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Quizzes > Literature & Language > English & Grammar

Test Your MLA Format Letter & Business Report Skills

Think you can ace MLA style business letter formatting? Try it now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a quiz on MLA format letter skills on a dark blue background

This quiz helps you check your MLA format letter skills, from headings and dates to margins, spacing, and where citations belong. Use it to spot gaps before a class or exam, then follow up with a full MLA practice set and review a sample business letter to see clear models.

What is the recommended margin size for an MLA formatted letter?
Half inch on all sides
One and a half inches on all sides
Two inches on all sides
One inch on all sides
MLA format specifies one-inch margins on the top, bottom, and sides to ensure consistency and readability in your letter. This margin standard is also used for MLA essays and research papers. Maintaining one-inch margins provides adequate white space and adheres to MLA style guidelines.
Which font and size is recommended for an MLA formatted letter?
Times New Roman, 12 pt
Helvetica, 10 pt
Arial, 11 pt
Calibri, 12 pt
MLA style recommends a legible, professional font such as Times New Roman in 12-point size. This choice ensures clarity and consistency across academic and professional documents. Using other fonts or sizes can detract from the document's formal appearance.
How should the date be formatted in the heading of an MLA formatted letter?
15/04/2021
2021-04-15
April 15, 2021
15 April 2021
MLA style uses the day-month-year sequence without commas when writing dates, as in "15 April 2021." This format aligns with broader MLA conventions and avoids the use of commas. It also provides an international standard that reduces confusion.
Where is the sender's address placed in a block-format MLA letter?
Top left of the page
Bottom left of the page
Top right of the page
Top center of the page
In block-format letters, all elements - including the sender's address - are flush left, beginning at the one-inch margin. This creates a clean, uniform appearance. The sender's address appears at the very top of the page before the date.
How should you space the body of a block-format MLA letter?
Double-spaced throughout
Single-spaced throughout with no extra spacing
Single-spaced with a double-space between paragraphs
One-and-a-half spacing throughout
MLA-style business letters use single spacing within each paragraph and a double-space between paragraphs to separate ideas clearly. This approach differs from academic papers, which are often double-spaced throughout. It ensures readability and adheres to professional standards.
Which salutation is correctly formatted for a formal MLA letter?
Dear Mr. Smith:
Hi Mr. Smith,
Hello Mr. Smith:
Dear Mr. Smith,
Formal MLA letters use a colon after the salutation, as in "Dear Mr. Smith:", to denote the beginning of the message. A comma is used in less formal correspondence. This convention aligns with standard business-letter format.
How should subsequent pages of an MLA formatted letter be headed?
Page number only in the top center header
Last name and page number in the top right header
Company name and page number in the bottom right footer
Full name and page number in the top left header
MLA style requires a running header with the writer's last name followed by the page number in the top right corner of each page after the first. This matches the conventions used in academic papers. Other variations are not consistent with MLA guidelines.
In MLA block-format letter style, how are paragraphs formatted?
No paragraph indentation, all text flush left
Justified text with no indentation
First line of each paragraph indented 0.5 inch
Hanging indent for each paragraph
Block format, recommended for MLA letters, aligns all text flush left and does not use paragraph indentation. Paragraphs are separated by a blank line. This layout maintains a neat and professional appearance.
What is the correct order of elements at the top of an MLA formatted block letter?
Date, sender's address, inside address
Sender's address, date, inside address
Inside address, sender's address, date
Sender's address, inside address, date
MLA block letters begin with the sender's address at the top, followed immediately by the date and then the inside address. This structure maintains a logical flow of contact information. Deviating from this order can confuse the reader.
How many blank lines should separate the date and the inside address in an MLA formatted block letter?
Three blank lines
Two blank lines
No blank lines
One blank line
Block letters in MLA style use a single blank line between the date and the inside address to visually separate the sections without adding excessive white space. Too many blank lines can disrupt the document's flow.
Which complimentary close is appropriate for a formal MLA block letter?
Best regards,
Yours truly,
Cheers,
Sincerely,
"Sincerely," is the standard complimentary close for formal correspondence and is widely accepted in MLA-style business letters. It is polite and professional. Other closings may be too informal or carry different tones.
How should the inside address be formatted in an MLA block letter?
Right-aligned under the date
Indented one tab space
Centered on the page
Flush left with each line on a new line
The inside address (recipient's address) is positioned flush left, with each component - name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code - on its own line. This mirrors the block format and ensures readability.
Where is the subject line placed in an MLA block letter format?
MLA letters do not use subject lines
Below the sender's address
After the complimentary close
Between the inside address and the salutation
An optional subject line, when used, appears after the inside address and before the salutation. It concisely conveys the letter's purpose. Omitting it is acceptable, but its placement here ensures clarity.
What is the correct abbreviation for "Street" in an inside address according to standard postal conventions?
St.
Str.
St
Rd.
The United States Postal Service standard abbreviation for Street is "St." with a period. This abbreviation is used in formal addressing, including MLA-formatted letters, to maintain consistency.
How is an attention line formatted in the inside address of an MLA letter?
To: John Doe
Attn: John Doe
Attention: John Doe
Subject: John Doe
An attention line uses the full word "Attention:" followed by the recipient's name to direct the letter to a specific individual. It appears on its own line above the inside address. This format clarifies routing within an organization.
On page two and beyond of an MLA formatted letter, what appears in the header?
Page number only
First name and page number
Last name and page number
Company name and page number
MLA style specifies that the writer's last name followed by the page number appears in the top right of every page after the first. This matches the academic paper convention and maintains consistency.
Which of the following fonts is not appropriate for an MLA formatted letter?
Arial
Times New Roman
Comic Sans MS
Courier New
MLA style requires a clear, professional font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Informal or decorative fonts like Comic Sans MS are discouraged because they reduce readability and professionalism.
Which is the correctly formatted recipient name in the inside address?
Dr. Jane Smith, Ph.D.
Jane Smith, PH.D.
Jane Smith, Dr.
Dr. Jane Smith
Using "Dr. Jane Smith" is sufficient and avoids redundancy. Including "Ph.D." after "Dr." repeats the credential unnecessarily. MLA-style formal letters prefer concise, non-redundant titles.
Which element is optional in an MLA formatted block letter?
Subject line
Salutation
Date
Inside address
While the inside address, salutation, and date are required components, the subject line is optional. It can be included to clarify the letter's purpose but is not mandatory in MLA-style correspondence.
How should enclosures be listed in an MLA formatted letter?
P.S. Résumé
Attachments: Résumé
Enc: Résumé
Enclosure: Résumé
The notation "Enclosure:" followed by the document name indicates that additional materials are included with the letter. It appears after the signature block. Abbreviations like "Enc:" are less formal and not preferred in MLA style.
Where does the enclosure notation appear in an MLA block letter?
Two lines below the signature block
In the footer of the page
Immediately below the date
After the inside address
Enclosure notation is placed after the signature block with blank space to accommodate a handwritten signature. This placement ensures readers notice the additional materials. Placing it elsewhere can confuse the document's flow.
How should you address a group of recipients in an MLA formatted letter?
Dear Marketing Team:
Dear all:
To whom it may concern:
Dear Mesdames et Messieurs:
When writing to a department or specific group, use a clear group name, such as "Dear Marketing Team:". This maintains professionalism and directs the letter appropriately. Generic greetings can be too broad or informal.
How many blank lines should you insert between the closing and your typed name in an MLA formatted letter?
No blank lines
Four blank lines
One blank line
Two blank lines
MLA block letters recommend leaving four blank lines between the complimentary close and the typed name to allow sufficient space for a handwritten signature. This spacing is standard in professional correspondence.
Which layout style is recommended for letters in MLA format?
Block format
Semi-block format
Indented format
Modified block format
MLA style prefers block format for letters, with all elements aligned flush left and no paragraph indentation. This format creates a clean, uniform appearance. Other layouts introduce unnecessary complexity.
In an MLA formatted business letter, how should a quotation longer than four lines be formatted?
Centered on the page, double-spaced, without quotation marks
Indented one inch from the right margin, single-spaced, without quotation marks
Indented 0.5 inch from both margins, single-spaced, with quotation marks
Indented one inch from the left margin, double-spaced, without quotation marks
MLA block quotations begin on a new line and are indented one inch from the left margin, double-spaced, without quotation marks. This rule applies whether the quote appears in an academic paper or a professional letter. The indented format clearly distinguishes the quotation from the body text.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand MLA Format Letter Structure -

    Grasp the essential components of an mla format letter, including heading, inside address, salutation, body, and closing.

  2. Identify MLA Style Business Letter Elements -

    Recognize the unique conventions of an mla style business letter and distinguish them from other professional correspondence formats.

  3. Apply MLA Format for Business Letter Rules -

    Use correct spacing, margin, and alignment guidelines to craft a fully compliant business letter in mla format.

  4. Analyze Common Formatting Errors -

    Spot and correct typical mistakes in mla format letter format to ensure polished and accurate document presentation.

  5. Evaluate Report Conventions in MLA Style -

    Assess the basic structure and formatting requirements of reports under mla guidelines to strengthen report-writing skills.

  6. Improve Professional Letter Formatting Consistency -

    Enhance your ability to produce consistently formatted business letters that adhere strictly to mla style business letter standards.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Heading and Contact Information -

    The mla format letter format begins with your name, the recipient's title, course or department, and date on separate double-spaced lines in the top-left corner, following MLA Handbook standards. Use 1-inch margins and Times New Roman 12pt font to maintain a professional appearance, as recommended by the Purdue OWL.

  2. Inside Address and Salutation -

    Two lines below the date, include the inside address with the recipient's full name, position, organization, and mailing address, each on its own line, flush left. Follow this with a formal salutation such as "Dear Dr. Smith:" and remember the colon after the greeting in MLA style business letter etiquette.

  3. Body Structure and Spacing -

    Format the letter body in double spacing with the first line of each paragraph indented one-half inch, and avoid extra spaces between paragraphs to align with MLA style conventions. A helpful mnemonic, "DIPS" (Double-space, Indent, Paragraphs, Standard font), can remind you of these essential consistency rules.

  4. Signature Block and Enclosure Notation -

    Leave two blank lines after the body and include a complimentary close like "Sincerely," followed by your typed name and title. If you're attaching additional documents, note them with "Enclosure:" and list items flush left two lines below your signature block to clearly indicate supplementary materials.

  5. No Running Head or Page Numbers -

    Unlike research papers, an mla format for business letter omits a running head and page numbers, keeping the format clean and focused solely on the content. This streamlined approach adheres to Modern Language Association guidance for letters and avoids unnecessary header information.

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