Master the MLA Formatting Style

Master the MLA Formatting Style

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. MLA Header and Heading
3. MLA Format on Word
4. MLA Format on Google Docs
5. Works Cited Page
6. Formatting Citations
7. Hanging Indentation
8. Recap of MLA Formatting
9. Conclusion

MLA Formatting: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Introduction

Welcome to MLA 101! In this guide, we will walk you through the basics of MLA formatting, specifically focusing on headers, headings, and citations. Whether you are using Microsoft Word or Google Docs, we have got you covered. By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of how to format your academic papers according to MLA guidelines.

2. MLA Header and Heading

The first step in MLA formatting is to set up your header and heading. The header is placed on the top right corner of every page and includes your last name and page number. On the first page, you will also need to include a heading with your student name, professor name, class, and the date. The heading is centered and appears only on the first page.

3. MLA Format on Word

If you are using Microsoft Word, follow these steps to format your paper in MLA style. Start by going to the top left of the page and enter your heading information. Make sure to include your name, professor's name, class, and date. Centered on the page, write your title with a possible subtitle. Remember that a subtitle is optional. In the top right-hand corner, you will place your header, which includes the page number and your last name.

4. MLA Format on Google Docs

For those using Google Docs, the MLA formatting process is similar. Start a fresh page and align your heading information to the top left. Include your name, professor's name, class, and date. Center your title at the top, ensuring it stands out. You can use the centering icon to achieve this. Remember that a subtitle is optional but should follow a colon if included. Ensure that your heading, title, and other content are all double-spaced. In the top right-hand corner, insert your header with the page number and your last name.

5. Works Cited Page

Creating a works cited page is an essential part of an MLA-formatted paper. The works cited page should be titled "Works Cited" and centered at the top. All entries should be left-aligned, with each citation listed in alphabetical order. For articles, the citation format includes the author's last name, first name, followed by the article title in quotation marks. The source title, usually the website, is then listed in italics. Afterward, include the date and URL. If a citation includes additional information, it can extend to the next line.

6. Formatting Citations

When formatting citations in MLA style, follow the guidelines for alphabetical order and punctuation. The author's last name should come first, followed by their first name, with a comma separating them. The title of the article or source should be in quotation marks, with a period placed inside the quotation marks. The source title, such as the website or journal, is listed after a comma and should be in italics. The citation concludes with the date and URL.

7. Hanging Indentation

To ensure consistency and readability, MLA style requires the use of hanging indentation for citations with multiple lines. To create a hanging indent, highlight the entire citation and access the paragraph settings. Set the hanging indent to 0.5 inches and click OK. This format allows readers to quickly locate the start of each new citation.

8. Recap of MLA Formatting

To recap, the first page of an MLA-formatted paper includes the heading, which includes your name, professor's name, class, and date. The header with your last name and page number appears on every page. The works cited page is titled "Works Cited" and contains citations in alphabetical order. Citations consist of the author's last name, first name, article title, source title, date, and URL. Hanging indentation is used for clarity and ease of reading.

9. Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to format papers in MLA style. By incorporating the MLA header and heading, utilizing the proper format on Word or Google Docs, and creating a works cited page with correctly formatted citations, you can ensure your academic papers meet MLA standards. Remember to consistently follow MLA guidelines for header placement, hanging indentation, and alphabetical ordering of citations. With these skills in your toolkit, you are ready to excel in MLA formatting.

Highlights from the Article

1. MLA formatting made easy: Learn how to format your papers in MLA style with step-by-step instructions.
2. MLA headers and headings: Understand the proper placement and content of the header and heading in MLA formatting.
3. Formatting on Word and Google Docs: Discover the similarities and differences in MLA formatting on Word and Google Docs.
4. Works cited page: Learn how to create a works cited page and format citations in MLA style.
5. Hanging indent: Master the art of hanging indentation for clear and organized citation listings.
6. Recap and conclusion: A brief summary of the key points covered in the article, concluding with encouragement to implement MLA formatting knowledge.

FAQs

Q: Is it necessary to include a subtitle in MLA formatting? A: No, a subtitle is optional in MLA formatting. You can choose to include one if it enhances the clarity or specificity of your title.

Q: Can I use italics to format the source title in my works cited page? A: Yes, for the source title in your works cited page, it is recommended to use italics. This helps distinguish the source title from other information in the citation.

Q: How do I achieve hanging indentation in Google Docs? A: To create a hanging indent in Google Docs, highlight the citation and use the hanging indent icon located in the toolbar. Adjust the hanging indent to 0.5 inches for proper formatting.

Q: Should citations be listed in alphabetical order on the works cited page? A: Yes, to ensure consistency and easy reference, citations should be listed in alphabetical order based on the author's last name or the first significant word of the citation entry.

Q: Can I include additional information in my citations that extends to the next line? A: Yes, if a citation includes additional information, such as a long title or URL, it is acceptable to extend it to the next line. This allows for better readability and organization of information.