Format of a Research Paper: Useful Guidelines for Students

When writing a research paper, each student should be aware of the specific rules for formatting this piece of work. This is a very serious requirement that is obligatory to observe. Hence, the format of a research paper can vary depending on the handbooks on writing styles.

The MLA Handbook requirements for the format of a research paper:

1. Margins! You should have 1 inch on all sides of white 8,5x11 inch paper.
2. Double-spaced text on the paper! MLA format of a research paper should presuppose the usage of 12 pt, Times New Romans, or Arial font. There should be only one space between the words and punctuation marks.
3. The fist line of the paragraphs should be one half-inch indented. MLA format of a research paper requires the use of Tab key for a more comfortable typing.
4. The italics for all the works mentioned in your research paper. Additionally, MLA format of a research paper allows the usage of italics in case you want to emphasize the phrase.

APA Handbook requirements for the format of a research paper:

1. Like in MLA style, APA format of a research paper demands the application of white 8,5x11 inch paper with 1-inch margins on all sides.
2. The font is traditionally Times New Romans of 10-12 points.
3. In APA format of a research paper, it is obligatory to include a page header at the top of every page. Do not forget to insert page numbers on the top right of the paper.
4. Your research paper MUST include the title page, the abstract, the main part, and reference list. The latter should be observed in the format of a research paper in terms of punctuation.