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MLA Research Paper Formatting

• MLA 9th Template & Paper Sample
• Finding Sources for Your Paper
• Detailed Comparison (Printable)
• Additional Resources

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. 

• Purdue Owl Sample Paper Sample paper is downloadable.
• Sample Papers - MLA Style Center PDFs available of the 2022 MLA Student Essay Contest winners.
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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
• Magazine Article
• Newspaper Article
• Website (no author)
• View all MLA Examples

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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 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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How to Create a Structured Research Paper Outline | Example

Published on August 7, 2022 by Courtney Gahan . Revised on August 15, 2023.

A research paper outline is a useful tool to aid in the writing process , providing a structure to follow with all information to be included in the paper clearly organized.

A quality outline can make writing your research paper more efficient by helping to:

• Organize your thoughts
• Understand the flow of information and how ideas are related
• Ensure nothing is forgotten

A research paper outline can also give your teacher an early idea of the final product.

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Table of contents

Research paper outline example, how to write a research paper outline, formatting your research paper outline, language in research paper outlines.

• Definition of measles
• Rise in cases in recent years in places the disease was previously eliminated or had very low rates of infection
• Figures: Number of cases per year on average, number in recent years. Relate to immunization
• Symptoms and timeframes of disease
• Risk of fatality, including statistics
• How measles is spread
• Immunization procedures in different regions
• Different regions, focusing on the arguments from those against immunization
• Immunization figures in affected regions
• High number of cases in non-immunizing regions
• Illnesses that can result from measles virus
• Fatal cases of other illnesses after patient contracted measles
• Summary of arguments of different groups
• Summary of figures and relationship with recent immunization debate
• Which side of the argument appears to be correct?

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Follow these steps to start your research paper outline:

• Decide on the subject of the paper
• Write down all the ideas you want to include or discuss
• Organize related ideas into sub-groups
• Arrange your ideas into a hierarchy: What should the reader learn first? What is most important? Which idea will help end your paper most effectively?
• Create headings and subheadings that are effective
• Format the outline in either alphanumeric, full-sentence or decimal format

There are three different kinds of research paper outline: alphanumeric, full-sentence and decimal outlines. The differences relate to formatting and style of writing.

• Alphanumeric
• Full-sentence

An alphanumeric outline is most commonly used. It uses Roman numerals, capitalized letters, arabic numerals, lowercase letters to organize the flow of information. Text is written with short notes rather than full sentences.

• Sub-point of sub-point 1

Essentially the same as the alphanumeric outline, but with the text written in full sentences rather than short points.

• Additional sub-point to conclude discussion of point of evidence introduced in point A

A decimal outline is similar in format to the alphanumeric outline, but with a different numbering system: 1, 1.1, 1.2, etc. Text is written as short notes rather than full sentences.

• 1.1.1 Sub-point of first point
• 1.1.2 Sub-point of first point
• 1.2 Second point

To write an effective research paper outline, it is important to pay attention to language. This is especially important if it is one you will show to your teacher or be assessed on.

There are four main considerations: parallelism, coordination, subordination and division.

Parallelism: Be consistent with grammatical form

Parallel structure or parallelism is the repetition of a particular grammatical form within a sentence, or in this case, between points and sub-points. This simply means that if the first point is a verb , the sub-point should also be a verb.

Example of parallelism:

• Include different regions, focusing on the different arguments from those against immunization

Coordination: Be aware of each point’s weight

Your chosen subheadings should hold the same significance as each other, as should all first sub-points, secondary sub-points, and so on.

Example of coordination:

• Include immunization figures in affected regions
• Illnesses that can result from the measles virus

Subordination: Work from general to specific

Subordination refers to the separation of general points from specific. Your main headings should be quite general, and each level of sub-point should become more specific.

Example of subordination:

Division: break information into sub-points.

Your headings should be divided into two or more subsections. There is no limit to how many subsections you can include under each heading, but keep in mind that the information will be structured into a paragraph during the writing stage, so you should not go overboard with the number of sub-points.

Ready to start writing or looking for guidance on a different step in the process? Read our step-by-step guide on how to write a research paper .

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Gahan, C. (2023, August 15). How to Create a Structured Research Paper Outline | Example. Scribbr. Retrieved September 27, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-paper/outline/

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• MLA 9th edition sample papers The SCC Library & Academic Support Center teach students to follow 9th edition student formatting rules, unless the instructor states otherwise.

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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

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MLA Format Sample Paper, Works Cited

MLA Format Sample Paper, End of Sample Paper.

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MLA Research Paper

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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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7. MLA Style Page of Research Paper

8. MLA Citation Style Research Paper

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9. MLA Research Paper Quote

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10. Critical Review MLA Research Paper

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11. MLA Research Paper Guide

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13. MLA 7th 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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23. MLA Social Research Paper

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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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Outline Templates

MLA Format Research Paper Outlines

Conducting research can be challenging, particularly without an effective approach. Many researchers, students, and scholars face setbacks and obstacles that can hinder their progress. However, the MLA format research outline offers a structured and simplified method, making the research process more manageable and enjoyable. Its systematic approach has been widely accepted and appreciated by many in the academic community. Below, we provide chapter outline templates and examples to help you understand and apply them to your project.

Research Paper Outline MLA Format

MLA Research Paper Outline – PDF Format

Formal MLA Outline Format

MLA Outline Example

How to Write a Research Paper Outline in MLA Format

MLA stands for Modern Language Association and dictates a specific writing style that is widely used in academic writing. Adhering to this format is crucial to ensure the credibility and professionalism of your work. Below are key guidelines to help you craft a well-structured MLA research paper outline:

• Introduction : Your outline must begin with a compelling introduction. This section should be informative and engaging, setting the tone for the rest of your paper. A strong introduction will provide a clear overview of your research topic and its significance, ensuring it captures the reader’s interest.
• Body : The body of your MLA outline is the core of your research. It should be meticulously organized and thoroughly researched. Each section should present a clear and logical argument supported by credible sources. This part of the outline should be detailed and precise, ensuring that all relevant information is accurately conveyed.
• Conclusion : Conclude your MLA research outline by summarizing the main points and highlighting the potential positive outcomes of your research. The conclusion should reinforce the importance of your study and leave a lasting impression on your audience. The language used in this section should be confident and assertive, reflecting the reliability and validity of your research.
• Conduct Extensive Research : To ensure your outline is credible, it is essential to perform thorough research. This involves delving into various sources to gather accurate and relevant information. While it may require significant effort and time, the end result will be a well-founded and impressive research paper.
• Include Extra Information : Make your research paper outline informative and resourceful by incorporating information from credible sources. Aim to include unique insights or data that are not widely known. This will add value to your outline and make it stand out.
• Stay Modern : As suggested by the term MLA (Modern Language Association), your outline should reflect contemporary language and trends. Ensure that your writing style and terminology align with current standards in the English language, making your paper relevant and up-to-date.
• Organize Logically : Structure your outline in a logical sequence. Use headings and subheadings to clearly demarcate different sections and ensure that each point flows naturally to the next. This will make your outline easier to follow and understand.
• Be Concise : While it’s important to be thorough, it’s equally important to be concise. Avoid unnecessary details and focus on presenting your points clearly and succinctly. This will help maintain the reader’s interest and make your outline more effective.
• Use Proper Formatting : Adhere strictly to MLA formatting guidelines. This includes using proper headings, margins, font size, and citation styles. Consistent formatting enhances the professionalism and readability of your outline.
• Revise and Edit : After completing your outline, take the time to revise and edit. Look for any inconsistencies, errors, or areas that could be improved. A well-polished outline reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality.

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ASA Style and Format

Table of contents

• 1 What is the ASA Format?
• 2 ASA Title Page
• 5 Text Formatting
• 7 In-Text Citations
• 8 Footnotes and Endnotes
• 9 Reference Page
• 10 General Writing Rules
• 11 Conclusion

The American Sociological Association style (ASA) is one of the most commonly used citation formats. It ensures that researchers give appropriate credit to the original authors. The ASA citation format is essential for maintaining academic integrity and for exploring research topics in education .

This article will delve into the essentials of ASA format, from title pages to reference pages.

What is the ASA Format?

ASA format is a citation style developed by the American Sociological Association. It is great for sociology and related disciplines. Like the APA paper outline and MLA research paper format, ASA provides a set of rules for managing scholarly content.

The general rules state that the ASA format is double-spaced and goes with the full title followed by an abstract. Since this format is mostly applicable in manuscripts and sociology articles, it has slight differences from other academic styles.

Here’s a brief information about the ASA format compared to other citation tools.

Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone willing to submit a sociological paper or report. Besides, it’s beneficial for students considering asking for help at the research paper writing service.

ASA Title Page

Unlike MLA style, ASA format requires a separate title page with the title located on the first page. The title creates the first impression of your paper. The authors must accompany it with the name(s) and institution(s) of the author(s), a complete word count, a running head, and a title footnote.

Here are the key elements of an ASA title page:

Title of Research

The title of your paper should be concise, descriptive, and reflect the content of your research. Avoid using abbreviations or overly technical jargon. The title should be centered and placed approximately one-third down the page.

Author’s Name

Below the title, you should list the name(s) of the author(s), centered on the page. If multiple authors contributed to the paper, their names should be listed in the order of their contribution.

Institutional Affiliation

Underneath the author’s name, you should include the name of the institution where the research was conducted. This helps to provide context and credibility to your research.

ASA style recommends including the manuscript’s word count on the separate title page, especially for journal submissions.

Acknowledgments

If applicable, include a brief acknowledgment section on the title page to credit individuals or organizations contributing to the research.

An abstract summarizes your research paper, typically around 150-200 words. It provides a quick overview of the main points, including the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions. The abstract is placed on a separate page immediately following the title page in ASA manuscript format.

The abstract should be clear and concise, offering readers a snapshot of your research without too much detail. To write a research paper without plagiarizing , focus on the key aspects of your study:

• Research Topics in Education : Include your paper’s general topic or research area.
• Research Question : State the primary question or hypothesis that guided your research.
• Methodology : Briefly describe the methods or approaches used in your research, such as qualitative interviews, surveys, or data analysis.
• Findings : Summarize the main findings or results of your study.
• Conclusions : Conclude with the implications or significance of your findings in the context of your research topic.

An abstract is crucial for helping readers quickly understand the scope and focus of your paper. It should be carefully written to entice the reader to explore the full text.

The ASA format suggests including a list of keywords after the abstract. Keywords are specific terms or phrases that capture the essential topics of your research. They are important for indexing and searching purposes.

When selecting keywords, consider the following:

• Choose terms that are directly related to your research question and findings.
• Include broader terms encompassing your research area, such as “education policy” or “sociological theory.”
• Avoid overly specific jargon that might limit the accessibility of your paper.

Keywords should be listed in alphabetical order and separated by commas. They are typically placed on the same page as the abstract, directly beneath it.

Text Formatting

The ASA style guide has specific rules for the general formatting research papers. These guidelines ensure that every separate page of your paper is easy to read. The key elements of text formatting in ASA format include:

• Font: Use a legible font such as Times New Roman, size 12.
• Spacing : Double-spaced the entire document (including the title page, abstract, and references).
• Margins : Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the page.
• Indentation : Indent the first line of each paragraph by half an inch.
• Page Numbers : Place the page number in the upper right corner of each page. Begin with the first page of the text (excluding the title page).

Proper text formatting ensures that your paper (research or a journal article) adheres to professional academic standards.

The margin settings in ASA format are straightforward but crucial for maintaining a clean and professional appearance. All margins ─ top, bottom, left, and right ─ should be 1 inch. This provides enough space for comments or annotations and ensures your text is not crowded on the page.

Proper margin settings also contribute to the overall readability of your paper, making it easier for reviewers and readers to focus on the content without being distracted by formatting issues.

Headings and Subheadings

Headings and subheadings help to organize the content of your paper into clear sections. This helps guide the reader through your argument or discussion, making the paper structure more transparent.

The ASA style guide uses a three-level heading system:

• First-Level Headings: Use these for the main sections of your paper, such as the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion. Ensure you switch to the bold type and center these headings.
• Second-Level Headings: These headings mark subsections within the main sections. Align them to the left, in bold type, and capitalize the first letter of each word.
• Third-Level Headings: These are used for subsections within the second-level sections. They should be italicized, indented, and end with a period. Capitalize only the first word in the third-level headings.

The clear and consistent headings and subheadings are critical for people writing research papers. It also helps readers quickly locate specific information within your paper.

In-Text Citations

In-text citations in ASA format give credit to the sources you’ve referenced. You maintain the academic integrity of the whole paper by mentioning the authors after the quotation marks.

The ASA style guide uses the same author-date system as APA but with some differences in formatting. Here are the key elements of in-text citations in ASA format:

• Author’s Last Name and Year of Publication : When citing a source, include the author’s last name followed by the year of publication in parentheses. For example: (Smith 2020).
• Page Numbers : If quoting directly or referring to a specific part of a source, include the page number after the year, separated by a colon. For example: (Smith 2020:23).
• Multiple Authors : If a source has two authors, include both last names separated by quotation marks. For three or more authors, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” For example: (Johnson and Brown, 2018) or (Garcia et al. 2019).
• No Author : If the source has no identifiable author, use the research title instead of the author’s name. For example: (“Research Topics in Education” 2021).

In-text citations are essential for supporting your arguments and giving proper credit to the sources of information in your paper.

Footnotes and Endnotes

Footnotes and endnotes in ASA format provide additional information or clarification that might be too lengthy or distracting to include in the main text. They are also used to cite sources that do not neatly fit into the author-date citation format, such as archival materials or personal communications.

• Footnotes: Place them at the bottom of the page when writing academic papers. They should be numbered consecutively throughout the paper, starting with “1”. In addition, create a title footnote that is single-spaced and is smaller than the body page (e.g., 10-point font).
• Endnotes: These are similar to footnotes but are collected at the end of the paper, just before the reference page. Endnotes are used less frequently in ASA format but can be useful for longer papers or dissertations.

Footnotes and endnotes should be used sparingly and only when necessary to provide additional context or information that cannot be included in the main text.

Reference Page

It is a separate page in ASA format where you list all the cited sources. The reference list is crucial for crediting the authors you cited and locating the original book and periodical titles.

Here are the key elements of a reference page in ASA format:

• Title : The reference page should be titled “References” and centered at the top.
• Alphabetical Order : List all references in alphabetical order by the last name of the first author. If there is no author, use the title of the work.
• Format : References should include the author’s last name, first name, year of publication, title of the work, and publication details. For example:
• Smith, John. 2020. Understanding Sociology . New York: Academic Press. Johnson, Sarah, and Jane Brown. 2018. “Research Topics in Education.” Journal of Educational Research 45(3):123-145.

The reference page is essential to your research paper or journal article. It ensures that your work meets the highest academic standards.

General Writing Rules

In addition to specific formatting guidelines, the ASA style emphasizes the importance of clear and concise writing. When writing your research paper, consider the following general writing rules:

• Avoid Plagiarism: Always credit the original authors of the work you are referencing. Use the ASA citation format correctly to avoid unintentional plagiarism.
• Use Active Voice: Whenever possible, use the active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging.
• Be Concise: Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences. Be clear and to the point, especially when discussing research topics in education or other complex subjects.
• Proofread: Always proofread your paper for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Consider using a research paper writing service if you need professional assistance with editing and formatting.

Following these general writing rules ensures that your paper is well-written, properly formatted, and free from plagiarism.

The ASA citation style is an essential tool for researchers. Using it for sociology or related fields is beneficial for properly presenting your academic paper. Feel free to check this ASA style guide whether you are exploring research topics in education or simply want a well-organized paper. Consider these rules for your next projects.

Also, remember to ask a research paper writing service for help by saying, “Do my research paper for me”!

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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.

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