Mla Format Template For Microsoft Word

The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is a widely accepted style for formatting academic papers, particularly in the humanities. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to set up an MLA format template in Microsoft Word:

General Guidelines

• Font: 12-point Times New Roman
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right)
• Line Spacing: Double-spaced
• Indentation: 0.5 inches for paragraphs (use the tab key or paragraph formatting)
• Header: Include your last name and page number in the top-right corner of each page

Setting up the MLA Template in Microsoft Word

1. Font and Size
   • Go to the "Home" tab in Microsoft Word
   • Click on the font dropdown menu and select "Times New Roman"
   • Set the font size to 12 points
2. Margins
   • Go to the "Layout" tab in Microsoft Word
   • Click on the "Margins" dropdown menu and select "Custom Margins"
   • Set the top, bottom, left, and right margins to 1 inch
3. Line Spacing
   • Go to the "Home" tab in Microsoft Word
   • Click on the paragraph formatting icon (looks like a paragraph symbol)
   • Select "Double" spacing
4. Indentation
   • Go to the "Home" tab in Microsoft Word
   • Click on the paragraph formatting icon (looks like a paragraph symbol)
   • Select "First line" and set the indentation to 0.5 inches
5. Header
   • Go to the "Insert" tab in Microsoft Word
   • Click on the "Header" dropdown menu and select "Blank"
   • Type your last name and page number in the header section (e.g., "Smith 1")
   • Use the tab key to align the header to the right

MLA Formatting Guidelines

• Paragraphs: Use a 0.5-inch indentation for each paragraph. Use the tab key or paragraph formatting to create the indentation.
• Headings: Use title case for headings (capitalize the first letter of each word). Use the "Heading 1" and "Heading 2" styles in Microsoft Word to format headings.
• In-text Citations: Use parenthetical citations to credit sources. Include the author's last name and page number(s) in the parentheses (e.g., (Smith 23)).
• Works Cited Page: Include a Works Cited page at the end of your paper. List all sources in alphabetical order by author's last name.

Additional Tips

• Use a consistent formatting style throughout your paper.
• Use clear and concise headings to organize your paper.
• Use transitional phrases to connect ideas between paragraphs.
• Proofread your paper carefully to ensure accuracy and consistency.

MLA Format Template for Microsoft Word

You can use the following template to get started:

[Your Name] [Your Professor's Name] [Course Name] [Date]

[Title of Your Paper]

[Header with Last Name and Page Number]

[Body of Your Paper]

[Works Cited Page]

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Gallery of MLA Format Templates

MLA Format Templates

FAQ

Q: What is the MLA format? A: The MLA format is a style guide for formatting academic papers, particularly in the humanities.

Q: How do I set up an MLA template in Microsoft Word? A: Follow the guidelines outlined above to set up an MLA template in Microsoft Word.

Q: What is the purpose of the Works Cited page? A: The Works Cited page is a list of sources used in your research paper, formatted according to MLA guidelines.