How to Write a Paper for School in MLA Format

MLA Format is commonly required of middle school, high school and college students. It is a very professional way to format a paper, and, even if not required, is a nice, scholarly touch. MLA Format can easily be used in many word processing systems, but this article covers what specific labels and tabs can be used in Microsoft Works (most versions are the same as far as MLA formatting is concerned).

Steps

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2
Set the margins to one inch.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If you are in middle school, you are probably somewhat new to MLA format, but you should be able to figure this out by clicking on such tabs as "view," "format," "layout," or simply the ruler at the top of the document, if you have that feature enabled.
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3
Set the font to Times New Roman and set the size to 12-point.^{[2]XResearch source}
- On older versions of Microsoft Word, you may not have to change the font or size, as Times New Roman 12-point is often the default for 2003 or older.
- On newer versions, the defaults are different. In 2005, the default size is 11. On 2007, the default is Calibri 11. Always check the settings.
On 2007, click the expand button under paragraph. On 2005 or older, click on paragraph. The dialogue boxes that result from these actions are similar. Set the spacing to "double." Most teachers prefer double spacing no matter what format you write in, because it allows them to make corrections or comments.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceScience BuddiesExpert-sourced database of science projects, explanations, and educational materialGo to source}
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Add a header to the document.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourcePurdue Online Writing LabTrusted resource for writing and citation guidelinesGo to source}
- The header should be justified to the far right. Type your last name and then add page numbers to the header. You may now escape from your header.
- It is no longer necessary to put page numbers on the bottom, where they often interfere with text.
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Make your heading. Your heading should consist of:^{[5]XResearch source}
- Your full name (first and last, don't use nicknames)
- Your teacher's name
- Your subject and class, and possibly also grade, as needed (period 1, the name of the class with your class color if the teacher color codes their classes, etc.)
- The date.
  - The date is most commonly written in the day, month, year format.
- A sample heading.
  - Jane Doe
  - Ms. Jones
  - English, Blue
  - 11 November 2011
Times New Roman, 12 point, that's it. Do not bold, underline, italicize, highlight or otherwise make your title stand out.^{[6]XResearch source}
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When mentioning other works in your paper, adhere to the following:^{[7]XTrustworthy SourcePurdue Online Writing LabTrusted resource for writing and citation guidelinesGo to source}
- Novels, movies, television shows, plays or other major works should be italicized with the first letter capitalized.
- Poems, short stories, episodes of television shows, periodicals or other lesser works should be in "quotations" with the first letter capitalized.
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When integrating a quote in your essay, follow three main steps:^{[8]XTrustworthy SourcePurdue Online Writing LabTrusted resource for writing and citation guidelinesGo to source}
- Introduce it. Say something like, "As the author admits..." to literally introduce another person's words into your writing.
- Insert and document it. It should be in quotation marks, but DO NOT put a period inside the quotation marks to end it. Just put the quotations.
  - Then document it. The author's last name and page number should be in parentheses, without punctuation between the two.
- Finally, analyze it. Why is it important to your point? How does it prove what you want to say? What information can you draw from it?
If it is similar in general appearance to papers you've written before, it's probably written correctly

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Question
Do I or do I not indent the first paragraph? In the pictures there is no indent, but I thought there was supposed to be.
Community Answer
On school papers, yes, indent the first paragraph - and do not double space between paragraphs. On business letters and papers, do not indent the first paragraph, and double space between paragraphs.
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How many spaces do I use after each sentence?
Community Answer
One space after every period, and typically any form of punctuation.Example: Hello, I'm Bob. I like apples. I also enjoy bananas.
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How many spaces do I need to indent for MLA format?
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Paragraphs should be indented a half-inch from the left margin.
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