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Paper Formatting

Headers & Formatting Please note: Generally, MLA does not require a title page for student papers. Always check with your professor first - your professor is always the final authority. General Formatting Guidelines
    Print or submit your paper on standard, 8.5 x 11" white letter paper. Use a consistent type face throughout the paper. MLA recommends a legible font, either sans-serif (12-point Calibri or 12-point Arial) or serif (12-point Times New Roman or 12-point Georgia) font. 
  • Use italics throughout your paper to indicate the titles of longer works, and to add emphasis only when necessary. MLA also recommends using a font with an italic form that is visually distinct from the standard form. 
  • All text must be 12-point.
  • Double-space all text.
  • Use only one space after periods and other punctuation marks.
  • Use a one-inch margin on all sides of every page.
  • Indent the first line of each paragraph (and any block quotation) by 1/2 inch. MLA recommends using the Tab key for this and not pressing the space bar five times.
  • Create a running header for all of your pages that numbers each page consecutively in the upper right corner of each page one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. Include your last name before the page number.
 

Tips for Writing MLA Headings

  • There are five levels of MLA headings. As an undergraduate writer you will most likely only use Levels 1-3.
  • Headings are not underlined. Only the title of the paper is centered on the first page.
  • Level 2 and Level 3 headings are not centered, but are in a version of your font that stands out, such as italics.
  • The word 'Introduction' is not used in MLA. Instead, you start your paper with the title followed by your first paragraph.
  • You must have at least two headings for any specific level. For example, if you do not have two headings for a section, then you do not need any headings.
  • Headings are not always needed or appropriate. If in doubt, check with your instructor.

Works Cited Page Style Guidelines

The Works Cited page should be formatted like the rest of the paper:

    Use a one-inch margin on all sides of the Works Cited page. All text must be 12-point.
  • Double-space all text.
  • Use the same type face on the Works Cited page that was used in the paper.