Golden Nuggets in Writing an MLA Research Paper

Writing a research paper by itself is daunting. To make matters worse is the requirement that the research paper be formatted to a specified style. How often have you found that formatting is quite confusing and time consuming? Reduce the time taken in writing an MLA research paper by going through the golden nuggets in writing an MLA research paper.

The Golden Nuggets of MLA Research Paper

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is quite frequently used for writing research papers, and involves a host of instructions in the formatting. Yet, there are a few essentials that make up the standard for writing an MLA research paper:

• General Format in writing an MLA research paper – One inch margin all around. Page numbers on the right hand top corner, with your surname five spaces before it. The paper is to be double spaced and the font used is of 12 size. Indent the paragraphs by half an inch.
• Title in writing an MLA research paper – A title page is not essential. On the left hand side top corner enter your name, the name of your tutor, the name of the course, and the date. The title of your research paper should appear next and should be centered.
• In-text Referencing in writing an MLA research paper – Use numbering in a sequential order for in-text referencing, starting with the first source. 
• Quotations in writing an MLA research paper – Quotations of less than five lines should be in quotation marks and part of the normal writing in the paper. When a quotation exceeds five lines, omit the quotation marks, and indent the quotation one inch from the normal margin. In both cases ensure that page numbers are provided at the end of the quote.
• Works Cited Page in writing an MLA research paper – The works cited page also follows the sequential numbering. Different sources may be used like journal articles, books and Internet sources. After the sequential number provide the name of the author(s), starting with the surname. In case of government sources use the name of it. The title of the article in inverted commas follows next. In any case ensure that date of the article and page numbers are provided, when it is available.

These golden nuggets take the confusion out of writing an MLA Research Paper