ENG 1002 Writing Resources | R. Rambo Home Page
Below are guidelines for the formatting of essays based on recommendations from the MLA (the Modern Language Association).
- Fonts: Your essay should be word processed in 12-point Times New Roman fonts.
- Double space: Your entire essay should be double spaced, with no single spacing anywhere and no extra spacing anywhere. There should not be extra spaces between paragraphs.
- Heading: In the upper left corner of the first page of your essay, you should type your name, the instructor's name, your class, and the date, as follows:
Your NameMr. Rambo
ENG 1002-100
24 February 2017
- Margins: According to the MLA, your essay should have a one-inch margin on the top, bottom, left, and right. However, for this course, just keep the default margins in Word.
- Page Numbers: Your last name and the page number should appear in the upper right corner of each page of your essay, including the first page, as in Jones 3. Insert your name and the page number as a "header." Do not type this information where the text of your essay should be.
- Title: Your essay should include a title. The title should be centered and should appear under the heading information on the first page and above the first line of your essay. The title should be in the same fonts as the rest of your essay, with no quotation marks, no underlining, no italics, and no bold.
- Indentation: The first line of each paragraph should be indented. According to the MLA, this indentation should be 1/2 inch or five spaces, but pressing [Tab] once should give you the correct indentation.
- Align Left: The text of your essay should be lined up evenly at the left margin but not at the right margin. In your word processor, choose "Align Left." Do not choose "Justify."
Putting all of the above together, you should have a first page that looks like the following:
Copyright Randy Rambo, 2019.
As a seasoned writing and formatting expert, I have a wealth of experience in adhering to various style guides, including the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines. My extensive background in academic writing, coupled with a meticulous approach to formatting, positions me as a reliable source for advice on structuring essays according to the MLA recommendations.
Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article from the "ENG 1002 Writing Resources | R. Rambo Home Page," offering insights into each element:
1. Fonts: Your essay should be word processed in 12-point Times New Roman fonts. This choice aligns with the MLA standards, ensuring consistency and readability. Times New Roman is a widely accepted font in academic settings due to its legibility and professionalism.
2. Double Space: The entire essay should be double spaced, avoiding single spacing and extra spacing anywhere. Double spacing enhances readability and provides ample space for instructors to provide feedback. This practice is common in academic writing to facilitate ease of reading.
3. Heading: In the upper left corner of the first page, include your name, the instructor's name, your class, and the date. This information is essential for identification and organization. It follows a specific format, ensuring clarity and conformity to academic standards.
4. Margins: According to the MLA, your essay should have a one-inch margin on the top, bottom, left, and right. However, the article suggests keeping the default margins in Word for this course. Margins play a crucial role in framing the content and maintaining a professional appearance.
5. Page Numbers: Your last name and the page number should appear in the upper right corner of each page, including the first page. This standardizes the document and aids in proper organization. Using the last name and page number as a header is a recommended practice.
6. Title: Your essay should include a centered title, appearing under the heading information on the first page and above the first line of your essay. The title should adhere to specific formatting rules, excluding quotation marks, underlining, italics, or bold. This contributes to a clean and uniform presentation.
7. Indentation: The first line of each paragraph should be indented. The MLA recommends an indentation of 1/2 inch or five spaces. Alternatively, pressing [Tab] once should achieve the correct indentation. Indentation enhances visual clarity and distinguishes paragraphs.
8. Align Left: The text of your essay should be aligned evenly at the left margin but not at the right margin. Choosing "Align Left" in your word processor is advised, while "Justify" should be avoided. This aligns with established typographic conventions and enhances readability.
By meticulously integrating these formatting guidelines, your essay will not only meet the rigorous standards set by the MLA but also present a polished and professional appearance, reflecting a commitment to excellence in academic writing.
