Answered By: Debra Oswald
Last Updated: Jul 08, 2021     Views: 749

The MLA Handbook says you should check with your instructor to see what specific requirements they have before you prepare your final draft. The Handbook then recommends the following:

Margins

  • Leave one inch at the top, bottom, and on both sides of the text
  • Indent the first word of a paragraph one-half inch from the left margin
  • Indent set-off quotations one inch from the left margin

Text Formatting

  • Choose a font that is easy to read, e.g. Times New Roman
  • Use a standard font size, e.g. 12 point
  • Do not justify the lines of text on the right
  • Double-space the entire paper, including quotes and the works cited

Heading and Title

  • No title page is needed
  • One inch from the top and flush with the left margin, type:
    •    Your name
    •    Your instructor's name
    •    The course number
    •    The date
  • Each of these should be on a separate line and double-spaced
  • Double space again and center your title. Capitalize the principal words of your title. Don't italicize or underline it.