How to Format Your Paper in MLA (Ninth Edition)

Introduction

• Presented by David
• Focus: Formatting a paper in MLA using Microsoft Word
• Applicable to Google Docs and other word processors
• Video covers formatting; in-text and works cited citations are in the next video
• Guidelines can be modified by your teacher

Starting Your Document

1. Open a New Document
   • Choose a blank document
   • Save the document:
     • Go to File > Save As
     • Select location, enter file name, click Save

Setting Font and Margins

1. Change Default Font Settings

   • Font: Times New Roman
   • Size: 12 points

2. Set Proper Margins

   • Select the Layout tab
   • Click on Margins > Normal (1 inch on all sides)

Line Spacing

1. Change Line Spacing
   • Select Paragraph
   • Under spacing:
     • Line spacing: Double
     • After: 0 points
   • Click OK

Creating the Running Head

1. Access Header Area
   • Double click at the top of the page
   • Select Page Number > Top of Page > Page Number 3
   • Align page numbers to the right
   • Add your last name before the page number
   • Double click within the page to exit header area

Paper’s Heading and Title

1. Create Paper's Heading

   • First line: Your name
   • Next line: Instructor’s name
   • Next line: Course number
   • Last line: Date

2. Title

   • On the line after heading, center align the title
   • Type title in title case (major words capitalized)

3. Start Your Paper

   • Begin on the line following the title
   • Each paragraph indented one half inch:
     • Left align, then press tab for indentation

Creating Works Cited Section

1. Insert Page Break

   • Go to Insert > Page Break

2. Creating the Works Cited Header

   • Select Home tab, center align
   • Type "Works Cited" and press Enter
   • Left-align text after header

3. Setting Up Hanging Indentation

   • Open Paragraph Settings menu
   • Under indentation, set Special to Hanging

Conclusion

• Ready to start writing your paper
• Questions can be left in the comment section
• Next video will cover in-text citations and Works Cited citations
• Encouraged to watch for further understanding