Master MLA formatting with Microsoft Word - 2022

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Setting up Microsoft Word
   • Changing the font and size
   • Adjusting the margins
   • Inserting page numbers and header
   • Setting paragraph spacing
3. Formatting the top of the page
   • Adding your name and professor's name
   • Including the course ID
   • Adding the date
   • Centering and formatting the title
4. Formatting the body of the essay
   • Indenting paragraphs
   • Using double spacing
5. Additional resources on MLA formatting
6. Conclusion

How to Format Your MLA Essay Using Microsoft Word

Welcome to the Melby Academy YouTube channel! In this video, we will guide you on how to format your MLA essay using Microsoft Word. We understand that formatting an essay in the correct style can be daunting, but don't worry, we've got you covered every step of the way. By the end of this video, you'll not only know how to format your essay but also get a completely free full sample essay. So, let's get started!

Setting up Microsoft Word

The first step in formatting your MLA essay is to open Microsoft Word and set up the necessary configurations. Here's what you need to do:

Changing the font and size

To comply with MLA guidelines, you need to use Times New Roman font with a size of 12 throughout your entire paper. Simply go to the font settings and make this adjustment. It is essential to note that you only need to change the font once, and it will apply throughout the entire document.

Adjusting the margins

Proper margins are crucial to MLA formatting. By default, Microsoft Word usually sets the margins to one inch on all sides. However, it's essential to double-check this setting by going to the Layout tab and ensuring the margin is set to "Normal." This option will give you one-inch margins on all sides of your paper.

Inserting page numbers and header

In MLA style, each page of your essay should have a page number and your last name displayed at the top right corner. To accomplish this, navigate to the Insert tab and select the "Page Number" option. Choose the formatting style that displays the page number on the top right corner. Additionally, ensure your name is typed before the page number to create a header. After entering your name, you can change the font style again to Times New Roman, size 12 if necessary.

Setting paragraph spacing

MLA format requires double spacing throughout the entire essay. You can accomplish this by adjusting the paragraph spacing settings. Simply click on the arrow next to the paragraph settings on the Home tab to open the paragraph dialog box. Select "Double" under line spacing, and set the spacing before and after paragraphs to zero. This will ensure your paper is consistently double-spaced without any additional spacing between paragraphs.

Formatting the top of the page

Now that you have the necessary configurations in place, it's time to format the top section of your essay.

Adding your name and professor's name

After your title, skip a line and type your name. Remember to adhere to double spacing throughout the paper. Next, include your professor's name directly below yours. It is generally sufficient to use the professor's last name or a conventional "Professor" followed by their last name. This step helps your professor associate the paper with the appropriate class.

Including the course ID

The course ID is integral for your professor to identify which class the paper is associated with. While you could use the course's name, it is recommended to use the specific course ID, as some professors might teach multiple sections of the same course. This ID could be a combination of letters and numbers unique to your course.

Adding the date

Beneath the course ID, type the date following the "day month year" format. For example, if it is the 30th of September, you would type "30 September 2022." Avoid using commas or slashes to separate the day, month, and year.

Centering and formatting the title

Center align your cursor and type your essay's title, keeping it clean and simple. The title does not need to be in bold or all capital letters; regular formatting is sufficient. Press Enter to create a new line and then go back to the left alignment.

Formatting the body of the essay

With the top section formatted, you can now proceed to format the body of your essay. Here are a few essential guidelines to follow:

Indenting paragraphs

To indicate the beginning of a new paragraph, use the tab key to indent the first line of each paragraph by half an inch. This indentation helps differentiate paragraphs visually and aids in maintaining a clean and organized appearance for your essay.

Using double spacing

As mentioned earlier, MLA format requires double spacing throughout the entire essay. Ensure that each line of your essay, including quotations and references, is double-spaced. This spacing allows for ease of reading and provides ample space for your professor to leave feedback.

Additional resources on MLA formatting

For more in-depth guidance on formatting your essay in MLA style, be sure to visit our website at MelbyAcademy.com. Our student resources section provides comprehensive articles on MLA, APA, Chicago, and other formatting styles. Explore these resources to enhance your knowledge and become proficient in academic writing.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to format your MLA essay using Microsoft Word. We hope this video tutorial has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to comment below. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel, hit the bell icon for notifications, and let us know how this video has benefitted you.

Highlights

• Learn step-by-step guidance on formatting an MLA essay using Microsoft Word.
• Set up the correct font, size, margins, page numbers, and paragraph spacing.
• Include your name, professor's name, course ID, and date at the top of the page.
• Format the body paragraphs with proper indentation and double spacing.
• Access additional resources on MelbyAcademy.com for more in-depth guidance on MLA formatting.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different font for my MLA essay? A: No, MLA requires the use of Times New Roman as the standard font throughout the essay.

Q: Are there any exceptions to the double-spacing rule in MLA formatting? A: No, all lines, including quotations and references, should be double-spaced in MLA format.

Q: Do I need to include commas or slashes when writing the date in MLA format? A: No, the date should be written in the format of "day month year" without any punctuation marks.

Q: Should I use bold or capital letters for the title of my essay in MLA format? A: No, the title should be formatted in regular font and capitalization in MLA style.