AHS Library MLA & ALA Student Writing Resources

This webpage serves as a comprehensive guide to help you navigate MLA and APA formatting, as well as outlining your Internal Assessment (IA) responsibilities. This resource is designed to provide links and summaries to ensure you have all the tools and information you need for academic success.

Many subjects in the IB program require an IA. These may include (but are not limited to) subjects like History, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, and Language A. Check with your specific subject teacher for exact IA requirements.

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MLA Format Guide

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in the humanities and liberal arts. Below are the key components to keep in mind for writing essays and papers in MLA format:

  • General Format:

    • Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt

    • Spacing: Double-spaced throughout

    • Margins: 1-inch on all sides

    • Title: No separate title page; your name, instructor’s name, course, and date should be in the upper-left corner of the first page

    • Page Numbers: Upper-right corner, starting on the first page, with your last name followed by the page number (e.g., Smith 1)

  • In-Text Citations:
    When citing a source, use parenthetical citations:

    • (Author's Last Name Page Number)
      Example: (Smith 45)

  • Works Cited Page:
    At the end of your paper, list all the sources you referenced, formatted according to MLA guidelines.

MLA Sample Essays

APA Format Guide

APA (American Psychological Association) style is frequently used in the social sciences, including psychology, education, and other fields. Below are the essentials for APA format:

  • General Format:

    • Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt

    • Spacing: Double-spaced throughout

    • Margins: 1-inch on all sides

    • Title Page: Includes title of the paper, author’s name, institutional affiliation, course title, teacher's name, and date

    • Page Numbers: Upper-right corner, starting from the title page

  • In-Text Citations:
    For direct quotes and paraphrasing, use the following format:

    • (Author’s Last Name, Year, Page Number)
      Example: (Smith, 2020, p. 45)

  • Reference Page:
    List all the sources you referenced, formatted according to APA guidelines.

APA Sample Student Paper