs between universities, fields, and subjects. If you are writing the outline for yourself, you may choose any combination you prefer.

This is the most generalized level of information. Begin by numbering the introduction, each idea you will present, and the conclusion. The main ideas contain the bulk of your research paper 's information. Depending on your research, it may be chapters of a book for a literature review , a series of dates for a historical research paper, or the methods and results of a scientific paper.

I. Introduction

II. Main idea

III. Main idea

IV. Main idea

V. Conclusion

The second level consists of topics which support the introduction, main ideas, and the conclusion. Each main idea should have at least two supporting topics listed in the outline.

If your main idea does not have enough support, you should consider presenting another main idea in its place. This is where you should stop outlining if this is your first draft. Continue your research before adding to the next levels of organization.

• A. Background information
• B. Hypothesis or thesis
• A. Supporting topic
• B. Supporting topic

The third level of organization contains supporting information for the topics previously listed. By now, you should have completed enough research to add support for your ideas.

The Introduction and Main Ideas may contain information you discovered about the author, timeframe, or contents of a book for a literature review; the historical events leading up to the research topic for a historical research paper, or an explanation of the problem a scientific research paper intends to address.

• 1. Relevant history
• 2. Relevant history
• 1. The hypothesis or thesis clearly stated
• 1. A brief description of supporting information
• 2. A brief description of supporting information

The fourth level of organization contains the most detailed information such as quotes, references, observations, or specific data needed to support the main idea. It is not typical to have further levels of organization because the information contained here is the most specific.

• a) Quotes or references to another piece of literature
• b) Quotes or references to another piece of literature

Tip: The key to creating a useful outline is to be consistent in your headings, organization, and levels of specificity.

• Be Consistent : ensure every heading has a similar tone. State the topic or write short sentences for each heading but avoid doing both.
• Organize Information : Higher levels of organization are more generally stated and each supporting level becomes more specific. The introduction and conclusion will never be lower than the first level of organization.
• Build Support : Each main idea should have two or more supporting topics. If your research does not have enough information to support the main idea you are presenting, you should, in general, complete additional research or revise the outline.

By now, you should know the basic requirements to create an outline for your paper. With a content framework in place, you can now start writing your paper . To help you start right away, you can use one of our templates and adjust it to suit your needs.

After completing your outline, you should:

• Title your research paper . This is an iterative process and may change when you delve deeper into the topic.
• Begin writing your research paper draft . Continue researching to further build your outline and provide more information to support your hypothesis or thesis.
• Format your draft appropriately . MLA 8 and APA 7 formats have differences between their bibliography page, in-text citations, line spacing, and title.
• Finalize your citations and bibliography . Use a reference manager like Paperpile to organize and cite your research.
• Write the abstract, if required . An abstract will briefly state the information contained within the paper, results of the research, and the conclusion.

An outline is used to organize written ideas about a topic into a logical order. Outlines help us organize major topics, subtopics, and supporting details. Researchers benefit greatly from outlines while writing by addressing which topic to cover in what order.

The most basic outline format consists of: an introduction, a minimum of three topic paragraphs, and a conclusion.

You should make an outline before starting to write your research paper. This will help you organize the main ideas and arguments you want to present in your topic.

• Consistency: ensure every heading has a similar tone. State the topic or write short sentences for each heading but avoid doing both.
• Organization : Higher levels of organization are more generally stated and each supporting level becomes more specific. The introduction and conclusion will never be lower than the first level of organization.
• Support : Each main idea should have two or more supporting topics. If your research does not have enough information to support the main idea you are presenting, you should, in general, complete additional research or revise the outline.

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MLA Sample Paper

Mla sample paper #1.

If you’ve been wondering how to produce a research paper that is strong in both formatting and writing, you’ve come to the right place.

Check out our first sample paper below. It is a helpful and clearly labeled visual aid to refer to. Note that while these sample papers do not include MLA abstracts , you should check with your instructor to see if an abstract should be included.

Visual Sample Paper

The example research paper below is one that was written in college for a course on the Inklings. The Inklings were a group of writers in England before WWII, including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

The abbreviated MLA paper below (linked here without annotations) is about J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and how the author used myth, story, and song to link all of his works together. Tolkien is famous for creating a fantasy universe called Middle-earth, which readers can’t truly understand until they read all of the books about Middle-earth ( The Silmarillian, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings ).

Since we’re here to learn how to format an essay, we’ve pointed out some important things about the paper to help you write a correctly formatted essay.

For starters, the essay is in MLA format. That means it follows the style manual of the Modern Language Association, which tells you how to format the paper itself and every source you cite. You’ll also see notes like how long a paragraph should be, how to use commas properly, and how to correctly punctuate a title. Some of these guidelines are different from those in APA format , so be sure to confirm you are using the correct style in your paper.

Pay special attention to the MLA format works cited. We only used one type of source (books), but both citations are correct according to the 9th edition of MLA, published in 2021. When you’re writing your own paper, you need to make sure you always use the most recent edition of the style manual. You’ll also want to check with your instructor to see if you need to include an MLA annotated bibliography with your paper, which contains additional information summarizing and evaluating each source after the regular citation.

Whether you need MLA, APA citations , or Chicago style notes, look up the latest edition before turning in a paper.

MLA Sample Paper #2

See below for an example paper or click below to download it as a Word Document.

The MLA header should be one inch from the top and left margins. The heading and the entire paper should be double spaced.

Eli YaffarabeProfessor Rapheor

28 August 2018

Privatization of Prisons in Texas

              The privatization of governmental services has increased dramatically in the past decade as local, state, and federal agencies have searched for ways to cut costs while still meeting their mandated responsibility to provide various public services. This privatizing trend has particularly affected the criminal justice system. Since the early 1990s, privatized correctional facilities have increased significantly, nationally and statewide. This policy has far-ranging consequences not only within the criminal justice system, but as an instructive example for government officials when considering the costs and benefits of privatization as a public policy option. By 2001, thirty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico had privately-operated correctional facilities (Austin and Coventry 4). This movement has incited considerable debate and controversy, mainly because prison privatization calls for giving the private sector direct control over the lives of a captive human population.

Surprisingly, there has been little objective and concrete analysis of the privatization of prisons in the United States. This is probably for two reasons: first, ideological arguments on the matter have pushed out substantive research, and second, because this trend has only recently accelerated in the U.S. and mainly on a state level. However, case studies and statistics at the state level are more accessible. With capacity for over 30,000 prisoners in 43 facilities, the state of Texas has privatized more of its prison system than any state in the nation (McDonald and Patten Jr. iv).

Yaffarabe 2

              Public policy concerning the criminal justice system has become more daunting and important in the last decade. The problems in the system are twofold: an overcrowding prison population, mainly due to “three strikes” legislation and reducing early parole; and the costs of operating prisons with this growing population (Austin and Coventry). According to the most recent U.S. Department of Justice survey, slightly over 2.2 million people were incarcerated in correctional facilities in this country in 2003. In comparison, in 1993, 1.37 million people were imprisoned in this country (Beck and Harrison 1).

At the same time, the growth of privately operated correctional facilities has increased significantly in this country. Private prisons now hold 95,522 inmates in this country, which is 6.5 percent of total prisoners (Beck and Harrison 5). In Texas, 16,570 inmates (10 percent of its prison population) are held in private facilities, about 10,000 more than the next highest state. Furthermore, six states had at least 25 percent of their prison population housed in private prisons, led by New Mexico (44%), Alaska (31%), and Montana (29%). These current statistics show that while state governments have been forced to manage and operate overcrowded and over-capacity prisons at considerable costs, many have turned to the private sector to operate prisons (McDonald and Patten Jr.). According to the General Accounting Office, prison operating costs have grown steadily since 1980, increasing almost 550 percent since 1980 based on inflation-adjusted dollars (Austin and Coventry 1).

Prison privatization started in the early 1980s, ostensibly to ease the burden on taxpayers by offering financial relief to private companies to run state prisons. Thomas Beasley founded Corrections Corporation of America in 1983, “the nation’s leader in the construction and management of private prisons” (Darling). That year, Corrections Corporation of America set up the first privately-operated prison in Tennessee. Since then, the number of private

Yaffarabe 3

correctional facility firms has grown to 14 (Austin and Coventry 3). The privatization of prisons occurs in two ways. First, state government can contract out (or outsource) specific services in a correctional facility to a private company after a bidding process. Second, and more radically, private companies build their own privately-managed prisons and contract with state governments to house their inmates. This latter approach, giving private correctional facility firms wide latitude over inmates, is taken in the Texas criminal justice system. In fact, many of these privately operated facilities “have no relationship at all with the state governments in these states, other than an obligation to pay corporate income taxes” (McDonald and Patten Jr. v).

(Due to its length, the remainder of this sample paper is omitted).

Yaffarabe 4

Works Cited Page

Austin, James, and Garry Coventry. Emerging Issues on Privatized Prisons . Bureau of Justice Assistance, Feb. 2001, www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/bja/181249.pdf.

Beck, Allen J., and Paige Harrison. Prisoners in 2003 . Bureau of Justice Statistics, Nov. 2004, www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/p03.pdf.

McDonald, Douglas, and Carl Patten Jr. Governments’ Management of Private Prisons . Abt Associates, 15 Sept. 2003, www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/203968.pdf.

Darling, Michael. “Pitt News: University of Pittsburgh Shouldn’t Lend Its Name to Prison Privatization.” CorpWatch , 15 Nov. 2004, corpwatch.org/article/pitt-news-univeristy-pittsburgh-shouldnt-lend-its-name-prison-privatization.

MLA Formatting Guide

MLA Formatting

• Annotated Bibliography
• Bibliography
• Block Quotes
• et al Usage
• In-text Citations
• Paraphrasing
• Page Numbers
• Sample Paper
• Works Cited
• MLA 8 Updates
• MLA 9 Updates
• View MLA Guide

Citation Examples

• Book Chapter
• Journal Article
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• Website (no author)
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An in-text citation is a short citation that is placed next to the text being cited. The basic element needed for an in-text citation is the author’s name . The publication year is not required in in-text citations. Sometimes, page numbers or line numbers are also included, especially when text is quoted from the source being cited. In-text citations are mentioned in the text in two ways: as a citation in prose or a parenthetical citation.

Citation in prose

Citations in prose are incorporated into the text and act as a part of the sentence. Usually, citations in prose use the author’s full name when cited the first time in the text. Thereafter, only the surname is used. Avoid including the middle initial even if it is present in the works-cited-list entry. An example of the first citation in prose for a source with one author is given below:

Doug Barry explains the status of the UK.

Parenthetical

Parenthetical citations add only the author’s surname at the end of the sentence in parentheses. An example of a parenthetical citation is given below:

The status of the UK is explained (Barry).

Examples of in-text citations

Here are a few examples of in-text citations for works with various numbers and types of authors:

Use both the first name and surname of the author if you are mentioning the author for the first time in the prose. In subsequent occurrences, use only the author’s surname. Always use only the author’s surname in parenthetical citations.

Citation in prose:

First mention: Stephen George asserts …. (17).

Subsequent occurrences: George argues …. (17).

Parenthetical:

…. (George 17).

Two authors

Use the first name and surname of both authors if you are mentioning the work for the first time in the prose. In subsequent occurrences, use only the surnames of the two authors. Always use only the authors’ surnames in parenthetical citations. Use “and” to separate the two authors in parenthetical citations.

First mention: Kane Williams and Clark Ronald ….

Subsequent occurrences: Williams and Ronald ….

…. (Williams and Ronald).

Three or more authors

For citations in prose, use the first name and surname of the first author followed by “and others” or “and colleagues.” For parenthetical citations, use only the surname of the first author followed by “et al.”

Krishnan Sethu and colleagues…. or Krishnan Sethu and others ….

…. (Sethu et al.).

Corporate author

For citations in prose, treat the corporate author like you would treat the author’s name. For parenthetical citations, shorten the organization name to the shortest noun phrase. For example, shorten the Modern Language Association of America to Modern Language Association.

The Language Literary Association of Canada….

…. (Language Literary Association).

If there is no author for the source, use the source’s title in place of the author’s name for both citations in prose and parenthetical citations.

When you add such in-text citations, italicize the text of the title. If the source title is longer than a noun phrase, use a shortened version of the title. For example, shorten the title Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them to Fantastic Beasts .

Endgame explains …. (121).

…. ( Endgame 121).

In MLA style, two types of citations are used to cite a source: a short citation used within the text (called the in-text citation) and a full citation (called the works cited list entry) within the works cited list, which appears at the end of a paper.

The works cited list entry provides the complete details of a source. An in-text citation is a short citation that is placed next to the text being cited. The in-text citation lets the reader know that the information is derived from the cited source, and helps the reader find the full citation within the works cited list.

In order to properly cite a source in MLA style, you must have both citation types in your paper. Every in-text citation has a works cited list entry. Every works cited list entry has at least one (maybe more) corresponding in-text citation.

In-text citations

The basic element needed for an in-text citation is the author’s surname . The publication year is not required in in-text citations. Sometimes, page numbers or line numbers are also included, especially when text is quoted from the source being cited.

First mention: Sian Anderson studies ….

Subsequent occurrences: Anderson analyzes ….

….(Anderson)

or if quoting directly:

…(Anderson 9)

First mention: Paul Fin and Anna Gabriel ….

Subsequent occurrences: Fin and Gabriel ….

….(Fin and Gabriel)

…(Fin and Gabriel 27)

Paul Hill and colleagues…. or Paul Hill and others ….

….(Hill et al.)

…(Hill et al. 138)

Examples of works cited list entries

Below are a few examples of different types of works cited list entries. The examples given are for one author.

Steinman, Louise. The Knowing Body: Elements of Contemporary Performance and Dance . Shambhala Publications, 1986.

Journal article                                      

Barad, K. “Nature’s Queer Performativity.” Qui Parle , vol. 19, no. 2, 2011, pp. 121–58.

Webpage of a website

Midgelow, Vida L. “Experiences and Perceptions of the Artistic Doctorate: A Survey Report.” Artistic Doctorates in Europe,  5 Feb. 2018, www.artisticdoctorates.com/2017/12/28/experiences-and-perceptions-of-the-artistic-doctorate-survey-report/ .

YouTube video

“Behind the Scenes Chili’s Baby Back Ribs Spot.” YouTube , uploaded by Alvin Chea, 11 Sept. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTDLh7gNRYA .

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MLA Format Example (With Sample Pages)

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When writing a paper according to the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, examples and sample pages can help you stay on track with proper formatting. While your teachers’ preferences may vary, MLA is the basic form that most teachers use, so it's good to know how to format papers using this style.

The parts of a report formatted in MLA style may include:

• Title page (only if your teacher asks for one)
• Appendixes if you have them
• Works cited (bibliography)

Below is an example of what's included in a typical MLA-style report and sample pages to help you understand how to write your paper according to this format.

Title Page in MLA

 Grace Fleming

If your teacher requires a title page, you can use this sample as a guide.

Place your report title about one-third of the way down your page.

Place your name, as well as the names of any group members you may have, about two inches below the title.

Type your class information about two inches below your name.

As always, check with your teacher before writing your final draft to find out about any specific instructions that differ from this example and others you find.

MLA Sample First Page

A title page isn't required in a standard MLA report. The title and other information can go on the first page of your report.

If you're not using a title page, begin typing at the top left of the first page of your report. Twelve-point Times New Roman is a standard choice for the font, and you should keep your text left justified. We recommend that you don't use automatic hyphenation features and only use one space after a period or other punctuation mark unless you're told otherwise. 

1. Starting one inch from the top of the page, left justified, type your name, your teacher's name, your class, and the date. Use double spacing for the lines between each item, and don't use any font treatments. 

2. Still using double spacing for the lines, type your title. Center the title, and don't use font treatments unless MLA style requires it, such as for titles.

3. Double space below your title and begin typing your report. Indent with a tab. Italics is the standard format for the title of a book.

4. Remember to end your first paragraph with a thesis sentence.

5. Your name and page number go in a header at the top right corner of the page. You can insert this information after you type your paper . To do so in Microsoft Word, go to View and select Header from the list. Type your information in the header box, highlight it, and hit the right justify selection.

Alternate First Page

You may use an alternate format for your first page when your teacher requires one. 

The format shown above is the alternate format only for papers that contain a title page and is  not  the standard presentation.

Double space after your title and begin your report. Notice that your last name and the page number go at the right top corner of your page in a header.

MLA Outline

An outline follows the title page. The MLA outline should include the small letter "i" as a page number. The outline page will precede the first page of your report.

Center your title. Provide a thesis statement below the title.

Double space and begin your outline, according to the example above.

Page with Illustrations or Images

Images (figures) can make a big difference in a paper, but students are often a little hesitant about including them. 

Place images near the related text and label them as Figure (followed by the figure number), typically abbreviated as Fig. 1, Fig. 2, etc. to organize the number of images contained within your piece. Captions and figure labels should appear directly below the image. If your caption contains all the necessary information about the source, that source doesn't need to be in your works cited list unless it's cited elsewhere in the text.

Sample MLA Works Cited List

A standard MLA paper requires a works cited list. This is the list of sources you used in your research. It's similar to a bibliography and comes at the end of the paper and on a new page. The works cited list should include the same header and pagination as the main text. 

1. Type Works Cited one inch from the top of your page. This measurement is pretty standard for a word processor, so you shouldn't have to make any page set-up adjustments. Just start typing and center.

2. Add a space, and start typing the information for your first source starting one inch from the left. Use double spacing throughout the entire page. Alphabetize the works by the author, using the last name. If there is no author or editor mentioned, use the title for the first words and alphabetize.

Notes for formatting entries:

• The order of information is author, title, publisher, volume, date, page numbers, and access date.
• If there is more than one author, the first author's name is written Last, First name. The subsequent author names are written First name Last name.
• Book titles are italicized; article titles are put inside quotation marks.
• If you can’t find a publisher name for an online source, insert the abbreviation n.p. If you can’t find a publication date, insert the abbreviation n.d.

3. Once you have a complete list, you'll format it so that you have hanging indents. To do this: highlight the entries, then go to FORMAT and PARAGRAPH. Somewhere in the menu (normally under SPECIAL), find the term HANGING and select it.

4. To insert page numbers, place your cursor on the first page of your text, or the page where you want your page numbers to begin. Go to View and select Header and Footer. A box will appear at the top and the bottom of your page. Type your last name in the top header box before the page numbers and right justify.

Source: Modern Language Association. (2018). 

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MLA Research Paper

Ai generator.

If you’re a student or researcher, chances are you’ve come across the term “MLA Research Paper” in your academic journey. But what exactly does it entail? In this article, we will explore the definition of an MLA Research Paper, provide a step-by-step guide on how to write one in MLA format, address some frequently asked questions, and conclude with creative insights. Whether you’re new to the world of MLA Research Papers or looking for a refresher, this article will equip you with the necessary knowledge to tackle your next scholarly endeavor.

1. MLA Research Paper

2. MLA Research Paper Format

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3. Formatting MLA Research Paper

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4. MLA Handbook for Writers Research Paper

5. MLA Sample Research Paper

6. MLA Style for Academic Research Paper

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8. MLA Citation Style Research Paper

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10. Critical Review MLA Research Paper

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14. MLA Research Paper Title Page

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15. MLA Research Paper In-Text Citations

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16. MLA Research Paper Endnotes

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17. MLA Research Paper Annotated Bibliography

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18. MLA Research Paper Proposal

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19. Steps for MLA Research Paper

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20. Student Paper MLA Research Paper

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21. MLA Research Paper Style Guide

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22. MLA Research Paper Layout

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24. MLA Research Paper Citation

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25. MLA First Research Paper

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26. MLA Research Term Paper

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27. MLA Research Paper Dissertations

What is MLA Research Paper?

An MLA Research Paper is a specific type of academic document that follows the guidelines established by the Modern Language Association (MLA). It is commonly used in the fields of humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. The purpose of an MLA Research Paper is to present a well-researched argument or analysis on a particular topic, backed by credible sources and organized in a specific format. By adhering to the MLA style, researchers ensure consistency, clarity, and uniformity in their academic writing.

How to Write a Research Paper in MLA Format

Embarking on the task of writing a research paper in MLA format may seem daunting at first, but with a clear and systematic approach, you can navigate through it successfully. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process, providing helpful tips and insights along the way. From conducting thorough research to crafting an engaging introduction , building the body of your paper, and concluding with impact, each step is crucial in creating a well-structured and compelling MLA research paper. So, let’s dive in and discover the key elements and strategies that will elevate your academic writing to new heights.

Step 1: Conduct Thorough Research

Before diving into writing, conduct comprehensive research on your chosen topic. Consult various scholarly sources such as books , academic journals, and reputable websites to gather relevant information.

Step 2: Develop an Outline

Create a well-structured outline that serves as a roadmap for your paper. Organize your main points and supporting evidence in a logical order to ensure a coherent flow of ideas.

Step 3: Craft an Engaging Introduction

Begin your MLA Research Paper with an introduction that captures the reader’s attention and provides necessary context. Clearly state your research objective  and provide a brief overview of the main points you will discuss.

Step 4: Build the Body of Your Paper

In the subsequent paragraphs, present your arguments, analysis, and supporting evidence. Follow a clear text structure , ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea and smoothly transitions to the next. Use proper citations to credit your sources and avoid plagiarism.

Step 5: Summarize and Conclude

Conclude your MLA Research Paper with a concise summary of your main points and restate your thesis statement. Emphasize the significance of your research and its implications, leaving the reader with a lasting impression.

Do I need to include a cover page in my MLA Research Paper?

No, according to the MLA guidelines, a cover page is not required for MLA Research Papers. Instead, your name, instructor’s name, course title, and date should be placed at the top left corner of the first page.

How should I handle citations in an MLA Research Paper?

In MLA format, citations are typically included in parentheses within the text, providing the author’s last name and the page number from the source. Additionally, a works cited page should be included at the end of the paper to provide detailed bibliographic information for each source cited.

What is the recommended outline format for an MLA Research Paper?

An MLA Research Paper typically follows the alphanumeric outline format . It consists of Roman numerals (I, II, III), capital letters (A, B, C), Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3), and lowercase letters (a, b, c) to organize the main points and subpoints of your paper.

In conclusion , writing an MLA Research Paper requires careful attention to detail, proper citation, adherence to the MLA style guidelines, and a well-structured approach. By following the step-by-step guide provided here, you will be equipped with the essential tools to create a compelling and scholarly piece of academic writing. Remember to check the various articles and resources available to enhance your overall writing skills, and always keep your objective in mind as you embark on your research journey.

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Formatting and Outlining in MLA: Outlining in MLA

• Outlining in MLA

Developing an Outline

Purdue's OnlIne Writing Lab recommendations for developing an outline

Using Word to Create an Outline in MLA

Sample Outline

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18 Free MLA Format Templates (Word & PDF)

When writing a paper, there is no end to the number of resources you can find to back up your arguments. One of the guiding principles of writing is that you have to cite all the sources you use as references to your work. An MLA Format Template is a document that helps you do this by pointing out where to place author names, title pages, text citations, footnotes, and the like.

Using the MLA format to cite your work helps build your credibility and convinces readers of your accountability. It also protects you from plagiarism claims. Let’s review this system, how it applies to your writing, and how you can use it.

What Is MLA Format?

MLA is an acronym for Modern Language Association, and MLA format is a citing system typically used when writing a humanities or liberal arts paper. The system has been in place for over 5 decades and is mostly used by journalists, scholars, and other writers in the educational field.

Updates to the system are made regularly to address problems faced by users. The most recent version of the MLA format was released on April 2021 and is slightly different from other versions. Essentially, this format is built on giving credit where it is due, that is, citing all your sources in writing.

What Is an MLA Format Template?

An MLA Format Template is a fillable guideline that is formatted in the MLA style to help you remember the correct placements, order, fonts, headings, margins, etc., for citing purposes.

MLA Format Templates & Examples

MLA Format Resources

As mentioned, the core concept of the MLA format is citing all your resources in writing. If you have been tasked with writing an MLA format paper, you can learn more about the system through:

MLA Handbook

The MLA handbook is currently in its 8th edition and is designed to cater to writers of all levels, although it was created with teaching students in mind. This book explains the principles of citing sources, provides instructions on using the system, and gives guidelines on plagiarism and dishonesty in writing.

MLA Style Center

The MLA Style Center is a companion to the handbook and is the system’s official website. Through it, you can submit questions or share insights about the system, review sample templates, and read formatting guidelines about the style.

When to Use the MLA Format

As mentioned in the premise, the MLA style is typically used by students of the humanities or liberal arts. If you are a teacher or student in one of these fields, then you will likely use the format to write most of your papers. Specific disciplines that could require the format include:

• Foreign language and literature
• Literary criticism
• English studies in language and literature
• Comparative literary analysis
• Cultural studies

This list is exhaustive, and there are many other disciplines that could make use of MLA guidelines. Regardless of what you are writing, for instance, you could be specifically requested to use this style.

Types of Papers that Require MLA Citing

There are many forms of writing that require research and, in turn, source citing. Here are the common types of papers that could require MLA style formatting:

• Argumentative: These papers require a lot of resources to back up your arguments for or against a certain thesis.
• Cause and effect: Since cause and effect papers are built on believable facts, they also involve a significant amount of citing.
• Expository: You can use MLA citations to back up the background information on your Expository paper.
• Persuasive papers
• Literary papers

Guide for Making MLA Format Templates

The MLA format is regulated by several guidelines designed to ensure uniformity in citing sources. Here are the style rules you should know to use this style:

• Heading: The heading, which is usually double spaced and left-aligned, includes your name, your instructor’s name, the course name, and the date in order. The date should be written in the DD/MM/YY format.
• Body: The text in the body must be double-spaced, aligned to the left, and every new paragraph should begin with a half-an-inch indentation.
• Header: The headers include your last name and the page number placed a half-inch from the top of the page and in the left top-right corner of each page.
• Title: The paper title should be centered with no additional formatting styles.
• Margins: Always create 1-inch margins on the top, bottom, and sides of your standard US letter-size pages.
• Text: Use a legible font like Times New Roman in the 12pt size and double-space the document.
• Blockquotes: Block any quotes that exceed four lines, don’t use quotation marks except when quoting dialogue, and double space and 1-inch indent your block quotes.

Formatting Guide for MLA Format Template

Now that you know how to format the individual parts of an MLA format document, let us review some general formatting guidelines:

General Guidelines

• Use the standard US letter size for your paper (8.5 x 11-inches) and print on normal white paper.
• Double-space all the text in your document.
• Choose a font where the regular and italics styles can be differentiated.
• Leave single spaces after punctuation marks.
• Use italic for long titles. Otherwise, only use italics for emphasis.
• Create a separate ‘Notes’ page for your endnotes and place it before the ‘Works Cited’ page.
• Unless your instructor says otherwise, you should always follow these guidelines.

Formatting the First Page

• Don’t create a title page unless your instructor tells you to.
• Place the heading in the upper left corner of the first page and ensure it is double-spaced.
• Place the title in the center of the page in standard capitalization. Don’t add any formatting styles.
• Use quotation marks or italics when referring to other works.
• Add a double space between the title and the first line of text.
• Use Arabic numerals for page numbers.
• Use section headings to make your document more scannable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i set up mla format.

Setting up an MLA format involves the following steps:

• From the tabs and command functions, click Insert, then Page Number, and select Plain Number 3 from the Top of Page window. This creates page numbers.
• Go to fonts and set it to Times New Roman and size point 12.
• Enter and center your title.
• Use the tab key to ½ -inch indent the first line of every paragraph.
• On a new page, set up the Works Cited page.
• Go to Paragraph, click on Special under Indention, and select Hanging to create a hanging indention for this page.

What is the MLA website format?

An MLA website format is a citation that includes the name of the author, page title in the quotation makes, website name, its publication date, and the URL minus the “HTTPS://.”

How do I format a paper in MLA style?

• Write on 8 ½ x 11″ paper.
• Create 1-inch margins on the sides, top, and bottom.
• Indent the first word in every paragraph ½ an inch.
• Indent block quotations ½ an inch from the left margins.
• Use an easy-to-read font, like Times New Roman, in 12-point size.
• Double-space your paper, including the citations page.

Do I need a title page for my MLA paper?

MLA-formatted research papers don’t usually need a title page, but you can add one if your instructor asks you to do so.

Final Thoughts

Using an MLA Format Template when writing your paper will help protect you from all the trouble that could arise from a plagiarism claim. It might seem like a lot of work for nothing, but it actually boosts your credibility as a writer and lends an air of professionalism to your paper. What’s more, you don’t have to start citing from scratch every time you write a paper as long as you have a template!

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MLA Format Sample Paper, with Cover Page and Outline

Here is a sample paper in MLA format that has both the cover page and the outline pages . This paper has 10 pages so if you are under a slow Internet connection, please wait a few seconds for all of the pages to load. This paper is current with the latest MLA manual.

MLA Format Sample Paper, Title Page

MLA Format Sample Paper, Outline Page 1

MLA Format Sample Paper, Outline Page 2

MLA Format Sample Paper, Page 1

MLA Format Sample Paper, Page 2

MLA Format Sample Paper, Page 3

MLA Format Sample Paper, Page 4

MLA Format Sample Paper, Page 5

MLA Format Sample Paper, Works Cited

MLA Format Sample Paper, End of Sample Paper.

– Diana Hacker (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2006).

Very helpful information.

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Concise and easy to understand example. Thank you for your effort.

I am an older student returning to college and this helped me so much.

I didn’t have a clue what this format was, now I do. Thank you for your help.

Thank you for this resource; I am teaching MLA formatting to high school students and this will help with the “Why do we have to do it this way?!” questions. I just update them on the 8th edition changes.

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• MLA Format Sample Paper
• MLA Sample Paper w/ Cover & Outline Pages
• MLA Format FAQs
• General Format of the APA Paper
• APA Format Title Page
• APA Format Abstract Page
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• APA Format Citations
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Types of Outlines and Samples

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Alphanumeric Outlines

This is the most common type of outline and usually instantly recognizable to most people. The formatting follows these characters, in this order:

• Roman Numerals
• Capitalized Letters
• Arabic Numerals
• Lowercase Letters

If the outline needs to subdivide beyond these divisions, use Arabic numerals inside parentheses and then lowercase letters inside parentheses. Select the "Sample Outlines" PDF in the Media Box above to download the sample of this outline.

The sample PDF in the Media Box above is an example of an outline that a student might create before writing an essay. In order to organize her thoughts and make sure that she has not forgotten any key points that she wants to address, she creates the outline as a framework for her essay.

What is the assignment?

Your instructor asks the class to write an expository (explanatory) essay on the typical steps a high school student would follow in order to apply to college.

What is the purpose of this essay?

To explain the process for applying to college

Who is the intended audience for this essay?

High school students intending to apply to college and their parents

What is the essay's thesis statement?

When applying to college, a student follows a certain process which includes choosing the right schools and preparing the application materials.

Full Sentence Outlines

The full sentence outline format is essentially the same as the Alphanumeric outline. The main difference (as the title suggests) is that full sentences are required at each level of the outline. This outline is most often used when preparing a traditional essay. Select the "Sample Outlines" PDF in the Media Box above to download the sample of this outline.

Decimal Outlines

The decimal outline is similar in format to the alphanumeric outline. The added benefit is a system of decimal notation that clearly shows how every level of the outline relates to the larger whole. Select the "Sample Outlines" PDF in the Media Box above to download the sample of this outline.

How to Write an Abstract : How to Format a Research Abstract MLA Style with Examples

• How to Format a Research Abstract MLA Style with Examples
• Annotations

MLA Format Research Abstract with Examples

An abstract is a concise summary of a finished research paper that motivates readers to keep reading . It is a reduced form of a lengthy piece of writing that highlights the key points and briefly describes the content and scope of the paper. An abstract in MLA format generally aims to summarize the objective, methods, discussions, and conclusions of a paper.

Abstracts are usually between 100-250 words or around 5-7 sentences depending on the type. They can include short descriptions of your motivations, objective, methods, findings, discussion, and conclusion of the paper. You can also include why you wrote the paper and why readers should be interested.

Why do you need an abstract?

Abstracts allow for a quick summary of your paper for other researchers. Busy researchers don’t have time to read everything, so they rely on the abstract to help them decide whether or not they will read the paper.

Although MLA style doesn’t require an abstract, the MLA style abstract is the most commonly used style in the humanities. If you are writing a paper for a class in literature, religion, philosophy, or other similar subjects, you should use MLA style. Check with your professor to see if an abstract is required for your paper.

Different types of abstracts

There are two different types of abstracts: descriptive and informative.

• Descriptive abstracts are approximately 100 words and give a brief overview of the paper. They do not include a full analysis and may not include the results and/or conclusions.
• Informative abstracts are longer and are approximately 150-250 words. They are a condensed version of your writing that contains information from every part of the paper.

How to write an abstract in MLA style

To write a high-quality abstract in MLA style, you will need an explanation of what research was done and what the outcomes were. Write in a clear, simple, and direct style. The abstract gives readers the information they need to decide whether to read the complete paper or not.

Here are some guidelines for writing a great abstract in MLA style:

• Finish the paper first. While it may be tempting to get a head start on your abstract, you should complete your paper before writing the abstract.
• Review your paper for key points and take notes. One way to take notes is to write one sentence for each paragraph. You should not copy directly from your text since your abstract should have different words and phrases. You do not need to include every detail, and in fact, you should avoid doing so. If you have an outline of your paper, use that as a guide to writing your abstract.
• Give a detailed account of the research methods used in the study and how the results were obtained.
• Provide an account of your findings and what you found as a result of your research.
• If your findings have larger implications, include them in the abstract.
• Condense those main points by summarizing the “who, what, where, and when” of your paper.
• If you don’t have an outline, organize information in the same order as in the paper.
• Write a rough draft of your abstract. Begin your abstract with a clear statement about your thesis and why your readers should care about what you’ve written. Then turn your notes into sentences.
• Avoid using long complicated sentences in your abstract along with ambiguous and unnecessary words and phrases. Remember that your abstract needs to be simple and easy to read.
• Do not include citations or footnotes in your abstract.
• Add transitions to show clear connections between ideas and create a smooth flow to your writing.
• Revise your abstract until it is 5-7 sentences or 250 words or less. Limit the length to one or two paragraphs.
• Proofread your abstract several times to make sure it is free of errors. People will stop reading if they see mistakes, and it will damage your credibility.

Format for an MLA abstract

• Use one-inch margins.
• Double-space the abstract.
• Place the abstract after the title and before the main body of the paper.
• Use one space after punctuation marks.
• Indent the first line of the paragraphs ½ inch from the left margin.
• Use 12-point font such as Times New Roman or Arial.
• Spell out acronyms.
• Include italics instead of quotation marks if you reference a long work in the abstract.

MLA abstract examples

Descriptive abstracts.

• Example 1 on Cannon’s “From Literacy to Literature: Elementary Learning and the Middle English Poet.”
• Example 2 on Sealy-Morris’s “The Rhetoric of the Paneled Page: Comics and Composition Pedagogy.”

Informational abstracts

• Example 1 on O’Neill’s “The Personal Public Sphere of Whitman’s 1840s Journalism.”

Works cited

Cannon, Christopher. “From Literacy to Literature: Elementary Learning and the Middle English Poet.”  PMLA , vol. 129, no. 3, 2014, pp. 349–364.  JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/24769474.

MLA Handbook . 9th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2021.

O’Neill, Bonnie Carr. “The Personal Public Sphere of Whitman’s 1840s Journalism.”  PMLA , vol. 126, no. 4, 2011, pp. 983–998.   JSTOR , www.jstor.org/stable/41414171.

Sealey-Morris, Gabriel. “The Rhetoric of the Paneled Page: Comics and Composition Pedagogy.”  Composition Studies , vol. 43, no. 1, 2015, pp. 31–50.   JSTOR , www.jstor.org/stable/43501877.

Wallace, Joseph. “How to Write an Abstract.”  MLA Style Center , Modern Language Association of America, 5 Dec. 2018, style.mla.org/how-to-write-an-abstract/.

Published October 25, 2020. Updated July 18, 2021.

By Catherine Sigler. Catherine has a Ph.D. in English Education

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