This page covers how to set up Microsoft Word for an MLA Style paper.
The MLA Handbook provides formatting guidelines, but allows for professors to set their own guidelines as well. Always follow your instructor's directions before applying any MLA guidelines. (Source: MLA Handbook, 1)
Margins
Margins should be one inch on the top, bottom, and both sides. (Source: MLA Handbook, 1.1)
To set margins to one inch in Microsoft Word:
The Font
MLA9 does not specify a specific font, just that it must be readable and that the regular type should be distinguishable from the italic type. Times New Roman is one suggested font. Font size must be set between 11 and 13, unless your professor requires something else. Use the same font throughout your paper. Double-space throughout your paper. (Source: MLA Handbook 1.2)
Heading
On the first page, type your name one inch from the top of the paper, flush with the margin. Type your professor's name on the second line. Course number goes on the third line. The date appears on the fourth line. Title of the paper appears centered on the fifth line. The body of the paper begins on the sixth line and is indented 1/2 inch. (Source: MLA Handbook 1.3)
Beth King
Professor Ramsingh
ENC 1101
26 October 2021
Saving the World From Climate Change
My plan to save the world from climate change involves
Running Head and Page Numbers
Page numbers should be placed in the upper right hand corner of the page 1/2 inch from the top of the page at the right margin. Type your last name followed by a space and then the page number. (Source: MLA Handbook, 1.4)
To insert page numbers in Microsoft Word:
Works Cited
The works-cited-list should be on a new page, which should be the last page of the paper.
Center the words Works Cited at the top of the page (unless only one source is cited in which case the title should be Work Cited).
Double-space throughout.
Entries begin at the left margin. If the entry contains more than one line indent subsequent lines 1/2 inch. This is called a hanging indent.
To create a hanging indent in Word:
The works-cited-list should be in alphabetical order by the part of the author's name that appears first in the entry, usually the last name. If the work has no author, use the title. Use the first significant word in the title to replace the author. Ignore a, an, and the.
Source: MLA Handbook, 1.6, 5.123-5.130)
MLA does not use cover pages, but if your instructor directs you to include one, do so, following your instructor's guidelines.
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