Creating an MLA Template in Microsoft Word

In this video, we explore the step-by-step process of creating an MLA format template in Microsoft Word, tailored specifically for students preparing papers in the humanities and liberal arts. This guide provides valuable insights into setting up a document that adheres to the Modern Language Association (MLA) 6.0 guidelines, ensuring that students can focus on their content without worrying about formatting details.

Starting with a blank Word document, the video begins by modifying the "Normal" style to align with MLA standards, including changing the font to Times New Roman, setting the font size to 12 points, and adjusting the line spacing to double. This foundational setup guarantees that the entire paper follows the required MLA formatting, offering a seamless writing experience for students.

The tutorial then guides viewers through creating an MLA title block, which includes the student's name, instructor's name, course name and number, and the date, all flush left. Unlike some other academic formats, MLA does not require a separate title page, making this initial setup crucial for correctly formatted submissions.

For the paper's title, the video instructs viewers to center the text without any bolding, italicizing, or underlining, maintaining the simplicity and clarity expected in MLA format. Following the title, the body of the paper begins with a properly indented first paragraph, ensuring that each paragraph throughout the document starts with a half-inch indent, in line with MLA guidelines.

An essential element of MLA formatting covered in the tutorial is the inclusion of a header with the student's last name and page number, aligned to the right margin. This step is crucial for maintaining consistency across pages and assisting in the organization and review of the paper.

The tutorial concludes with the setup of a "Works Cited" page, demonstrating how to create hanging indents for citations, which are a hallmark of MLA style. This ensures that references are clearly presented and easily navigable for readers and reviewers.

Finally, the video walks viewers through saving the document as a template (with a .dotx extension), allowing students to reuse the format for future papers. This practical tip saves time and ensures consistency in formatting across multiple assignments.

By following the detailed instructions provided in this video, students will be equipped with a reliable MLA format template, enabling them to concentrate on their research and writing without the added stress of formatting intricacies.

Keywords: MLA format, Microsoft Word, template, humanities, liberal arts, academic writing, Times New Roman, double spacing, Works Cited

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