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Writing Guidelines

All formal writing assignments and papers should submitted in proper MLA style. You can consult an MLA Handbook (latest Edition), or a reliable website (such as a university site, or the MLA site) in order to find the guidelines for MLA formatting and style. Here are the basics:
  • Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
  • Double-space the text of your paper, and use a legible font (e.g. Times New Roman). 
  • The font size should be 12 pt.
  • Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks (unless otherwise instructed by your instructor).
  • Set the margins of your document to 1 inch on all sides.
  • Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin. Use the tab key or press the space bar five times.
  • Create a header that numbers all pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. 
  • Use italics throughout your essay for the titles of longer works and, only when absolutely necessary, providing emphasis.
  • Indent block quotations 1 inch (ten spaces) from the left margin.
  • Do not add extra spaces between paragraphs or after the title.

If you choose to handwrite a paper:

  • Print legibly.
  • Write in blue or black ink only.
  • Double-space the paper.