How to Set Up an MLA Heading La Jolla High School.

How to Set Up an MLA HeadingHow to Set Up

an MLA Heading

La Jolla High SchoolLa Jolla High School

Set MarginsSet Margins

Open a word processing program such as Microsoft Word®.

Set the margins for 1 inch (all four sides.)

Open a word processing program such as Microsoft Word®.

Set the margins for 1 inch (all four sides.)

Create Your HeadingCreate Your Heading

The heading is typed in the top left corner of your paper.

There is a specific order to the four pieces of information you need to include.

The heading is typed in the top left corner of your paper.

There is a specific order to the four pieces of information you need to include.

Your NameYour Name

Type your name in normal order:First Name Last Name

Do not reverse the order and insert a comma.

Type your name in normal order:First Name Last Name

Do not reverse the order and insert a comma.

Teacher’s NameTeacher’s Name

The second line states your teacher’s name.

Include the Mr. or Mrs. or Dr. or Ms. or Professor or whichever is appropriate for your teacher.

You do not need to use your teacher’s first name.

The second line states your teacher’s name.

Include the Mr. or Mrs. or Dr. or Ms. or Professor or whichever is appropriate for your teacher.

You do not need to use your teacher’s first name.

Class NameClass Name

In college you would include the full name of the class, for example, Film Studies 46.

In high school, we would also like you to include the period number: Advanced World History, Period 5

In college you would include the full name of the class, for example, Film Studies 46.

In high school, we would also like you to include the period number: Advanced World History, Period 5

The DateThe Date

MLA format uses this order for the date:Day Month Year

No commas are used.

Example: 11 September 2001

MLA format uses this order for the date:Day Month Year

No commas are used.

Example: 11 September 2001

Example:Example:Joe Smith

Mrs. Dill

AP Psychology, Period 2

12 September 2012

Joe Smith

Mrs. Dill

AP Psychology, Period 2

12 September 2012

TitleTitle

Create a title.

Follow the directions your teacher gives concerning the title. When possible, make your title unique and specific.

Create a title.

Follow the directions your teacher gives concerning the title. When possible, make your title unique and specific.

ExampleExample

Bad example: College Essay PreWrite #1

Good example:Snapping Turtles and Dragonflies: My Biology Epiphany

Bad example: College Essay PreWrite #1

Good example:Snapping Turtles and Dragonflies: My Biology Epiphany

Create a HeaderCreate a Header

A header is different than a heading.

The header goes on the top right of each page.

A header is different than a heading.

The header goes on the top right of each page.

The HeaderThe Header

Use the feature in your word processing program to create a header.

Justify the header to the right.

Use the feature in your word processing program to create a header.

Justify the header to the right.

The HeaderThe Header

Type your last name.

After your last name, put a space, then insert an automatic page number. Do not use “Page” or “p.” or anything except the number.

Close the header feature.

Type your last name.

After your last name, put a space, then insert an automatic page number. Do not use “Page” or “p.” or anything except the number.

Close the header feature.

Example:Example:Smith 2Smith 2

To ReviewTo ReviewWhat goes in the heading?

Student’s NameTeacher’s NameClass NameDate

What goes in the header?Last Name #(page number)

What goes in the heading?Student’s NameTeacher’s NameClass NameDate

What goes in the header?Last Name #(page number)

To ReviewTo Review

What size are the margins?1 inch on all four sides

Where does the title go?centered, below the heading

What size are the margins?1 inch on all four sides

Where does the title go?centered, below the heading

Spacing and FontSpacing and Font

Remember to double space your typing.

The font should be 12 point and a plain legible font; Times or Helvetica are good.

Remember to double space your typing.

The font should be 12 point and a plain legible font; Times or Helvetica are good.

Works CitedWorks Cited

Remember if you use sources, you will need to have a Works Cited page at the end of your paper.

There are specific rules for the format for your Works Cited page. Refer to an MLA handbook.

Remember if you use sources, you will need to have a Works Cited page at the end of your paper.

There are specific rules for the format for your Works Cited page. Refer to an MLA handbook.

Web Site for MLAWeb Site for MLA

http://www.mla.org/style_faqhttp://www.mla.org/style_faq

Just a SuggestionJust a Suggestion

Set up an MLA format paper now.

Save it as a template, and then open it each time you need to write a paper this year.

Set up an MLA format paper now.

Save it as a template, and then open it each time you need to write a paper this year.

Example:Example:Your Name Last 1Teacher’s NameClass Name, Period #Date

Title of the Paper

Indent when you start typing your

paper to say what you need to say; in

other words, use paragraphs.

Your Name Last 1Teacher’s NameClass Name, Period #Date

Title of the Paper

Indent when you start typing your

paper to say what you need to say; in

other words, use paragraphs.

The EndThe End