The MLA 9 formatting style is a set of guidelines used for writing and formatting research papers, particularly in the humanities. It was introduced by the Modern Language Association (MLA) in 2016 and is currently in its 9th edition. The MLA 9 style is widely used in academic writing, especially in English, literature, and cultural studies.
General Guidelines
The MLA 9 style emphasizes the importance of clear and concise writing, proper citation, and accurate referencing. The general guidelines for MLA 9 formatting include:
- Using a legible font, such as Times New Roman, in size 12 points
- Double-spacing the entire paper, including the title page, headings, and paragraphs
- Leaving a one-inch margin on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right)
- Indenting the first line of each paragraph by half an inch
- Using a header with the last name and page number in the upper-right corner of each page
Headings and Subheadings
Headings and subheadings are used to organize the paper and provide a clear structure. In MLA 9, headings are typically centered and in title case, while subheadings are left-justified and in title case. The different levels of headings are:
- First-level heading: centered, in title case, and in a larger font size (14 points)
- Second-level heading: left-justified, in title case, and in a smaller font size (12 points)
- Third-level heading: left-justified, in sentence case, and in a smaller font size (12 points)
| Heading Level | Font Size | Justification |
|---|---|---|
| First-level heading | 14 points | Centered |
| Second-level heading | 12 points | Left-justified |
| Third-level heading | 12 points | Left-justified |
In-Text Citations
In-text citations are used to acknowledge the sources used in the research paper. In MLA 9, in-text citations typically include the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses. For example:
According to MLA Handbook, "the in-text citation should include the author's last name and page number(s) in parentheses" (MLA 24).
If the source has no author, the title of the source is used in the in-text citation. For example:
The article states that "the use of social media has increased significantly" (Social Media 12).
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a list of all sources used in the research paper. It is typically placed at the end of the paper and includes the author’s last name, first name, title of the source, publication date, and page numbers. The Works Cited page should be formatted as follows:
Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Source. Publisher, Publication Date. Page Numbers.
For example:
MLA. MLA Handbook. Modern Language Association, 2016. 23-25.
What is the purpose of the MLA 9 formatting style?
+The MLA 9 formatting style is used to provide a consistent and clear format for research papers, particularly in the humanities. It helps authors to organize their ideas, cite sources properly, and present their research in a professional manner.
How do I format the Works Cited page in MLA 9?
+The Works Cited page should be formatted with the author’s last name, first name, title of the source, publication date, and page numbers. The entries should be listed alphabetically by author’s last name, and the entire page should be double-spaced.
What is the difference between a first-level heading and a second-level heading in MLA 9?
+A first-level heading is centered, in title case, and in a larger font size (14 points), while a second-level heading is left-justified, in title case, and in a smaller font size (12 points). The first-level heading is typically used for the main sections of the paper, while the second-level heading is used for subheadings.
