Formatting a research paper. The following formatting rules can be found in the MLA Style Center. Format the inch margins of your paper on all sides. Select an easily readable font, for example Times New Roman, double spacing throughout the paper. This should include the text and list of works cited. There are two elements of an MLA-style citation: the parenthetical or narrative in-text citation, and the full reference list entry at the end of the article. Both components provide the information needed for the reader to locate and retrieve the sources used to inform an article. Throughout your document, you should apply the following APA format guidelines: Set page margins in inches on all sides. Double-up all text, including headings. Indent the first line of each. Use an accessible font, for example Times New pt. point. or pt. Like all other text in an MLA-style article, the title block is double-spaced. The title is in the same font as the rest of the document, it is neither bold nor enlarged. There is no extra space above or below the title. A truly informative headline will include the general topic and your specific opinion on that topic. So if you pan, revised. When you include a long e in an MLA article, you must format it as a block e. The 8th edition MLA style requires formatting of the e block for: An MLA e block is defined on a new line. without ation marks. The MLA in-text citation is located after the period at the end of the block, with 1.2 cm margins on all sides of the page. Use double spacing throughout the document, including footnotes or endnotes and the bibliography. Include a header on each page, which should include your last name and page number. Use footnotes or endnotes to acknowledge the sources used in your article. A research paper in MLA Modern Language Association format is an academic report that follows the rules established by the MLA for formatting and citing sources. It typically includes an introduction, a thesis statement, body paragraphs with supporting ideas, and a conclusion.