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 2007 that tells how to format their essays according to MLA guidelines.
Students who are used to working in Word 2002 will find that once they are used to Word 2007, some of the features are easier to use.
Why MLA Formatting?
MLA (Modern Language Association) formatting is often used in the humanities, 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 content of the student's 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 a similar 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; words don't have to be squished in the margins.
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 2007, the font defaults to Calibri 11-point. The font commands are available when a writer first opens up Word 2007. Good choices for font style include Calibri, 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 the best size - not too large or small. Bold, italics, and underlining can also be found in this area.
Word 2007 allows the student to preview the look of the font when scrolling through the different text choices on the formatting toolbar, so it's easy to decide right away what font one wants to use.
Margins and Paragraphs
Word 2007 automatically defaults to margins that are one inch on all sides, which is standard in MLA formatting. Word 2002 did not do this, so writers will not have to change the margins. They are ready to go.
Paragraphs must be indented one-half inch (pressing tab at the beginning of a new paragraph will indent it properly, or by clicking on the arrow on the bottom right of the Paragraph box will pull up the Paragraph command box. There a student can choose "First line" under special).
Spacing and Other Features
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 2007 is to go to Paragraph under the Format menu, then choosing "Double" under Line Spacing. Word 2007 defaults to "Multiple" line spacing. Students need to not only change it to double, but they should also change the "After" box from 10 pt. to zero.
Finally, each page - including the first page - needs a heading. The only thing in the heading is the student's last name and the page number, and it is right justified. Working in the Header section is easier in Word 2007 than it was in Word 2002. A student simply needs to double click in the header area of the document (the top one-inch section of the page, above where text is located). Once the cursor is there, 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 in the Header and Footer box that appears, she can choose Page Number, then "Current Position." The page number will automatically appear on each page.
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.
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