By: Shawn Cox
Submitted: 2010-10-15 19:09:45 | Word Count: 851
Students usually have the best of intentions - they want their essays to be as perfect as possible, and they spend lots of time polishing those papers. Sometimes, though, the last thing a student thinks about is making sure his paper is in proper MLA format. He takes the time to type it, but sometimes doesn't take the time to make sure it's formatted properly. To make matters worse, one word processing program to another varies, making it even more difficult to figure out what to do. Here is a list of simple guidelines for students who use Microsoft Word 2003 that tells how to format their essays according to MLA guidelines.
Why MLA Formatting?
MLA (Modern Language Association) formatting is often used in the humanities, and particularly in English classes. MLA is a standard way for a student to format her paper. When a student takes the time to format her paper in this way, her professor won't be distracted by the looks of the paper and will instead give the student's content of her essay the proper time and attention it deserves.
Instructors don't ask their students to conform to MLA standards arbitrarily. For example, if all students use the same type of font and font size, then all students who write a three-page essay will have written about the same amount of text. Another reason students are asked to follow MLA guidelines is for readability. For instance, it is standard in MLA to double space one's paper. Double spacing makes for easier reading (in part due to the extra white space), but it also makes it easier for an instructor to leave a comment on a student's paper that isn't as hard to read because there is more room to comment.
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Font: What the Essay's Text Should Look Like
The font should be a standard, easy-to-read font, and the size should be 12 points. In Microsoft Word 2003, the font commands are found in the Format menu under the Font setting. Good choices for font style include Arial, Times New Roman, Courier, and Verdana. Students should avoid fancy type that resembles script or anything out of the ordinary. Remember: the less distracting, the better. 12-point is also a good size - not too large or small. Bold, italics, and underlining can also be found in this box.
These options can also be found on the Formatting toolbar. Word 2003 also allows the student to preview the look of the font when scrolling through the different text choices on the formatting toolbar.
Do Not Dismiss the Margins
Word 2003 automatically defaults to margins that are one and one-fourth inches on the left and right margins. Having one-inch margins all around one's paper is standard MLA formatting. To correct the margins, the writer should click on the File menu and then on the Page Setup command. There she can change the margins to one inch.
Paragraphs, Spacing, and Other Features
Paragraphs must be indented one-half inch (pressing tab at the beginning of a new paragraph will indent it properly, or by going to Paragraph under the Format menu, a student can choose "First line" under special).
Students may also be tempted to have their papers justified on both sides, but it is standard to have one's paper justified on the left-hand side with a ragged right margin - this is the default setting in Word. However, one's title should be centered. This command can also be chosen in the Paragraph box; under "General," the student can choose "Centered" Alignment, and then he can switch it back to "Left" on the next line.
MLA papers must be double spaced. The easiest way to do this in Word 2003 is to go to Paragraph under the Format menu, then choosing "Double" under Line Spacing.
Finally, each page - including the first page - needs a header. The only thing in the header area should be the student's last name and the page number, and it is right justified. To work in the Header section, a student can choose Header and Footer under the View menu. Once the cursor is in the header area, the student will want to first change the justification to Right (in the Paragraph box under Format). Then she will type in her last name and one space. Then, on the Header and Footer toolbar, she can choose the "Insert Page Number" command. The page number will automatically appear on each page. Once the student closes the toolbar, she will return to the regular text area of her document.
A Standard MLA Paper Allows the Reader to Focus on the Writer's Words
When a student makes his paper follow the expected format, his readers aren't distracted by something that looks unfamiliar to them. Instead, they pay attention to what he has to say. That's the main reason for following the MLA style. It's expected, so when a writer molds his paper to the standard format, people don't notice it. Some professors may also count down a grade if a student doesn't have his paper in MLA format, so it's best to play it safe.
