<p> MLA FORMATTING for Essays and Research Papers</p><p>Margins should be 1” on all sides. This is the default setting for MS Word, but if you are using a computer on campus, make sure that the margins are correct. Some students change the default when they’re writing their own papers.</p><p>There are NO cover sheets in MLA. The heading format should be double spaced and is as follows:</p><p>Place your heading on the TOP-LEFT HAND side of the page. My suggestion is that you do not use the header/footer function for this task. You will need it later for the page numbers.</p><p>Information to be provided in this order:</p><p>Your name</p><p>Instructor’s Name</p><p>Course number and section (ex: Humanities 1301.001)</p><p>Type of paper (not the title) – ex: Independent Reading Assignment 1</p><p>Date the paper is due (not the day you type it – or actually hand it in!)</p><p>The Title Is Centered</p><p>All new paragraphs should be indented. Use the TAB key, and tab over one to start a new paragraph. </p><p>Page numbers: To number pages in MLA format, you will set a header. DO NOT SET A HEADER WITH THE HEADING INFORMATION. Page numbers are always on the top right hand of the page (with the exception of the first page). Your last name should precede (go in front of) the page number. This is very easy to do with Word. If you need a tutorial – drop by the Writing Lab (Vaughn Library 2nd floor). Any of the tutors will be happy to show you how. I will also demonstrate in class at a later date.</p>