literature assignments

MLA Formatting Guide

1. The essay should be typed in Times New Roman 12 point font.

2. There should be a one inch margin on all sides.

3. The essay should be double-spaced. There should not be any extra space between any of the

lines on your paper.

4. Add a “header” with your last name and page number on each page.

To select the font size, select the “Home” tab on the

ribbon in the top-left-hand corner. There is a drop-down

menu with a long list of fonts. Choose “Times New

Roman.” To the right of the list, there is another drop-

down list for font-size. Select “12.”

Click on the “Page Layout” tab. Then click on the “Margin” box.

Click on the “Normal Setting.” One inch margins should be the

default setting when you open Microsoft Word.

To double-space your paper, make sure the

“Home” tab is selected. Click on the small box on

the paragraph bar. For line spacing, select

“Double.” For the “Before” and “After” spacing

numbers, select “0” for both of these.

- Click on the “Insert” Tab. Then click on “Page Number.”

5. Include a heading for your paper on the first page in the upper-left-hand corner. The heading

should be double-spaced and include your name, your instructor’s name, the course number,

and the date in the format shown below. To put each item on a separate line press the “Enter”

key.

- Select “Top of Page” and then click on “Plain Number 3.”

- Inside of the header, type your last name and a space.

- Move your mouse under the dotted header line and double-click.

- Your last name and page number should appear on every page.

Kelly Smith Mr. Schaberg ENC 1101 19 May 2012