MLA Formatting Tutorial

The Modern Language Association (MLA) format ensures that papers are easy for students to read and teachers to grade. This tutorial covers the basic rules and guidelines for formatting a paper using the MLA style.

Key Features of MLA Format

• Double Spacing:

  • Applies to the entire paper, including the heading, title, and Works Cited page.
  • Ensures easy reading and grading.

• Left Justification:

  • Aligns text to the left, creating a flush edge on the left and a jagged edge on the right.

• No Extra Spaces Between Paragraphs:

  • Microsoft Word (2007 and later) defaults to a 10-point space after a paragraph; this should be removed.

Paper Structure

• Heading on the First Page:

  • Consists of four lines:
    1. Author's name
    2. Teacher's name
    3. Course title
    4. Date (with the month spelled out)
  • Left justified and double spaced.

• Margins:

  • 1-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, right).

• Header with Page Numbers:

  • Located in the top right corner
  • Includes the author's last name and page number
  • Most word processors can automatically include progressive page numbers.

• Title:

  • Centered on the line below the heading
  • No extra spaces before or after
  • Not bolded, underlined, or italicized
  • Same 12-point font as the rest of the paper

Font Style

• Standard, Recognizable Fonts:
  • Suggested fonts include Times New Roman, New York, Helvetica
  • Default to Times New Roman, 12-point size

Configuring Microsoft Word

• Setting Defaults in Word:
  • Margins and other formatting commands can be set as defaults in Word.
  • Access the paragraph menu to adjust default settings:
    • Remove the 10-point extra space after paragraphs by setting it to zero.
    • Make this adjustment the default setting.
  • Access the paragraph menu by right-clicking on an empty page or through the paragraph command.

Conclusion

Following the MLA format is straightforward if you adhere to these instructions, set appropriate defaults, and understand your word processing software. This structure ensures a consistent and professional appearance for academic papers.