In an MLA-formatted research paper, the proper order of sections typically follows a structured organization. It starts with the title page, which includes the title of the paper, author's name, course name, instructor's name, and due date. The second page usually begins with the introduction section, providing background information and presenting the thesis statement. This is followed by the main body paragraphs, where the research, analysis, and evidence are presented. Within the body, various sections such as literature review, methodology, results, and discussion can be included, depending on the nature of the research. The paper then concludes with a summary or conclusion section that restates the main findings and provides final thoughts on the topic. Finally, a separate page is dedicated to the Works Cited section, which lists all the sources cited in the paper.