Common Mistakes to Avoid in MLA Title Formatting and Indentation

Common Mistakes to Avoid in MLA Title Formatting and Indentation

When working with the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, it's easy to get caught up in formatting details that can make or break your paper's overall quality. In this article, we'll explore some common mistakes to avoid when it comes to title formatting and indentation in MLA style.

Section 1: Avoiding the "Title on a New Line" Trap

One of the most common mistakes students make is placing their title on a new line at the top of the page. This can be misleading, as it suggests that the title is being treated as its own separate entity, rather than an integral part of the larger work. Instead, keep your title centered and flush with the left margin.

Section 2: Properly Indenting Your Work

In MLA style, a standard double-space document requires proper indentation to distinguish between body paragraphs and the first line of each paragraph. Make sure to indent the first line of each paragraph by five spaces (or use the tab key).

Here's an example of what your title page should look like:

Last Name, First Name
Title: A Study on MLA Formatting
Date

[Your School/Institution]

Section 3: Using Proper Titles in Headings and Subheadings

MLA style uses two levels of headings: Heading I (centered) for main titles, and Heading II (left-aligned) for subheadings. When writing a title page or header, make sure to use these proper titles.

Here are some examples:

Heading I (Centered):
A Study on MLA Formatting

Heading II (Left-Aligned):
I. Introduction
II. Literature Review
III. Methodology

Section 4: Avoiding the "Extra Space" Mistake

When adding new paragraphs, make sure to remove any extra space between them. In MLA style, each paragraph should be separated by a blank line.

Here's an example of what your document should look like:

Last Name, First Name
Title: A Study on MLA Formatting
Date

[Your School/Institution]

This is the first paragraph.
  The second paragraph starts here.


I. Introduction
II. Literature Review
III. Methodology

Section 5: Using the "Works Cited" Page Correctly

The Works Cited page should be formatted with a hanging indent for each source entry. Make sure to leave one-inch margins on all sides and use a clear font, such as Times New Roman or Arial.

Here are some guidelines for setting up your Works Cited page:

Format:
Author Last Name, First Initial. Title of Source. Publisher, Year.
Example: Smith J. The History of MLA Formatting. Random House, 2015.
Indentation:
Use a hanging indent, with the first line flush to the left margin and subsequent lines indented five spaces (or use the tab key).

Section 6: Double-Checking Your Work

Finally, make sure to double-check your work for any formatting mistakes. Use online resources or ask a peer to review your paper before submitting it.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your title page and Works Cited page are properly formatted in MLA style. Remember to keep it simple, consistent, and error-free – with the right format, you'll be well on your way to producing high-quality academic work.