Skip to Main Content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.
Los Angeles Harbor College home page Los Angeles Harbor College Library

Citations - MLA: Formatting - Essay, Works Cited, Appendix, & Sample Paper

On This Page

Appendix

If you are adding an appendix to your paper there are a few rules to follow that comply with MLA guidelines:

  • The Appendix appears before the Works Cited list
  • If you have more than one appendix you would name the first appendix Appendix A, the second Appendix B, etc.
  • The appendices should appear in the order that the information is mentioned in your essay
  • Each appendix begins on a new page

Word Document

 

  • Type using a word processing program such as Microsoft Word
  • Double-space
  • 8.5" x 11" paper
  • 1" margins on all sides
  • ​12 pt. Times New Roman font
  • Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks (unless otherwise instructed by your instructor).
  • Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin, use the Tab key as opposed to pushing the Space Bar.
  • Create a header that numbers all pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. (Note: Your instructor may ask that you omit the number on your first page. Always follow your instructor's guidelines.)
  • Use italics throughout your essay for the titles of longer works and, only when absolutely necessary, providing emphasis.
  • If you have any endnotes, include them on a separate page before your Works Cited page. Entitle the section Notes (centered, unformatted).

Works Cited

MLA Works Cited Page: Basic Format​

  • Begin your Works Cited page on a separate page at the end of your research paper. It should have the same one-inch margins and last name, page number header as the rest of your paper.
  • Label the page Works Cited (do not italicize the words Works Cited or put them in quotation marks) and center the words Works Cited at the top of the page.
  • Double space all citations, but do not skip spaces between entries.
  • All entries on your Works Cited page must be listed alphabetically by the first component.
  • Indent the second and subsequent lines of citations by 0.5 inches to create a hanging indent.
  • If you refer to a journal article that appeared on pages 225 through 250, list them as 225-50. 
  • The URL should be used by deleting http:// or https://.
  • Accessed date is optional.

Abbreviations Commonly Used

  • Placeholders for unknown information like n.d. (“no date”) are no longer used. If facts missing from a work are available in a reliable external resource, they are cited in square brackets (2.6.1). Otherwise, they are simply omitted.

Visit the MLA Style Center for more information: MLA Style Center