If you are wondering 'what is MLA format for an essay', here are a few instructions for you. First page of MLA format should be centered one inch above the left margin and left margin level with the top of the second page. It is frequently used in schools, academic departments, and classrooms. Keep the text legible by double spacing between each line, and centering the title will keep it from looking cluttered. MLA style includes a technique for cross-referencing sources from parenthetical references (in-text citations) to the Works Cited page (bibliography). This cross-referencing mechanism enables users to access source material publishing information.