(WWA) MLA Format - Getting Started Lesson

MLA Format - Getting Started Lesson

Writing penMLA is the abbreviation for the Modern Language Association. MLA format is the style created by that organization for structuring and organizing, outlines, papers, and works cited pages.

The information below will outline how to set up the general page format and the first page of an MLA style paper. All assignments in this course should have correctly formatted MLA headings. In addition to correct headings, all essay-type assignments (paragraph responses and essays) should be formatted in the MLA style.

 

General Guidelines for MLA Paper Formatting Image Double space the text of your paper, and use a legible font (e.g. Times New Roman). Whatever font you choose, MLA recommends that the regular and italics type style contrast enough that they are recognizable one from another. The font size should be 12 pt. Set the margins of your document to 1 inch on all sides. Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin. MLA recommends that you use the Tab key as opposed to pushing the Space bar five times. Create a header that numbers all pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. (Note: Your instructor may ask that you omit the number of your first page. Always follow your instructor's guidelines.) Use italics throughout your essay for the titles of longer works and, only when absolutely necessary, providing emphasis.

 

Review the following presentation regarding how to format an MLA paper,

 

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