Basic MLA: 10 Things To Check Before You Submit ✓ Solved
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Basic MLA: 10 things to check for before you submit your
1. Set the spacing to “double,” with no extra spaces between lines and paragraphs.
2. Set the margins to 1-inch.
3. Left-justify the paper, meaning, the left margin is straight and the right margin is jagged.
4. Use 12-point, Times New Roman font.
5. Include a heading that is located at the left margin—here is how it should look: John Doe Prof. Kolkmeyer English May. Your title should be centered and it should be original.
6. Indent to show the start of a new paragraph. Then continue all the way to the left margin and it will go to the next line automatically. Only hit the “return” key when starting you are starting a new paragraph.
7. Use “quotation marks” for article, essay, chapter, interview titles.
8. In-text quoting and citations should not clutter up the paper.
9. Here’s what a Works Cited page should look like with three sources from the class materials cited in a paper:
10. If you have questions, go to the Purdue OWL website’s “MLA Formatting and Style Guide.”
Paper For Above Instructions
In the digital age, essays written by students are increasingly required to conform to specific formatting styles to ensure clarity and uniformity. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most prevalent styles used in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. When preparing an essay in MLA format, adhering to specific guidelines can significantly improve the readability and professionalism of the work presented. This paper outlines ten essential checks that authors must conduct before submitting their essays in MLA format.
The first essential checklist item is ensuring that the document is set to double spacing throughout, with no additional spaces before or after paragraphs. This simple formatting choice enhances readability and conforms to MLA specifications (MLA Handbook, 2021). Next, a margin of one inch should be applied to all sides of the document; this offers a balanced look and ensures that no text is cut off when printed or scanned.
Left-justification of text is another critical aspect, as it creates a clean left edge while allowing a jagged right margin, which is characteristic of MLA formatting. Using a standard font, specifically 12-point Times New Roman, is the standard guideline recommended by the MLA, ensuring consistency across different submissions (Purdue OWL, 2023).
Furthermore, including a proper heading at the left-hand margin is vital. This heading should consist of the author's name, instructor's name, course name, and the date of submission. The title of the paper must be centered on the page and should reflect the paper's content in a unique and engaging manner (Purdue OWL, 2023). The combination of a well-structured heading and an original title sets the tone for the essay and hints at its thematic exploration.
Indentation signals the start of a new paragraph, which is another principle of MLA formatting. Authors should hit the tab key or insert a half-inch indentation. Each new paragraph should naturally flow into the next, marked by the indentation at the first line. This approach helps maintain a cohesive structure throughout the essay.
The importance of proper citation is underscored in the MLA format. Using quotation marks for the titles of shorter works such as articles and essays is essential when quoted in the text (Purdue OWL, 2023). Additionally, in-text citations need to be integrated seamlessly within the body of the essay to support the arguments being presented without cluttering the text. For instance, scholarly analysis can be woven into the fabric of the author’s narrative fluidly.
Moreover, a well-constructed Works Cited page must be included at the end of the essay. This page provides the full citation information for all sources referenced, formatted according to the MLA style. Consistency here is crucial, as any discrepancies can lead to misunderstandings about source material and detract from the academic integrity of the piece (MLA Handbook, 2021).
In preparation for submitting an essay, resources such as the Purdue OWL website can provide additional support. This site offers comprehensive guides on MLA formatting and style, helping writers to better understand the nuances of this style, including handling in-text citations and quotations effectively. Utilizing these online resources can alleviate common pitfalls associated with formatting conventions (Purdue OWL, 2023).
In conclusion, adhering to the ten guidelines outlined above, writers can enhance the quality and credibility of their essays in MLA format. Not only does proper formatting display professionalism, but it also aids in clearly communicating ideas to the reader. Preparing an essay in MLA format can seem like a daunting task, but it ultimately serves as the foundation for effective written communication in academic settings.
References
- MLA Handbook. (2021). Modern Language Association.
- Purdue OWL. (2023). MLA Formatting and Style Guide. Purdue University.
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