This document provides an overview of the basics of MLA format for essays. It discusses the key aspects of MLA formatting such as having 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing, and left alignment. The header should include the author's last name and page number right aligned. The first page heading should include the author's name, professor's name, class name and section if applicable, and date in day month year format, with the title centered below. Paragraphs should be indented with the tab key and only use the enter key to start new paragraphs.

1. Composing MLA-Style Essays
The Very Basics of MLA Format
Professor Lauren Birdsong
English Department

2. What is MLA?
• MLA is the initialism for Modern Language Association
• MLA format refers to the appearance and reference
criteria for essays
• Gaining popularity in academia!
Fig. 1. “MLA logo.” Modern Language Association
http://www.mla.org/images/docstudio/top_mla_logo.gif

3. MLA Formatting
• Margins: One inch all around
• Font requirements:
– Font size: 12
– Font face: Times New Roman
• Line spacing: Double
• Alignment: Left
• Header: Last name and page number, right aligned

4. First-page Heading and Title
Your name
Professor’s name
Name of class and section, if applicable
Date in day Month year format
Title is centered
No formatting (i.e. no bold, underline, italics)

5. Paragraph Format
• Indent first line: Strike TAB key once
• New paragraph: Strike ENTER key once, then TAB

6. Avoid using…
• Formatted fonts
Exception: Italicize titles of published work
• ALL CAPS
Exception: Citing a direct quote or acronym/initialism
• Contractions
Exception: Citing a direct quote
• Parentheses
Exception: Parenthetical citation
• First-person filler phrases
Exception: Citing a direct quote