1. Teaching MLA Format & Guidelines
By Kathryn McClatchy
Lakeview Centrennial High School

2. What is MLA? Modern Language Association Founded in 1883
Works to “strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature”
30,000+ members in 100 countries
Serves English and foreign language teachers

3. Why do I have to use MLA?
It is the “shorthand” used by students of the humanities for over 50 years.
It is used internationally and eliminates confusion when exchanging ideas and information
Shows you are serious and knowledgeable about the details of writing
Makes you a more discerning reader
Helps you avoid plagiarism

4. So, what’s the basic MLA format?
All secondary students should know:
Proper headings (date in international notation)
1” margins
Double space entire paper (no skipped lines)
½ “ tabs at beginning of paragraph
Center title
No bold, italics, caps, or underlining for emphasis in titles or the text
Font: 12 point, Times New Roman

5. What are the requirements for a “Works Cited” page?
Author
Title of book or website
Title of chapter or page
Publishing company or sponsor of website
Date published and/or date accessed
Page numbers
(edition, editor, translator, volume, etc.)

6. Bibliography
Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 6. New York: The Modern Language Association of America, 2003.
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Son of Citation Machine
The OWL at Purdue