There are a few key differences between MLA and APA style. MLA (Modern Language Association) style is used for humanities and literature papers, while APA (American Psychological Association) style is intended for social science papers. That said, your instructor may have a preference for one over the other, so it’s always best to check with them before choosing a format.
MLA papers typically use a 12-point font size, double spacing, and 1-inch margins all around. The paper is also left aligned rather than fully justified. APA papers use a more compact layout, with smaller margins and single rather than double spacing. The preferred font is Times New Roman, sized at 12 points. Headings are used in both styles to help organize the paper, but they vary slightly in form and function.
In general, MLA style focuses on simplifying the writing process by allowing students to cite sources using parenthetical citations in the text of their paper. These citations include the author’s last name and the page number(s) where the cited material can be found. Full bibliographic information for each source is then included in a Works Cited list at the end of the paper. In contrast, APA Papers require students to use in-text citations that include both the author’s last name AND the date of publication (e.g., Smith, 2020). A Reference list should then be included at the end of the paper that provides full bibliographic details for each source cited within it
The main similarity between these two formats is that they are both designed to make academic writing more accessible by providing clear guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers correctly. Both MLA and APA also offer free online resources that provide additional information about their respective styles (e.g., Purdue OWL). Ultimately, which format you choose will come down to personal preference or what your instructor requires you to use