Typing an Essay in MLA Format

Microsoft Word

Usually, you will be typing your essays in Word. Because there are different versions of Word, some of these directions will be slightly different.

Sample Paper

First of all, here is a sample paper written in MLA format. The paper is not excellent, and has errors, but the formatting is correct (The page number was just typed into the paper instead of using a header because Google Docs wouldn't let me use a header, but you get the idea.):


Sample MLA Paper


Word is already set up with a format, but you need to make some changes. It starts you off with one inch margins at the top and bottom, but with 1.25 inch margins on the left and right sides (it should be one inch all around) for example. On a Mac at least, it gives you Cambria 12 pt. as the default font, when it should be Times New Roman 12 pt., etc.

Here are the main rules:

1. You need one inch margins (format - document - change the ones with 1.25 to 1)
2. Double Space (format - paragraph - line spacing: double)
3. Use Times New Roman 12 pt. font (format - font - Times New Roman - 12 pt.)
4. Add a header/page number (insert - page numbers - Uncheck "Show number on first page" - Top of Page (Header) - Then click OK. It will add the numbers. Click on the number and type your last name in with one space between your name and the number).
5. If you have a title, center it (select the title - format - paragraph - alignment: centered). There is probably an easy button for this in the toolbar, though.
5. When starting a new paragraph, don't forget to hit "tab" on the keyboard to indent.

It sometimes helps if you type first before you begin step 2 or 3.

More Info.

Here is a blog with helpful information about how to use Microsoft Word 2010 to write a paper in MLA format. It basically says what I just said, but in a different way, if that helps you:

MLA Format in Word

And here is a comprehensive (in other words, long) guide to MLA Format from the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University:

The OWL at Purdue: MLA Format

Save

Finally, don't forget to save a digital copy of your perfectly formatted paper! The next time you need to type an MLA paper, you can just open the old one, change the date, etc. delete your old text and type in the new. This will save you from having to set up the format every time. You can also save MLA format as your default format if you like.