How To Write A Header In Mla Format

Crafting a proper header in MLA (Modern Language Association) format is a fundamental skill for academic writing, ensuring your documents adhere to professional standards. While MLA guidelines primarily focus on in-text citations and the Works Cited page, the header plays a crucial role in identifying your document and maintaining consistency. Here’s a comprehensive guide to mastering MLA headers:

Understanding the Purpose of MLA Headers

MLA headers serve multiple purposes:

• Identification: They clearly display your last name and page number, allowing instructors and readers to easily identify and navigate your document.
  • Consistency: They provide a uniform structure across all pages, enhancing readability and professionalism.
• Academic Integrity: Proper formatting demonstrates attention to detail and respect for academic conventions.

MLA Header Structure

The MLA header is remarkably straightforward, consisting of two essential elements:

1. Your Last Name: Type your last name, followed by a single space.
2. Page Number: Insert the page number, preceded by a single space.

Formatting Guidelines

• Placement: The header should appear in the upper right-hand corner of every page, starting with the first page of your essay (excluding the Works Cited page).

• Font: Use the same font as the rest of your document, typically Times New Roman or a similar serif font, in 12-point size.

• Alignment: Align the header to the right margin.

• Spacing: There should be no extra spacing between your last name, the page number, and the edge of the page.

• No Labels: Avoid using labels like “Page” or “Page Number” before the actual page number.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open your word processing software: Start a new document or open your existing essay.

2. Access Header Settings:

   • Microsoft Word: Go to the “Insert” tab, click “Header,” and select “Edit Header.”
   • Google Docs: Click “Insert” > “Header & Footer” > “Header.”

3. Type Your Last Name: In the header section, type your last name, followed by a space.

4. Insert Page Number:

   • Microsoft Word: Go to the “Header & Footer Tools” tab, click “Page Number,” and choose “Top of Page” > “Plain Number 3.”
   • Google Docs: Click on the page number in the header, and it will automatically update for each page.

5. Formatting: Ensure the font, size, and alignment match the rest of your document.

6. Remove Extra Lines: Delete any unnecessary lines or placeholders in the header.

Example

Smith 1

(This would be the header on the first page of an essay written by someone with the last name Smith)

Additional Tips

• Consistency is Key: Double-check that your header appears correctly on every page.

• Template Creation: Consider creating a template with the MLA header pre-formatted to save time for future assignments.

• Proofreading: Always proofread your entire document, including the header, for accuracy and consistency.

Special Cases

• Title Page: MLA format generally does not require a separate title page. Your essay should begin with your name, instructor’s name, course information, and essay title, double-spaced, followed by the body of your text.

• Long Documents: For longer documents, you may need to adjust header settings to prevent overlapping with text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mastering MLA headers is a simple yet essential aspect of academic writing. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your documents are polished, professional, and compliant with MLA standards. Remember, attention to detail in formatting reflects your commitment to scholarly excellence.