To format a paper in MLA style, follow these key guidelines:
- Use standard white 8.5 x 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Choose an easily readable font such as 12-point Times New Roman.
- Double-space the entire text, including quotations, notes, and the Works Cited page.
- Indent the first line of each paragraph one half-inch from the left margin (use the Tab key).
- Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks.
Header and Heading:
- Create a header in the upper right corner with your last name and page number, half an inch from the top, flush with the right margin. Number all pages consecutively.
- On the first page, include a heading aligned to the left with four lines: your full name, your instructor’s name, the course name and number, and the date (day month year format).
- After the heading, double-space and center the paper’s title. Do not underline, italicize, or place the title in quotation marks unless it includes a title of another work.
Title and Text:
- The title should be in standard font style and capitalization (title case).
- Double-space between the title and the first line of the text.
Works Cited:
- Include a Works Cited page at the end listing all sources cited in the paper, formatted according to MLA guidelines.
This setup ensures your paper adheres to MLA standards for formatting and presentation
