MLA Sample Paper: How To Organize

Imagine you are required to complete your writing assignment and need to organize it in MLA format. However, you have heard nothing about this academic paper style. What would you do? If we were you, we would start with MLA sample papers to be sure you know how your paper should be arranged. Today, we will consider some basic rules of MLA format to make your academic writing skills better.

The basic aspects of MLA

Here are several general rules of MLA style you should remember:

1. The introduction should set the context for your essay. Explain why you are writing and why you chose this particular topic.
2. Express your thesis statement clear and support it throughout your text.
3. If your academic paper is long, it is an excellent idea to explain to your readers how it is structured. This measure will help the audience follow your thoughts.
4. Although headings aren’t strictly required in MLA format, it is better to use them. Headings and subheadings improve the overall structure of a paper.
5. Headings may follow a three-level system to divide the text into shorter parts. The different levels help maintain consistency throughout the text.
6. Use transition words at the end and beginning of every paragraph. Transitions link different parts of your text and bring together your piece of writing.

Citing in MLA

Citations in MLA format are organized in two ways: via citations in your text and through a Works Cited page.

If you refer to something right in your text, it is a place for an in-text citation. Example of an in-text citation:

“Quotation” or paraphrase (Author’s last name plus page number).

The MLA style also requires a Works Cited page for all sources, mentioned in your paper. Example of a reference entry:

Author’s last name, Name.”Title.” Title of Container, version, numbers, publisher, date, location.

Source: https://wr1ter.com/mla-sample-paper