An MLA research paper does not need a title page, but your instructor may require one. If no instructions are given, follow the MLA guidelines below:
Type the following one inch from the top of the first page, flush with the left margin (double spacing throughout).
Center the title on the next line. Follow the rules for capitalization. Do not italicize, underline, or bold the title. An exception is when your title includes a title. Example: The Attitude toward Violence in A Clockwork Orange
Indent the next line and begin typing your text.
Include your last name and page numbers in the upper right-hand corner of every page. The page numbers will be one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. If your instructor prefers no page number on the first page, begin numbering from 2 on the second page.
MLA Style requires the use of a running head with page numbers in research papers. The running head is positioned in the upper right corner of the page and consists of your last name, followed by a space and the page number.
Example:
Smith 1
Basic Format:
Author Last Name, First Name Middle Name or Initial. Title of Longer Work or "Title of Shorter Work." Publisher, Year. URL or DOI.
Example:
"Works Cited Format Sample Lesson." The Nature of Writing, https://natureofwriting.com/courses/mla-citation-style/lessons/works-cited/topic/works-cited-format/.