Course Description

MLA stands for Modern Language Association. This format was created for
literature and language academics to format their papers and assignments
uniformly. MLA has also been adopted by other disciplines besides language and
literature.
MLA format was created in late 1800s by college teachers who wanted to inspire
the learning of modern languages in America at a time when classical languages
(Greek and Latin) were declining. Therefore, the format was established to see if it
would encourage more students to learn modern languages.
Since its creation, MLA has undergone various revisions to evolve with the
present-day style of writing. Currently, the format is in its 9th edition which was
released on April 2021. Some institutions, depending on their preferences, still use
older versions of MLA formatting.

Depending on the assignment, an MLA format essay requires a minimum of 5
paragraphs. Each paragraph is a minimum of 4 sentences. The opening paragraph
should provide the reader with key information: an opening statement that says
what the essay is about and what it will prove, and any citations (sources, author,
publisher, etc.) for the source material. It follows a logical sequence. Once an idea
is stated, no need to re-state the idea. The following 3 paragraphs will prove the
opening statement. The last paragraph will bring the essay to its conclusion,
adding any additional facts to reach a conclusion. When a student follows the
MLA format, the essay will have a beginning (opening statement), a middle (the
proof), and an end (the conclusion). The student needs to write the essay into a
good story that the teacher will like to read.

Basic Formatting Style
The MLA format has some unique formatting basics that identify it.
 Use 8.5 x 11-inch paper
 Use 12 point font in Times New Roman or Arial.
 Begin each paragraph with a one-half inch indentation, and double space all
sentences.
 Set margins at the top, bottom, and side to one inch.
 Put full stops at the end of every sentence, and, as is customary, begin every
sentence with a capital letter.
 Binding: For hard copy assignments, it is preferable that individuals take
instructions from their professors, but the commonly acceptable MLA
binding involves using staples and paper binders at the top-left corner of the
paper.
What are some examples of MLA format?
 Author.
 Title of source.
 Title of container,
 Other contributors,
 Version,
 Number,
 Publisher,
 Publication date,
 Location.