56 Chapter 36.1: MLA Formatting
Part 6: Chapter 36.1 MLA Formatting
This section will explain how to format a paper in MLA style.
MLA style format requires the use of a word processing program with high functionality, such as Microsoft Word. Microsoft Office 365 (which includes MS Word) is free to CNM students. Follow this link to download MS Office: https://www.cnm.edu/depts/information-technology-services/its-services-catalog/software/free-microsoft-office-365
While other word processors, such as Google Docs, are very helpful, they do not have the full formatting capabilities.
Example Papers in MLA Style
As you go through the next sections, it is helpful to look at examples of other papers in MLA style. Follow this link to see sample papers. https://style.mla.org/sample-papers/
General Format Guidelines
To correctly format your MLA paper, please adjust your settings to:
- Double space
- 12pt font
- Margins at 1 inch on all sides
A few more guidelines:
- First line of each paragraph indented 1 tab (.5 inch)
- No extra spaces between paragraphs
- One space only after periods
Format of First Page
Example First Page
Here is an example of a first page formatted in MLA style. Your first page should look like this.
Heading
The heading should be left-justified at the top of the first page (in the main part of the page, not the header):
- Your first and last name
- Your instructor’s name
- The name of the class
- The date
Here’s an example:
Sally Student
Dr. Terrific Teacher
ENGL 1110
14 May 2020
Title
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and your title makes an impression on the reader. Spend some time working on an interesting title that captures the reader’s attention.
When you have developed a great title, it must be correctly formatted. After the heading, leave a double space. Then type your title and center it. Use proper title capitalization.
Do not use all capital letters for the title, and it should not be bolded, underlined, or italicized (unless it includes the name of a book, in which case just the book title should be italicized). But, it should be centered. Remember: do not center the entire paper; only center the title.
After you have centered your title, leave a double space. Then, begin your essay (at the left hand margin).
Page Numbers
Create a right-justified header 0.5 inches from the top edge of every page. This header should include your last name, followed by a space and the page number. Your pages should be numbered with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3…) and should start with the number 1 on your title page. Most word-processing programs have the ability to automatically add the correct page number to each page so you don’t have to do this by hand.
Other Formatting Specifications
After you have formatted your first page, the rest will be simple! The heading only appears on page 1. Since you have already set up your page numbers (right justified, with your last name and the page number), then the rest of the paper is