So you’re writing a MLA formatted essay… ……Here’s what you should know…..

What is MLA Style? MLA Style establishes standards of written communication concerning: formatting and page layout stylistic technicalities (e.g. abbreviations, footnotes, quotations) citing sources and preparing a manuscript for publication in certain disciplines.

What does a well written MLA format essay consist of: Proper Heading Original Title Page Number Thesis statement Double spacing In-text Citation Works Cited

Proper Heading A proper heading consist of: Your name Your teacher’s name Class Period Date of the Paper

Original Title Titles are to be centered Written in 12-point, Times New Roman font Should not be bolded, underlined, or italicized

Page Number Page numbers begin on and with page 1 Type your name next to the page number so that it appears on every page

Thesis Statement Your thesis sentence helps to guide and control your paper A good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes: take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree deal with a subject that can be adequately treated given the nature of the assignment express one main idea assert your conclusions about a subject Your thesis statement is usually the last sentence of the introduction. The thesis is a clear position that you will support and develop throughout your paper

Double Spacing MLA requires double- spacing throughout a document; do not single- space any part of the document.

In-text Citation In-text citations occur after the quote but before the period. The author’s/ Authors’ name/s go before the Page Number with no comma in between.

Works Cited The Works Cited page begins on a new page. Center the title “Works Cited” Without Underlining, bolding, or italicizing it. If there is only one entry, title this page “Work Cited.”