So you’re writing a MLA formatted essay…

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

2. 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.

3. 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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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 Thesis Statement 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

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

9. 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.

10. 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, titlethis page“Work Cited.”