Using MLA Format

Each time you type anything for English (and many other courses this year) you will need to MLA format your assignment.

Font:

You should always use Times New Roman font, black ink, size 12. Do not underline, bold, or italicize any portion of your essay, including your title. The only exception to this is if you are writing about a novel we are studying, and then you may underline the title of the book.

Spacing:

You must always double-space your writing assignments. How to double space:

1. Go to "Format" and choose "Paragraph."

2. In the box that opens, look for "Line Spacing" and change it to "Double" Click "OK."

3. Never hit the "Enter" key more than one time. Your assignment should be evenly spaced.

Heading:

Every writing assignment that you complete must contain this 4-line heading.  Your heading appears on the upper left-hand side of the page. This heading only goes on the first page. It should have the following information:

Your Name

Your Teacher's Name

Your Class

The Date the Assignment is Due

How to format your heading:

John Student

Mrs. Haynes

English 9, C

01 September 2009

**Note that the date is always marked by two digits and it is inverted. If writing a date from the 1st-9th of the month, use a 0 as a placeholder before the single digit.**

Title:

Your title should be in the center of the page, immediately following your heading. Do not add any extra spaces between your title and the body of your first paragraph. Remember to only hit "Enter" one time.

Staple:

Every assignment over one page in length requires a staple before you hand it in. You must staple prior to my class; I do not permit students to use my stapler when as assignment is due. Please use one staple in the upper left-hand corner.

Margins:

The margins of your paper should be set to one inch or one-and-a-half inches. Microsoft Word automatically formats the correct size for you.