Crafting a Perfect MLA-Formatted Letter- A Comprehensive Guide

Writing a letter in MLA format is an essential skill for students and professionals alike. MLA format, which stands for Modern Language Association, is a widely-accepted citation style used in the humanities, particularly in the fields of English, literature, and cultural studies. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to write a letter in MLA format, including the necessary components and formatting guidelines.

When writing a letter in MLA format, it is crucial to adhere to the specific guidelines outlined by the Modern Language Association. The format typically includes a heading, the letter’s body, and a closing. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to structure a letter in MLA format.

1. Heading: The heading should be placed in the upper left corner of the page, one inch from the top. Include the following information in this order: your name, your institutional affiliation (if applicable), the course number and title, the instructor’s name, and the date. For example:

“`
Jane Smith
English Department
University of Example
ENG 101
Dr. John Doe
March 15, 2022
“`

2. Salutation: Start the letter with a formal salutation, such as “Dear Dr. Doe,” or “Dear Professor Doe,” followed by a comma. If you are unsure of the recipient’s title, you can use “Dear [Last Name],” or “Dear [Full Name].”

3. Body: The body of the letter should be single-spaced, with a double space between paragraphs. Use a standard 12-point font, such as Times New Roman, and left-align the text. The first line of each paragraph should be indented one half-inch from the left margin. Below is an example of the body of a letter in MLA format:

“`
Dear Dr. Doe,

I am writing to express my interest in the English Department’s internship program for the upcoming summer semester. As a rising junior with a strong passion for literature, I believe this opportunity would be an excellent way to gain practical experience and further develop my skills.

During my time at the University of Example, I have taken several courses in English literature, including “Shakespearean Drama” and “The American Novel.” These courses have not only broadened my knowledge of literary works but have also honed my critical thinking and writing abilities. I am confident that my background and enthusiasm for the field make me a suitable candidate for the internship.

I am particularly interested in the opportunity to work with the department’s publishing initiative, “Example Literary Review.” I believe that my experience as an editor for the school newspaper, “The Examplean,” has prepared me well for this role. I am eager to contribute to the publication and learn from the expertise of the department’s faculty and staff.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your review. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity with you further.

Sincerely,

Jane Smith
“`

4. Closing: End the letter with a formal closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you.” Follow the closing with your name, and optionally, your contact information, such as your email address or phone number.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively write a letter in MLA format that is both professional and polished. Remember to proofread your letter for any grammatical or spelling errors before submitting it.