1.1: MLA Guidelines

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    MLA Guidelines for Literary Essays

    Why MLA Matters

    The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is the standard documentation format used in English and literature courses. MLA style provides a consistent system for formatting essays and citing sources, allowing readers to locate the evidence that supports your ideas.

    Throughout this course, all formal essays should follow current MLA guidelines unless your instructor provides different directions.

    Formatting Your Essay

    Unless instructed otherwise, format your essays using the following guidelines:

    • 12-point, readable font (such as Times New Roman)
    • Double-spaced throughout the document
    • One-inch margins on all sides
    • Left-aligned text
    • Page numbers with your last name in the upper-right corner
    • MLA heading in the upper-left corner
    • Centered title (do not bold, underline, or place in quotation marks)
    • Indent the first line of each paragraph one-half inch

    MLA Heading

    Your first page should include:

    Your Name

    Instructor's Name

    Course Name

    Date

    Example:

    


    Jessica Smith
Professor Jones
English 203
10 September 2026
    


    

    Creating a Strong Title
    


    Your title should describe the focus of your essay rather than simply identifying the assignment.
    


    Instead of:
    


    

    Essay 1
    

    


    Write:
    


    

    The Cost of Heroism in The Epic of Gilgamesh
    

    


    A thoughtful title gives readers a clear sense of your argument.
    


    

    Introducing Quotations
    


    Always introduce quotations with context.
    


    Instead of writing:
    


    

    "He who saw the Deep..." (1.1)
    

    


    Write:
    


    

    At the beginning of the epic, the narrator introduces Gilgamesh as a ruler whose experiences transformed him: "He who saw the Deep..." (1.1).
    

    


    Quotations should become part of your own sentence.
    


    

    Explaining Quotations
    


    A quotation should never stand alone.
    


    After every quotation, explain:
    


      
    
    • What does the quotation mean?
      • 
    
    • Why is it important?
      • 
    
    • How does it support your thesis?
      • 

    


    Remember:
    


    Your analysis should always be longer than the quotation itself.
    


    

    In-Text Citations
    


    MLA uses parenthetical citations to identify sources.
    


    Example:
    


    

    Gilgamesh gradually becomes a wiser leader through his friendship with Enkidu (12).
    

    


    The citation should correspond to the source listed on your Works Cited page.
    


    Always follow your instructor's preferred citation method for the edition used in class.
    


    

    The Works Cited Page
    


    Every formal essay should include a separate Works Cited page.
    


    The Works Cited page should:
    


      
    
    • Begin on a new page.
      • 
    
    • Be titled Works Cited.
      • 
    
    • List sources alphabetically by author's last name.
      • 
    
    • Use hanging indents.
      • 
    
    • Be double-spaced.
      • 

    


    Include every source cited in your essay.
    


    

    Avoiding Plagiarism
    


    Plagiarism occurs when you present another person's words or ideas as your own.
    


    To avoid plagiarism:
    


      
    
    • Cite all quotations.
      • 
    
    • Cite paraphrased ideas.
      • 
    
    • Use quotation marks for direct quotations.
      • 
    
    • Include every cited source on the Works Cited page.
      • 

    


    Academic honesty is an essential part of literary scholarship.
    


    

    Revision Checklist
    


    Before submitting your essay, ask yourself:
    


    ☐ Does my essay follow MLA formatting?
    


    ☐ Does my title reflect my argument?
    


    ☐ Have I introduced and explained every quotation?
    


    ☐ Does every quotation support my thesis?
    


    ☐ Have I cited every borrowed idea?
    


    ☐ Does my Works Cited page match my in-text citations?
    


    ☐ Have I proofread carefully?
    


    

    MLA Resources
    


    For additional guidance, consult:
    


      
    
    • Your instructor's course materials
      • 
    
    • The MLA Handbook (current edition)
      • 
    
    • The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL), a widely used resource for MLA style and documentation
      • 
    
    • Your college's Writing Center
      • 

    


    Remember that MLA guidelines are updated periodically. When in doubt, ask your instructor or consult the most current MLA resources.
    


    

    Writing Is a Process
    


    Strong literary essays are rarely written in a single draft. Effective writers revise, reorganize, and refine their ideas before submitting their work. Plan time to review your thesis, strengthen your analysis, and edit carefully for clarity and correctness.
    


    Each essay you complete in this course is an opportunity to improve your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. With practice, literary analysis becomes not only easier but also more rewarding.