NWP Learning Commons: MLA Citation Guide: Formatting my Paper

General Guidelines for Formatting

Formatting the Works Cited page requires a hanging indent. Read more about formatting below

Always read the assignment instructions before formatting your paper. In standard MLA, there is no designated title page. However, there is a heading placed at the start of the first page of your essay, formatted as such:

In the header of the page, put your last name and the page number (starting from 1 on the first page).
In the top left corner of the main part of the page, put the following:
- Your full name
- Your instructor's name
- Course name/code
- The due date of the assignment (Day Month Year)
- After this comes the title of your paper, centered on the next line. See the example below:

Please note: the 7th, 8th, and 9th Edition of MLA follow the same formatting for the header, heading, and title.

Sample header created by Claire Pienaar, 2021.

MLA does not normally use headings. Instead, create meaningful transition statements that help your essay flow smoothly. Talk to your instructor or consult your assignment instructions if headings are required for your paper.

Transition Words
Use this resource to help you find effective transition words and avoid repetition.

Note: the heading on this page is Works Cited. Start your Works Cited on a new page.

Page numbers are on the top right hand side and include your last name.
The citations are double spaced just like the rest of your paper, but are formatted with a hanging indent. Watch the video below the sample Works Cited page to learn how to do a hanging indent.

Sample reference page created by Claire Pienaar, 2021.

Watch the video below for a tutorial on how to create a hanging indent: