Write with Grammarly. Go to: What is MLA format When to use MLA format. MLA vs. APA, Chicago and other formats. How to prepare your article in MLA, 3. Write the edition if you are citing a later edition. Check the back of the title page of the dictionary for the edition number; An MLA Works Cited entry always contains the year of publication, but some source types specify more specific publication dates. For example, journals usually indicate a month or season of publication, while newspapers and online articles usually have a specific date. As a general rule, include the level of detail provided by your source. MLA essays should be typed on standard 8.5 inch white paper. Margins should be on all sides left, right, top and bottom. The text should be double-spaced and the font usually needs to be 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 citation in the text is after the period at the end of the block. An MLA format plan must have the following: 1 inch margins, double spaced. 12 point font, text aligned to the left. Center-aligned title with capitalized words using title case. To help you write your essay, research paper, or other project, check out these writing tips.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 must include the text and the list of works cited.