Universities demand students submit end-of-year term papers. These papers are lengthy research reports formatted with structured paragraphs, sections, analysis, and synthesis of information. Similar to writing a research paper, completing a term paper assignment gives you valuable writing experience, information, and skills for academics and professional careers.

However, writing a term paper in MLA format can be challenging, especially when you’re not skilled in it. In addition, the majority of students do not like writing such papers, and if, by chance, they write it, it is not easy for them to format it properly. So, they request experts to do my term paper per my institution’s guidelines.

So, for all those who want to know the most common MLA term paper format errors, we have compiled this guide. It will help you improve the quality of your documents and meet the requirements of higher education. Let’s explore these common errors in the section below.

9 Most Common MLA Term Paper Formatting Errors

Students frequently make common formatting errors when writing research papers or academic essays. These mistakes aren’t always acceptable. Several common errors that students make when writing MLA-style term papers are the primary cause of their poor papers and low grades. These mistakes can damage their manuscript’s quality and reduce the chances of getting accepted.

Here are the nine most common MLA term paper template formatting Mistakes that you should avoid:

1. Incorrect Header and Title Formatting

The significance of the correct use of headings and titles in the MLA term paper cannot be overstated when it comes to the quality of the paper. In the header and title page, the student should include his/her name, professor name, class and date in individual double-spaced lines. Titles are recommended to be centre-aligned and bold. Students who forget to correct these mistakes tend to make a wrong first impression of their term paper.

Here is an example of the incorrect and correct format of writing on the Header and Title Page:

How to write details on the Header?

Incorrect: John Smith ENG 101 15102024

Correct: John Smith Professor Johnson English 101 October 15, 2024

Incorrect format for title page:

• John Smith
• ENG 101
• 15102024

The correct format for the title page:

• John Smith
• Professor Johnson
• English 101
• October 15, 2024

It is important to see that a well-formatted header and title add professionalism to the document. If your title page is not according to the right format style, it will affect the overall quality of the paper.

2. Inconsistent Font and Spacing

MLA guidelines are very strict about the font type and font size, as well as the line spacing used throughout your paper. For the full length of the paper, using Times New Roman in 12 font size is preferred with double spacing. Any dissimilarities in these criteria will spoil the appearance of your paper and may result in poor grading.

Consistency in font (size and type) and proper spacing in papers enhances the paper’s coherence and level of professionalism. Sometimes the reader might be distracted for example by the font changes and this tends to damage the effectiveness of the content.

Let’s understand this formatting error with an example;

Incorrect font style, size and spacing:

Papers are written in different fonts or font sizes, and paragraphs have unnecessary spaces or are cramped up.

Correct font style, size and spacing:

“All text appears in Times New Roman 12-point, punctuation is presented in Italics only, and documents are double-spaced without leaving any additional spaces after each paragraph”.

3. Improper Intext Citations

When using MLA-style in-text references, the writer’s last name and the page number must be put in parentheses. If the writer’s name is incorporated in the sentence, the only additional detail that should be provided is the page number. Citing sources incorrectly may result in plagiarism and would put your paper’s integrity at risk.

Here is an example for your understanding:

Right citation style

According to Smith, “history cannot be neglected” (45).

Incorrect citation style

‘The study of history cannot be neglected’ (Smith, 45).

Accuracy in in-text citations is crucial in maintaining academic integrity by giving credit to authors. Poorly framed citations can have severe implications on students’ academic progress.

4. Incorrect Use of Block Quotes

Block quotes in the MLA style are mainly meant for quotations that run for more than four lines. The margins should be at the level of one inch from the left, although no quotation marks are necessary. Structured block quotes are essential for ensuring adherence to MLA guidelines in your paper, which can enhance its quality and readability.

One of the serious errors while using block quotations is the use of quotation marks or not indenting them correctly when quoting. For your understanding of how to use block quotes, here is an example:

Formatting Mistake

In his explanation, Smith details the process as follows: “The procedure encompasses steps commencing with the hypothesis. Each step requires documentation to guarantee result accuracy. Ultimately, the hypothesis is refuted based on the data” (123).

Accurate formatting

In his explanation, Smith details the process as follows: The procedure encompasses steps commencing with the hypothesis. Each step necessitates documentation to ensure result accuracy. Ultimately, the hypothesis is refuted based on the gathered data (123).

5. Mis-Formatted Works Cited Page

On the works cited page, make sure to include all the sources you used in your paper in accordance with MLA guidelines. Remember to space the entries. Arrange them alphabetically by the author’s last name, ensuring proper indentation for each entry. Mistakes in this section could lead to reader confusion and impact the credibility of your MLA term paper.

Example:

• Correct: Agbor Z. April 29, 2022, You Don’t Have to Be Afraid of Finding Your Aunt’s Spunk Stain, Race: Discount Parks, Powell’s Books, 2013. 36.
• Incorrect: You Don’t Have to Be Afraid of Finding Your Aunt’s Spunk Stain, Race: Discount Parks, Powell’s Books, 2013. 36.

The importance of the works cited page is that it enables your audience to retrieve any sources you have referenced. Any inaccuracy made here will create misunderstanding that would even overshadow this paper. Such inaccuracy can put you in troubles especially when writing academic reports, so it must meet MLA citation standards.

6. Forget to Include Page Numbers

Moreover, according to the MLA format, every page, including the work cited pages, must include page numbers. Usually, the page numbers are inserted at the upper right-hand corner of the pages. If page numbers are missed or misplaced, the general structure of the paper may be displaced, causing the paper to appear incomplete.

Here is an example of inserting page numbers in your paper:

Correct: Smith 1, Smith 2

Incorrect: Smith – 1, 1 Smith

Page numbering is a fundamental step in accomplishing a research paper as readers would be able to point out specific sections of your MLA term paper.

7. Misuse of Italics and Quotation Marks

In MLA format, larger works, such as books, take italics, while shorter works, such as articles, are put in quotations. These types of errors occur most frequently and make the paper disorganised.

Example:

• Correct:

The Great Gatsby

“Blocking by Woods on a Snowy Night”

• Incorrect:

“The Great Gatsby”

Blocking by Woods on a Snowy Night

Adhering to such guidelines helps one to maintain work relevance in different sections of the paper and the overall look of the paper.

8. Use Wrong MLA Edition

MLA guidelines are periodically updated and one can make a formatting error if an old edition is used. It is notable to emphasise that there have been changes in the MLA edition which one should embrace to avoid trouble in their writing.

Example:

• Correct: Referring to the up-to-date 9th edition on the internet.
• Incorrect: Citing the 7th edition of the application, which has already been changed.

One of the advantages of staying updated with the latest MLA edition is that you do not incur formatting errors that are outdated by the current paper requirements. If you’re unsure which edition to follow for your MLA term paper, UK term paper helpers can help you with the most current MLA guidelines.

9. Overlook Small Formatting Details

Even small formatting errors like the placement of the text or a misplaced punctuation mark can accumulate and spoil the professionalism of your paper. Paying attention to such small details is important when writing a well-structured and well-formatted MLA term paper.

The small details include:

• The last comma
• Last full stop
• Indention etc

Details that go unnoticed, even the simplest, can make your research paper unprofessional. There is no doubt that details are important to the ultimate product.

What Does MLA Paper Stand For?

MLA refers to a Modern Language Association, an organisation that gives recommendations on how to write, format and style works of the humanities, among other works. An MLA term paper must follow certain patterns in terms of headings, page numbering, quotations and references, etc.

How to Write a Term Paper in MLA Format?

Start your term paper in the MLA format by doing the necessary arrangement of header, title, number the pages per standard font and spacing. In addition, make sure not to make common mistakes, such as the wrong application of block quotes, italics, and page numbers. By following all the guidelines mentioned in this article, you will be able to craft a comprehensive and well-formatted paper.

Below is an example of an MLA-style term paper from  EasyBib that will help you understand this format.

Conclusion

Composing an MLA term paper is a complicated task that demands accuracy and attention to detail. The overall quality of your paper will improve and create a good impression if you avoid some common mistakes such as incorrect title page, poor font usage, and citation errors.

Additionally, it is important to utilise italics, block quotes, and mention page numbers properly to adhere to MLA policies and guidelines. If you are facing challenges, you can think of getting services from term and research paper writing firms. Theywill enable you to submit well-organised and formatted papers that meet every MLA requirement. Furthermore, considering these tips, you will be able to write an MLA term paper with great professionalism that attracts attention for the right reasons. So, follow the suggested guidelines and make your term paper free of error.