Sample Mla Style Research Paper

Crafting a Winning Research Paper: A Comprehensive Guide to MLA Style

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to write a research paper using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. We'll cover everything from choosing a topic and conducting research to formatting your paper and citing your sources correctly. Mastering MLA style is crucial for academic success in the humanities, ensuring your research is presented clearly, accurately, and ethically. This guide serves as a practical resource for students at all levels, from high school to postgraduate studies, to confidently navigate the intricacies of MLA formatting and produce a high-quality research paper.

I. Choosing a Topic and Conducting Research

The foundation of any strong research paper lies in a well-defined topic and thorough research. Begin by brainstorming ideas relevant to your course and interests. Narrow your focus to a specific, manageable subject. Avoid overly broad topics that are impossible to cover adequately within the page limit. A focused topic allows for a deeper analysis and more impactful arguments.

Once your topic is chosen, start your research. Explore various sources, including books, journal articles, reputable websites, and primary sources (original documents, interviews, etc.). Evaluate the credibility and bias of each source. Keep detailed notes, including complete bibliographic information for each source – this will save you considerable time later when creating your Works Cited page. Employ effective note-taking strategies, such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and direct quoting, making sure to clearly differentiate between your own ideas and those of your sources.

Remember to use a variety of sources to build a well-rounded understanding of your topic. Don't rely solely on internet sources; incorporate scholarly articles and books to provide depth and credibility to your argument. The more comprehensive your research, the stronger and more persuasive your paper will be. Consider using keywords and library databases to refine your search and find relevant materials efficiently.

II. Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the central argument of your research paper. It is a concise statement that presents your main point and the direction of your argument. A strong thesis statement is clear, specific, and arguable. It should not be a simple statement of fact but rather a debatable claim supported by evidence from your research.

A good thesis statement typically appears at the end of your introduction. It provides a roadmap for your reader, outlining the key points you will discuss in the body of your paper. Throughout the writing process, revisit and refine your thesis statement to ensure it accurately reflects the content and argument of your paper. A well-crafted thesis statement will guide your research and writing, helping to maintain focus and coherence.

III. Structuring Your Research Paper

A well-structured research paper follows a logical flow, leading the reader smoothly from introduction to conclusion. The typical structure includes:

Introduction: This section sets the stage for your paper. It provides background information on your topic, introduces your thesis statement, and outlines the main points you will discuss.
Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of your argument. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main idea. Support your claims with evidence from your research, using direct quotes, paraphrases, and summaries. Provide analysis of your evidence, explaining how it supports your argument. Remember to transition smoothly between paragraphs to maintain coherence.
Conclusion: This section summarizes your main points and restates your thesis statement in a new and insightful way. It offers concluding remarks and may suggest areas for further research. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.

IV. Incorporating Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism

Properly citing your sources is crucial to avoid plagiarism, which is presenting someone else's work as your own. MLA style uses in-text citations and a Works Cited page to give credit to your sources.

In-text citations: These brief citations appear within your text, immediately following the information you have borrowed from a source. They usually include the author's last name and page number (e.g., (Smith 12)). If you are using a source without page numbers (e.g., a website), you may use the author's name and paragraph number or section heading. For multiple authors, use the first author's last name followed by "et al." (e.g., (Smith et al. 5)).
Paraphrasing and Summarizing: While quoting is sometimes necessary, paraphrase and summarize information whenever possible. This demonstrates your understanding of the material and allows for a smoother integration of source material into your writing. Always cite paraphrased and summarized information.
Direct Quotes: Use direct quotes sparingly and only when the author's wording is particularly important or impactful. Enclose direct quotes in quotation marks and cite the source correctly. Long quotes (more than four lines) should be formatted as block quotes, indented from the left margin.
Works Cited Page: This page appears at the end of your paper and lists all the sources you cited in your text. Each entry follows a specific format, including author, title, publication information, and other relevant details. The Works Cited page is alphabetized by the author's last name.

V. MLA Formatting Guidelines

MLA style also dictates specific formatting guidelines for your paper:

Font: Use a clear and readable font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point size.
Spacing: Double-space the entire paper, including the header, title, body, and Works Cited page.
Margins: Use one-inch margins on all sides.
Heading: Your heading should include your name, your instructor's name, the course name, and the date.
Title: Center your title on the first page, but do not use bold or italics.
Page Numbers: Include your last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner of each page, beginning with page one.
Headings and Subheadings: Use headings and subheadings to organize your paper and guide the reader. Follow a consistent hierarchical structure for your headings.
Numbered Lists: Use numbered lists to present sequential information clearly.

VI. Example of MLA In-Text Citations and Works Cited Entries

Here are some examples to illustrate the proper format for MLA in-text citations and Works Cited entries:

In-text Citations:

One Author: (Smith 12).
Two Authors: (Smith and Jones 15).
Three or More Authors: (Smith et al. 20).
Website without Page Numbers: (Smith, para. 3). Or (Smith, "Introduction").
Quote within a Quote: Use single quotation marks around the inner quote. (Smith 12). "Quote within quote" (Smith 12).

Works Cited Entries:

Book: Smith, John. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
Journal Article: Smith, John. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, year, pp. page range.
Website: Smith, John. "Title of Article." Website Name, Date, URL.

VII. The Importance of Peer Review and Revision

Before submitting your paper, it is crucial to revise and edit your work carefully. Read your paper aloud to catch errors and awkward phrasing. Consider asking a peer to review your paper and provide feedback. A fresh perspective can help identify areas for improvement in clarity, argumentation, and formatting. This collaborative process can significantly enhance the quality and impact of your final product.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if I can't find the author's name? If you cannot find the author's name, use the title of the work in place of the author's name in your in-text citation and Works Cited entry.
How do I cite a film or a television show? Follow the specific guidelines provided in your MLA style manual for citing visual media.
Can I use different citation styles within the same paper? No. It is essential to maintain consistency in your citation style throughout the entire paper.
What if I make a mistake in my Works Cited page? A mistake in your Works Cited page can be a significant issue, potentially leading to accusations of plagiarism. Carefully review and proofread this section before submitting your paper.

IX. Conclusion

Writing a research paper in MLA style requires attention to detail and careful planning. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can produce a well-structured, well-researched, and properly cited paper that effectively communicates your arguments. Remember that clarity, accuracy, and ethical considerations are paramount. With careful preparation, thorough research, and diligent attention to detail, you can create a high-quality research paper that demonstrates your academic competence and contributes to scholarly discourse. The process might seem challenging initially, but the skills you develop will serve you well throughout your academic career and beyond. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow through the research process, and you will reap the rewards of a well-crafted and impactful research paper.