Therefore, this article is aimed at illustrating how to create a standard table of contents in the MLA format by explaining the features it requires. There is no method of breaking up text in MLA format. Therefore, it is dependent on the content and the discretion of the author. Citations are part of what sets research papers apart from more casual nonfiction like personal essays. Citing your sources both validates your data and also links your research paper to the greater scientific community. Because of their importance, citations must follow precise formatting rules . . . problem is, there’s more than one set of rules! Microsoft Word and Google Docs have a Format what can i write a scientific research paper on Painter tool that will copy and apply basic formatting to any text! NOTE: EasyBib, RefMe, and Zotero will help you format your entire paper in MLA style.