The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the popular referencing/formatting styles that is used in academic writing. The MLA format introduction paragraph comes with its own rules that you have to follow if you do not want to lose marks. In this article, you will be learning how to format your paper in MLA.
MLA Format Introduction Paragraph
- The Cover Page and the Title of Your Work
In MLA format, there is no need to have a cover page. However, some lecturers or supervisors may ask their students to include a cover page. When this happens, such a lecturer or supervisor will provide instructions on how to do so.
Put your title in the center of the page and ⅓rd away from the top of the page. Make sure you capitalize only the proper nouns in the title. Also, if your work has a subtitle, separate it from the title by adding a colon.
- Type Your Name, Class, Supervisor’s Name, and Due Date
After this, type your name (first name, followed by surname) and attach the word “By” before it. Make sure this is still in the center of the page.
For example,
“Introduction Paragraph MLA Format”
By Oscar Root
Next, type your class and the section number. Make sure this information is on one line. Then press the “Enter” key and type your supervisor’s name on the next line. Press the “Enter” key yet again and type the due date of your paper in the format: Month, Date, and Year. Remember, this information is still at the center of the page.
For example,
“Class 1c Section 13 Ms. F. Belle March 5th, 2020”
- Introduction Paragraph MLA Format
Next, take your text back to align it to the left. Then start to write the introduction paragraph of your work. IN MLA format, it is advisable that you use font 12-point in Times New Roman. Also, make sure to use double-spacing throughout your paper and a line spacing of 2.0. Furthermore, make sure each page of your work has a running header. A running header is usually at the top right hand of your page and it contains your surname and the page number.
The Body of Your Paper
When writing an essay or a research work that requires long texts, it is advisable that you break them into sections. Not only does this make it easier for your supervisor to read your work but it also makes it easier for you to outline your thoughts. In MLA format, always number each section accompanied with a full stop and make sure it is in the center of the page. Also, ensure to write the first letter of each word in capital letters.
Now, sometimes, you may need to use tables and charts to visually represent what you have written. In MLA format, always add a figure number to your pictorial representation. For example, “Fig. 1” for one table. This should be written under the table, accompanied by a short caption that gives information on the type of illustration. For example, “Fig. 1 showing the number of news articles in October”.
If it is a photo you sourced, make sure you write out the source, publication and publication date, and the page number.
Citing in MLA Format
In academic writing, adding citations is necessary to give your work credibility else they will stand as mere opinions. To cite in MLA format, simply write out the information you have collected and add the author’s surname and page number after it. Make sure you put this in parentheses. However, if you write the author’s surname before the information, there is no need for parentheses.
For example, “News is something that is relevant and recent (Jones, 212)”
OR
“According to Jones, 212, the news is something that is relevant and recent.”
Some information may be longer than three lines so this means you have to separate them from the body text. Simply start the information on a new line and indent all with ½ (half an) inch. Make sure you still put the surname of the author and the page number of the information.
Put Your Endnotes
In MLA format, you can use endnotes in your bibliography. Of course, this should reflect in the main body of your text. Also, your endnotes should begin on a fresh page and ensure you do not bold, italicize, or underline the “Notes” heading.
Another important thing to do is to add numbers to your endnotes. However, if you are using an endnote processor, the numbers will automatically appear. Another thing to note is that the number of your endnote bibliography should tally with the endnote number in your body text.
You can also use your endnotes to provide more but brief information that you could not in your body text. Make sure the word limit is four lines. Also, indent the first line of every endnote by ½ (half an) inch.
Conclusion
Now, you know how to write a good introduction paragraph MLA format. With these tips your MLA thesis papers will always stand out and get high grades.