Ready, Set, Cite (MLA 9th)

Formatting the MLA Paper

Margins

• 1" on all sides (except where page number sits)

Font

• Use an easily readable typeface, standard size
• Times New Roman, 12 pt is a safe choice

Line Spacing

• Double-space the entire paper: heading, title, body, block quotes, and Works Cited
• Be sure to eliminate extra spacing before and after paragraphs

Page Numbers

• Use the "insert page number" featureT
• Top right corner, ½" from the top
• Include your last name before the page number (e.g., Smith 1)

Heading (top left corner)

1. Your name
2. Instructor’s name
3. Course number
4. Date (format: 5 October 2025)

Title

• Centered
• Plain text (no italics, underlining, or bold)
• Major words capitalized
• Standard double-spacing above and below