This document provides instructions for formatting a paper and works cited list using MLA style. It discusses setting one-inch margins and a 12-point Times New Roman font. The header should include the author's name, instructor, course, and date. The works cited list appears on a separate page, with entries alphabetized, double-spaced, and using a hanging indent. Different source types like books, articles, and websites each have a specific citation format that must be followed precisely. Students are advised to consult additional references for any citation questions.

1. MLA STYLE—PART I
•Basic Formatting
•Works Cited Formatting

2. SAMPLE MLA PAPER

3. SAMPLE MLA WORKS CITED LIST

4. PAPER FORMATTING BASICS
 One inch margins all around (except for page numbers,
which should be ½ inch below the top).
 Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt. recommended
 No title page needed
 Page 1 headings:
 Your name
 Your instructor’s name
 The course number
 The date in day/month/year format
 Centered title 1 double space below the headings
 Name and page number in the upper right hand corner
(half-inch margin) on all pages
 Last page=Works Cited page

5. PAPER FORMATTING—MS WORD ISSUES
 MS Word may be set to 1.25 inches as the default
left and right margins. Reset these margins to 1
inch under the Layout>Margins tab.
 MS Word may be set to 11 pt. Calibri font as the
default font. Reset the font and size to 12 pt. Times
New Roman on the Home tab.
 MS Word is often set to add extra space between
paragraphs. Reset this spacing to zero (0) extra
points of spacing under the Layout> Paragraph>
Spacing tab.

6. WORKS CITED PAGE FORMATTING BASICS
 Center the title “Works Cited” (with no quotation marks)
one inch below the top of a new page.
 Include your last name and the page number on this
page.
 List the works in alphabetical order by author.
 If the author is not available, alphabetize by title.
 Each entry is double spaced, with no extra space
between entries
 Use the same 12 pt. Times New Roman font as in the
rest of the paper.
 Use a hanging indentation of ½ inch in each entry.
 Do not number the entries.

7. WORKS CITED PAGE—INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES
 Each form is slightly different. There are forms for
books, journal and magazine articles, newspaper
articles, web sites, video recordings, and other
types of entries.
 Look up the right format for each source.
 Do not trust an automated online citation service
or citation-generating software to format your
entries correctly. The responsibility is yours.

8. QUESTIONS?
 Coastal Writers’ Reference
 MLA Handbook
 Writing Center
 (843) 349-2937
 Website
 CCU Library Citation Guides
 Purdue OWL
 Your Instructor