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Formatting
Recommendations
here are based on the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research
Papers. It is important to note, however, that individual
instructors and institutions or departments may vary from
these recommendations somewhat and that it is always wise
to consult with your instructor before formatting and submitting
your work.
Paper: Use white, twenty-pound, 81/2- by 11-inch paper.
Erasable paper tends to smudge and should be avoided for a
final draft. If you prefer to use erasable paper in the preparation
of your paper, submit a good photocopy to your instructor.
Margins: Except for page numbers, leave one-inch margins
all around the text of your paper -- left side, right side,
and top and bottom. Paragraphs should be indented half an
inch; set-off quotations should be indented an inch from the
left margin (five spaces and ten spaces, respectively, on
standard typewriters).
Spacing: The MLA Guide says that "the research
paper must be double-spaced," including quotations, notes,
and the list of works cited.
Heading and Title: Your research paper does not need a title
page. At the top of the first page, at the left-hand margin,
type your name, your instructor's name, the course name and
number, and the date -- all on separate, double-spaced lines.
Then double-space again and center the title above your text.
(If your title requires more than one line, double-space between
the lines.) Double-space again before beginning your text.
The title should be neither underlined nor written in all
capital letters. Capitalize only the first, last, and principal
words of the title. Titles might end with a question mark
or an exclamation mark if that is appropriate, but not in
a period. Titles written in other languages are capitalized
and punctuated according to different rules, and writers should
consult the MLA Guide or their instructors.
Page Numbers: Number your pages consecutively throughout
the manuscript (including the first page) in the upper right-hand
corner of each page, one-half inch from the top. Type your
last name before the page number. Most word processing programs
provide for a "running head," which you can set
up as you create the format for the paper, at the same time
you are establishing things like the one-inch margins and
the double-spacing. This feature makes the appearance and
consistency of the page numbering a great convenience. Make
sure the page-number is always an inch from the right-hand
edge of the paper (flush with the right-hand margin of your
text) and that there is a double-space between the page number
and the top line of text. Do not use the abbreviation p. or
any other mark before the page number.
Tables and Figures: Tables should be labeled "Table,"
given an Arabic numeral, and captioned (with those words flush
to the left-hand margin). Other material such as photographs,
images, charts, and line-drawings should be labeled "Figure"
and be properly numbered and captioned.
Binders: Generally, the simpler the better. Why spend money
on gimmicky, unwieldy binders, when instructors prefer nice,
flat stacks of papers they can stuff into their briefcases
and backpacks? A simple staple in the upper left-hand corner
of your paper should suffice, although the MLA Guide suggests
that a paper clip can be removed and this facilitates reading.
Your instructors or their departments may have their own rules
about binders, and you should consult with them about this
matter
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