Why MLA? "MLA style specifies guidelines for formatting manuscripts and using the English language in writing. MLA style also provides writers with a system for referencing their sources through parenthetical citation in their essays and Works Cited pages."
Writers who properly use MLA also build their credibility by demonstrating accountability to their source material. Most importantly, the use of MLA style can protect writers from accusations of plagiarism, which is the purposeful or accidental uncredited use of source material by other writers" -The Purdue OWL
This website is a gold mine; it will answer all of your MLA questions! Go to the wise owl!
Here's a step-by-step tutorial for how to set up a MLA paper: