Top 3 Tips for Writing an MLA Essay

After the post highlighting the most common APA formatting errors, it only seems fair to discuss the most common errors made when writing an MLA paper. MLA is an abbreviation for Modern Language Association. It’s a style or writing that is typically required by English and many liberal arts courses. MLA shares many similarities with APA style, including margin requirements and most page style guidelines. MLA and APA differ significantly in citation styles, however, and this can be very confusing for students-especially those who may have different style requirements within the same semester! PowerPapers is here to help with three of the top tips for MLA style formatting:

1) Do NOT use word processing templates. Despite the allure of the click-and-go route, most MLA and APA formatting selections in word processing programs (i.e. Word, Word Perfect, etc.) actually make it more difficult to correctly apply your preferred formatting. Templates like these often add color changes and strange formatting quirks which introduce far more problems for the writer. Because they are templates, it’s also usually more tricky to change spacing, indentions, etc. to your own preferences. Luckily, applying MLA formatting is not all that difficult and you can do it easily without these templates.

2) Underline or quotation marks? MLA requires writers to know the type of source being cited in order to apply the correct formatting style to the reference. Articles, essays, and most other short works are placed in quotation marks within the reference. Novels, books, and most longer works are underlined or italicized. Check this handy reference table (or this one) for which formatting fits your reference.

3) Few formatting tasks strike as much fear in the hearts of students as the need to quote a passage of text. Making an error in citing the original reference could be interpreted as plagiarism. MLA style’s requirements for quotes vary according to the length of text being quoted. With short quotes, follow the passage with the last name of the author for the original source and the page number. Once you’ve assessed the line or lines you’ll be quoting, check with a reference to avoid making a costly mistake. The Purdue OWL website is one of the most popular websites to check formatting guidelines.

At PowerPapers, we know that formatting guidelines can be a frustrating burden to students. Why not let us help lighten the load? Whether you need support with an essay from start to finish or just an expert eye to review your reference page, we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started.

As always-happy writing!