MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a standardized format commonly used in the field of the humanities, particularly in the writing of research papers. It provides guidelines for citing sources and formatting the layout and design of a research paper.
One of the main features of MLA style is the use of parenthetical citations within the text of the paper. These citations provide the necessary information for a reader to locate the sources cited in the text. This information typically includes the author's name and the page number of the source. For example: "According to John Smith, 'the use of parenthetical citations is an important aspect of MLA style' (Smith 23).
MLA style also includes specific guidelines for the formatting of the research paper itself. This includes the use of a standard font (such as Times New Roman) and font size (12 point), as well as the use of double spacing throughout the text. The margins of the paper should be set to one inch on all sides.
In terms of the organization of the paper, MLA style suggests a specific order for the various sections of the research paper. These include the title page, abstract (if applicable), introduction, body, conclusion, and works cited page. The title page should include the title of the paper, the author's name, and the institutional affiliation (if applicable). The abstract is a summary of the main points of the paper and should be no more than 250 words. The introduction should provide an overview of the topic and the main points to be addressed in the paper. The body of the paper should include the main arguments and supporting evidence, and the conclusion should summarize the main points and discuss their significance.
The works cited page is an alphabetized list of all the sources cited in the paper. This list should include the author's name, the title of the work, the publication information, and the page numbers (if applicable). MLA style also includes specific guidelines for citing different types of sources, including books, articles, websites, and more.
Overall, the use of MLA style and the proper formatting of a research paper are important for creating a professional and well-organized document. Adhering to these guidelines can also help to ensure the credibility of the research by accurately citing sources and giving credit to the original authors.