Feeling overwhelmed is normal when writing an academic paper, particularly if you have to adhere to a specific referencing style. For quite a number of students in the UK, the MLA (Modern Language Association) style can be a bit puzzling at the beginning since it is a style that is frequently utilized in the humanities fields like English, literature, cultural studies, and linguistics. But actually, after grasping the essential rules, the MLA style turns out to be one of the easiest and most reasonable formats.
This resource is intended for students in the UK who need straightforward and viable guidance in writing a paper in MLA style. At the end of this blog, you will be able to format your paper, organize your citations, compile a bibliography, and steer clear of the most common mistakes, along with academic writing services skill enhancement.
What Is MLA Style?
MLA style is a set of guidelines developed by the Modern Language Association. It focuses on clarity, consistency, and proper credit to sources. Unlike other referencing styles such as Harvard or APA, MLA places emphasis on the author and page number rather than the year of publication.
MLA style is most often used in:
- English literature essays
- Language and linguistics papers
- Media and cultural studies
- Philosophy and humanities subjects
If your lecturer has asked for MLA formatting, it is essential to follow the rules carefully, as incorrect formatting can affect your marks.
General Formatting Rules for an MLA Paper
Before you even start writing, it is important to set up your document correctly. MLA formatting focuses on a clean and readable layout.
Page Layout and Margins
- Use A4 paper size, which is standard in the UK
- Set 1-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right)
- Text should be left-aligned, not justified
Font and Spacing
- Use a readable font, usually Times New Roman
- Font size should be 12-point
- Double-space the entire document, including quotations and the bibliography
- Do not add extra spacing between paragraphs
Page Numbers and Header
- Insert page numbers in the top-right corner
- Include your surname followed by the page number
- Example: Smith 1
This header should appear on every page of your paper.
The MLA Heading: What to Include
Unlike some other academic styles, MLA does not require a separate title page unless your tutor specifically asks for one. Instead, the first page includes a heading in the top-left corner.
Your MLA heading should include:
- Your full name
- Your tutor’s name
- Course title or module name
- Date (written as Day Month Year, e.g. 15 October 2025)
After the heading, centre your title on the next line. The title should not be bold, underlined, or italicised. Use normal capitalisation.
Structuring the Body of Your Paper
Once your formatting is correct, focus on the structure of your essay. MLA style does not dictate how you organise your arguments, but good academic writing follows a clear structure.
Introduction
Your introduction should:
- Introduce the topic
- Provide background or context
- Present a clear thesis statement
The thesis statement is the main argument of your paper and should guide the rest of your writing.
Main Body Paragraphs
Each paragraph should:
- Focus on one main idea
- Begin with a clear topic sentence
- Include evidence such as quotations or examples
- Analyse and explain the evidence
When using sources, MLA style requires in-text citations, which we will explore shortly.
Conclusion
Your conclusion should:
- Summarise your key arguments
- Restate the thesis in different words
- Reflect on the wider significance of your discussion
Avoid introducing new evidence in the conclusion.
In-Text Citations in MLA Style
One of the most important parts of MLA style is in-text referencing. This is how you show where your information comes from within the body of your essay.
Basic Format
MLA uses the author’s surname and page number in brackets.
Example:
Shakespeare presents ambition as destructive (Shakespeare 45).
If the author’s name is already mentioned in the sentence, only include the page number:
Shakespeare shows how ambition leads to downfall (45).
Multiple Authors
- Two authors: include both surnames
- Example: (Brown and Taylor 78)
- Three or more authors: use the first surname followed by et al.
- Example: (Wilson et al. 112)
No Page Numbers
For online sources without page numbers, use the author’s surname only:
(Johnson)
These simple rules help readers locate your sources easily.
Using Quotations Correctly in MLA
Quotations are common in humanities essays, but they must be used carefully.
Short Quotations
- Fewer than four lines
- Place within quotation marks
- Include the citation at the end
Example:
According to Orwell, “power is not a means; it is an end” (Orwell 263).
Long Quotations (Block Quotes)
- Four lines or more
- Start on a new line
- Indent the entire quote by 1 inch
- Do not use quotation marks
The citation goes after the final punctuation.
Creating the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is MLA’s version of a bibliography. It lists all the sources you referenced in your essay.
Formatting the Works Cited Page
- Start on a new page
- Centre the title Works Cited
- Double-space all entries
- Use a hanging indent (second and subsequent lines indented)
- Alphabetise entries by the author’s surname
Common Source Examples
Book:
Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Penguin, 2008.
Journal Article:
Smith, Laura. “Identity in Modern Literature.” Literary Studies Journal, vol. 12, no. 3, 2021, pp. 45–60.
Website:
Johnson, Mark. “The Evolution of English Drama.” Cultural Studies Online, 2022.
Only include sources you have actually cited in your paper.
Tips to Improve Your MLA Paper
To truly “ace” your paper, go beyond basic formatting.
- Plan your essay before you write
- Proofread for grammar and referencing errors
- Ensure every in-text citation appears in the Works Cited list
- Use academic language and avoid informal phrases
- Check your lecturer’s specific guidelines
MLA style is about consistency as much as correctness.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to write a paper with MLA style is a great skill for students at the University of Kentucky, particularly those taking subjects related to the humanities. It may appear to be quite a strict regime at the outset, but MLA format is actually very reasonable and quite straightforward once you grasp the essentials.
If you effectively prepare your file, correctly cite your sources within the text, and make an efficiently organised Works Cited page, you will be able to communicate your ideas in a clear and professional manner. To be proficient in the MLA format is not merely a way to steer clear of plagiarism, but it also elevates your status as a university writer and gives you academic confidence.
By diligently practicing and being meticulous with the details, you can make MLA your forte, thereby you will be one step closer to academic success.