MLA Format using Word
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Setting up MLA in Word                                                                      updated 11/2/00

Open up Word by clicking Start, Programs and Word.

1.  Font  - What size font and typeface should you use?
Font is the term used to describe the shape of the type used in typing.  MLA suggests and
Cabrini High requires you use Times New Roman size 12 point. 
To change the size or font click on the font and size buttons located on the gray Formatting Toolbar on the left side.

2. Set up Margins
     1. Choose File Menu, Page Setup.  The Page Setup Dialog Box will appear.
     2. All margins should be set to 1”  (Top, Bottom, Left and Right boxes.)  Gutter
         should be 0”.
     3. Be sure the setting in the From Edge area is 0.5”  since this is the distance
         between the Header, which will appear with page numbers on every page,
         and the top edge of the page.
     4. Click OK.

3. Line Spacing
MLA papers are double spaced from beginning to end.  The Microsoft Word’s default setting is single spaced.  You must change the setting before you begin typing.
     To set double spacing:
     1. Place the insertion point at the first line of your paper. 
     2. Open the Format Menu and click on Paragraph.  The Paragraph Dialog Box will
         open.
     3. Look for Line spacing.  At the drop down list choose Double. 
     4. Click OK.

4.  Header
Every page of  MLA papers have a right justified heading one half inch from the top of the page with your last name in upper and lower case followed by the page number in Arabic numerals.  Example:  Mora 1
      1. Open the View Menu and choose Header and Footer.  The cursor will appear in
          the header space.  The Header and Footer Toolbar will also appear.
      2. In the Header and Footer Toolbar, click the Page Number Button, which looks
          like this #.   The number 1 will appear at the left margin.
      3. The cursor will appear to the right of the number 2 at the left margin.  Press the
          Left arrow key to move the cursor to the left of the number 1.
      4. Press the Space Bar two times to move the number 1 two spaces to the right.
      5. Press the Left Arrow Key to move the cursor to the left margin.
      6. Type your last name.  The cursor will be at the last letter of your name.
      7. Press the Left Arrow Key to move the cursor to the beginning of your name.
      8. Click the Right Justification Button in the Formatting Toolbar.  Your name and
          page number 1 will shift to the right margin. 
      9. If necessary, change the font size to 12 by highlighting your name and page
          number. Select font size button and change to 12 (see step1 Font for details)
     
5.  Your Name
MLA papers do not have a formal title page. 
The below information is grouped at the upper left corner of the first page.  It should be double-spaced.
        Example:
        Your Name                                             Jane Doe
       
        Instructor’s name                                    Mrs. Mora

        Course name and number (maybe period)   English I  Period 2

        Date                                                       20 October 1999

6.  Title  - Where do you type your title?
Your paper Title should be typed on the next line below the date and centered. 
Click on the appropriate Justification Button.  It is located just to the right of the B, I, U Buttons in the gray Formatting Toolbar to center your title.

7.  Works Cited
The Works Cited list is printed at the end of the paper.  It should show the full bibliographic information for every source cited in the body of your paper. 
     1.   Move the cursor to the end of the last line of text.  Press enter to place the
           cursor on a new blank line.
     2.   Open the Insert Menu and click on Break.  The Break Dialog Box will appear.
     3.   Click on the Page Break Button and Ok. 
     4.   Center the words Works Cited, in upper and lower case on the top line.
           The  Works Cited is typed double-spaced.
     5.   Arrange and Type all entries in alphabetical order using the correct format for
           the type of reference you are citing. The first line of each entry begins at the
           left margin with the second line of the same entry double spaced and indented
           a half-inch.  Double space within and between entries.
Cabrini High School     1400 Moss Street     New Orleans, LA. 70119