How to Format an MLA Paper: Step-by-Step Guide
Overview
Formatting an MLA paper requires following specific guidelines from the Modern Language Association. This guide covers the 9th edition standards for margins, headers, font, and Works Cited pages. By following these steps, you ensure your academic paper meets professional standards used by universities worldwide.
Step 1: Set Margins and Spacing
Start by configuring the layout of your document. Set one-inch margins on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the page. This is the default in most word processors, but always verify in 'Page Setup.' Next, set your line spacing to double (2.0) for the entire document, including the header and the Works Cited page. Ensure there is no extra white space between paragraphs. In Microsoft Word or Google Docs, check that 'Paragraph Spacing' for both 'Before' and 'After' is set to 0 points.
Step 2: Choose a Standard Font
Select a professional, legible font. While the MLA Handbook does not mandate a specific typeface, 12-point Times New Roman is the industry standard. The key requirement is that the font style makes it easy to distinguish between regular text and italics, as italics are used for book titles and other long-form works. Use the same font throughout the entire paper, including the page numbers and headers.
Step 3: Create the Identification Header
MLA does not require a title page. Instead, place your identification information in the top-left corner of the first page, aligned to the left margin. List the following on separate, double-spaced lines: your full name, the instructor's name, the course name/number, and the date. Format the date as Day Month Year (e.g., 25 December 2023). Below this, center your essay title. Do not bold, underline, or use all-caps for your title.
Step 4: Configure the Running Head
The running head appears in the top-right margin, exactly 0.5 inches from the top of the page. It must include your last name followed by a single space and the page number. This should appear on every page of the document, including the first page and the Works Cited. Use your word processor’s 'Insert Page Number' function to ensure the numbers update automatically as you write.
Step 5: Format Paragraph Indents
Indent the first line of every paragraph by 0.5 inches. Use the 'Tab' key rather than hitting the spacebar multiple times. This creates a clear visual break between paragraphs. For long quotations (more than four lines of prose or three lines of poetry), use a block quote format: start the quote on a new line and indent the entire block an additional 0.5 inches from the left margin.
Example of MLA First Page Layout
Jane R. Doe Doe 1 Professor Smith English 101 12 November 2023 The Impact of AI on Academic Integrity The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has transformed how students approach the writing process. While some argue that these tools undermine critical thinking, others suggest they enhance productivity...
Common MLA Formatting Mistakes
Avoid these frequent errors to maintain a professional academic tone:
- Extra spaces between paragraphs: MLA requires consistent double-spacing. Do not add an extra 'Enter' between paragraphs.
- Incorrect date format: Never use the Month/Day/Year format (11/12/23). Always use Day Month Year (12 November 2023).
- Title styling: Do not put your title in quotation marks or bold text. Use standard capitalization rules only.
- Manual page numbers: Do not type page numbers manually at the top of the page. Use the automated header tool so they stay in the correct position relative to the margin.
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