Using the correct MLA plan is essential for success at any university. MLA stands for Modern Language Association and is a set of rules that writers must follow when writing their articles or essays. The MLA plan is used in fields such as the liberal arts and humanities. In such fields, professors expect the research paper to be written using a proper MLA format.

To use a proper MLA format, standard white paper should be used. Paper size must be 8.5 inches by 11 inches and include a 1-inch margin on each side. Also make sure that the document is double spaced, including citations. All pages must have a header with the last name and the page number. The distance of this header from the top edge of the paper should be half an inch, and the text should be squared to the right.

To start writing in the proper MLA format, the writer should TAB once to display the text about a half inch to the right for easier reading. Spaces must be single characters. This also applies to punctuation marks. To present citations in the MLA format, always use double quotes. For in-text citations, the author’s name followed by the page number should be written next to the cited text.

For longer citations in proper MLA format, the writer should format the quoted text in block form, one inch from the left margin. The writer must keep double space. To organize citations in MLA format, the author’s name must be written in alphabetical order using her last name. The first word of the book must be capitalized with the exception of the words “or” and letters such as “a” and “an”. Writing styles are necessary to distinguish fields of research. No one can imagine how the educational world would function without research formats and guidelines.

The world of writing would be in complete chaos if every writer had a unique style of writing. Writing rules, like proper MLA formatting, serve the purpose of formal writing. Once learned, the MLA format will soon become second nature to academics and research paper writers. In the meantime, however, many students loathe and worry about how to write a properly formatted MLA research paper. Hiring an editor can help ensure that the research paper follows the MLA reference guidelines. An MLA editor may also read her research paper for grammar, clarity, organization, originality, and more.