Formatting for MLA style

MLA STYLE DOCUMENTATION

This handout is designed to help writers better understand the guidelines for citing sources
using
MLA documentation. Unless otherwise specified, the information contained in
this handout is derived from the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers,
th
7 edition.
Step One: The Basic Format
MLA uses basic formatting guidelines to begin the paper.
Margins are always one inch on the top, bottom, left, and
right sides. EXCEPTION: For the masters thesis: The left margin
is one-and-one-half inches.
The page number is always one-half inch from the top of the page.
The page numbering always contains the authors last name and the
current page number. The page number is always right justified.
The paper is always double spaced, with no extra spaces between the
header, title, and text. The title is always centered, with no fancy
embellishments. The first word and all major words are capitalized,
and the title is not italicized, underlined, or in boldface type unless
reference to another title is made within the papers title.
MLA does not use a standard title page. If a title page is required for
your paper, you are either writing a thesis, which has its own special
format, or you need to find out specific requirements from your
instructor on what is necessary for the title page.
All text, except for the page number, is left justified.
Standard fonts are required, and Times New Roman is
strongly encouraged. Standard font size is 10- or 12-point.
The first line of all paragraphs is indented one-half inch from the left margin, or one
stroke of
the TAB key.
The header, the identifying information for the paper, contains the following
information:
Your NameJane Smith
Professors NameProf. Jones
Course Name, Number, and Section (if applicable)EX:
ARTH 123 C Due Date (in international style)23
October 2003

HINT: Complete the formatting of the paper before you begin to type so that
you are ensured all text remains consistent with MLA style.

The Writers Studio at

SCAD
1

Formatting for
MLA style

The Writers Studio at

SCAD