Quick Tip MLA Formatting The Worry Free Writer from oer.pressbooks.pub
Introduction
Writing a research paper can be a daunting task, but formatting it correctly doesn't have to be. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used for papers in the humanities. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to format your document in MLA style using Microsoft Word.
Setting Up Your Document
Before you start typing your paper, you need to set up your document in MLA format. Begin by opening a new Word document and selecting "Page Layout" from the top menu. From there, click on "Margins" and select "Normal" from the drop-down menu. Next, click on "Size" and select "Letter (8.5 x 11 in)".
Formatting Your Header
The header in your MLA-formatted paper should include your last name and the page number. To add a header, click on "Insert" from the top menu, then click on "Header" and select "Blank (Three Columns)" from the drop-down menu. Type your last name in the first column and the page number in the second column. Leave the third column blank.
Formatting Your Title
The title of your paper should be centered and in title case (the first letter of each word capitalized). To format your title, click on "Home" from the top menu and select "Center" from the paragraph options. Type your title in title case and hit "Enter" to move to the next line.
Formatting Your Body Paragraphs
Your body paragraphs should be double-spaced with a 1-inch margin on all sides. To format your paragraphs, click on "Home" from the top menu and select "Line and Paragraph Spacing" from the paragraph options. Select "2.0" for double-spacing. To adjust your margins, click on "Page Layout" from the top menu and select "Margins". Change the margins to 1 inch on all sides.
Formatting Your In-Text Citations
In-text citations are used to give credit to sources within your paper. To format your in-text citations in MLA style, use the author's last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence. For example: (Smith 12).
Formatting Your Works Cited Page
Your Works Cited page should be on a separate page at the end of your document. To format your Works Cited page in MLA style, start with the title "Works Cited" centered at the top of the page. List your sources in alphabetical order by the author's last name. For each source, include the author's name, the title of the work, the publication information, and the medium of publication.
Using MLA Templates
If you don't want to go through the hassle of formatting your document manually, you can use one of the many MLA templates available online. Simply download the template, open it in Microsoft Word, and replace the placeholder text with your own content.
Proofreading Your Document
Once you've formatted your document in MLA style, make sure to proofread it carefully for spelling and grammar errors. You may also want to have someone else read over your paper to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
Conclusion
Formatting your paper in MLA style may seem overwhelming at first, but with these simple steps, you'll be able to create a professional-looking document in no time. Remember to double-check your formatting and proofread your paper before submitting it. Good luck!