How do I format a thesis or dissertation in MLA style?
The MLA Handbook does not provide guidelines for formatting a thesis or dissertation—or for preparing the parts of such a project, like a preface, dedication,… Read More
Posts related to formatting a paper
When italic characters are unavailable, how should I style a title or a word used as a word?
In handwritten and typewritten material—where italics are impossible to render—titles of works normally italicized, words used as words, and letters used as letters are underlined:… Read More
How do I cite a quotation that I use in the title of my paper?
If you include a quotation in the title of your paper, you should discuss the quotation in the body of your essay. Do not place… Read More
Should the font size for endnotes in a paper differ from the font size for the text of my essay?
No. In a research paper, dissertation, or other unpublished manuscript, you should select a standard font size (e.g., 12 points) and let the word processing… Read More
How do I style the names of fictional characters?
Style the name of a fictional character just as you would the name of a person: capitalize the initial letter of each name. Do not… Read More
How do I shorten a long title?
Extremely long titles and conventional titles usually condensed may be shortened in your prose and in your works-cited list. Extremely Long Titles Some works,… Read More
Is it OK to italicize a word for emphasis in my paper?
The MLA style discourages the use of italics in academic prose to emphasize or point, because they are unnecessary—most often, the unadorned words do the… Read More
Should a hyphen or an en dash be used for inclusive page ranges?
In the MLA Handbook and examples of student writing on The MLA Style Center, hyphens are used in page ranges since hyphens may be easier for students… Read More