MLA stands for Modern Language Association that has developed a method to cite sources for research papers. Students and intellectuals both can build their credibility by using MLA style. It is important to use MLA format properly while writing term papers, essays, book reviews etc so that you cannot be charged of plagiarism.
Let us discuss the basic guidelines for MLA formatting style:

• You need to type your paper on software and print it on standard white 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
• Use Times Roman font, sized 12 pt. It is important to double-space the text of your paper.
• Create a header that contains page numbers consecutively in the upper right corner.
• In case of headings, you can either use italic font or underlined font to make your headings evident.
• Just in case you have added endnotes, you can mention these endnotes on separate page before works cited page.
• There is no compulsory instruction for making a title page for your paper when using MLA format.
• Add your name, instructor’s name, course name and date in the upper left-hand corner of the first page. All these details must be typed in double- space.
• The main heading must be in center and double-spaced. The main heading must not be underlined or put in quotation marks. The text of the main heading must be in Title Case.
• Make sure to use quotation marks and underlining or italics when you are using other works in your title.
• Add the title of your paper along with the page number in the header. The font must be same as the original text of the paper.

These are the basic guidelines of using MLA citation style for your term papers, essays, research reports along with any other type of academic paper. Just in case you will be given some extra instructions to add in the paper by your professor, consider them as important along with these basic guidelines.