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

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

  • The MLA Sample Paper Template may be used to set up your assignment. The template includes:

    • A sample assignment page;
    • and a Works CIted list in MLA format.
     The Word document sample paper template may display incorrect margins. Please double check  to ensure 1" margins on all sides. 

 

  • 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