The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely used citation style for writing papers in the humanities and liberal arts. One important aspect of MLA style is the proper formatting of the paper, including the heading and title. In this essay, we will go over the guidelines for formatting the heading and title of a paper in MLA style.
The heading in an MLA-formatted paper consists of your name, your instructor's name, the course number, and the date, all double-spaced and aligned to the left margin. The first line of the heading should be your name. On the next line, write your instructor's name. The third line should contain the course number, and the fourth line should be the date.
Here is an example of a properly formatted heading:
John Doe Professor Smith English 101 January 1, 2022
If your paper has a title, it should be centered and placed one-third of the way down from the top of the page. The title should be in title case, meaning that the first letter of each major word is capitalized. Do not use bold or italicized font for the title, and do not underline it.
If your title is longer than one line, it should be double-spaced and should not be bold or italicized. Avoid using quotation marks around the title unless the title is a quote itself.
Here is an example of a properly formatted title:
The Role of Nature in Romantic Poetry
It is also important to note that the heading and title should not be preceded by any additional lines or spaces. The heading should be the first thing that appears on the page, followed immediately by the title (if applicable).
In conclusion, formatting the heading and title of a paper in MLA style is an important aspect of ensuring that your paper follows the guidelines of this citation style. By following the guidelines outlined in this essay, you can ensure that your paper has a professional and polished appearance.
