you need both of the styles of apa and mla. they both can help you become a better reader and writer. you can figure things out more when you have a format. some people do not like to  use them and that is fine,but i think for some papers you should use one of the formats like mla since its easier and most lit teachers require for you to use them. i would use them because they can help me be a good writer and learn just how to type and write better.