MLA 1
Academic Support Center
Writing Center
MLA Style Format
The purpose of the format is to create an appearance that is consistent and appealing to the
reader.
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Formatting the Paper
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Marginal settings: These settings provide an alignment for all papers using MLA style.
 Header is ½ inch from the top.
 Body of paper is 1 inch from the top.
 Left and right margins are 1 inch
 Right margin NOT blocked (marginal setting should be set on “Left aligned,” not
on “Justified.”)
Line spacing: The line spacing allows professors to comment and grade the paper.
 double spaced from the top to the bottom and throughout the paper on all pages,
including the Works Cited page.
NOTE: For Microsoft Word versions 2010 and most recent, the default settings
of spacing (that places extra lines between paragraphs) must be changed.
Indentation of paragraphs: Indentations inform the reader that new information is being
provided.
 Use the TAB key to indent ½ inch for every new paragraph.
MLA 2
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Header and Heading
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Header: The header identifies each page, which further organizes the content for readers.
 numbered in accordance with writer’s last name and page number separated by
one space
 typed in same font size and type as the body of the paper
Heading: The author’s information is sectioned at the top left of the page, outside of the header.
 MLA adheres to the following order:
Your name
Professor’s name
Course name and number
Date (day month year)
NOTES: The professor’s name must appear with the appropriate title, such as Dr. Smith.
Do not abbreviate the month.
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Title
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Title of Document: The title focuses the paper prior to the introduction.
 double-spaced after the heading
 centered on the line
 not in bold or italicized font
 font size same as the body of the paper
Created by Austin Peay State University, 26 August 2016