So, you've got a killer essay, but the MLA format is making your head spin? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many students find MLA formatting daunting, but with a little guidance and the right tools, it becomes a breeze. This guide will walk you through MLA formatting in Google Docs, making the whole process simple and straightforward.
Understanding the Basics of MLA Format
Before we dive into the Google Docs specifics, let's quickly recap what MLA format entails. MLA, or Modern Language Association, style is a widely used formatting standard for academic papers in the humanities. It focuses on clarity, consistency, and proper attribution of sources to avoid plagiarism. Key elements include:
- One-inch margins: All around the page.
- Double-spacing: Throughout the entire document.
- Times New Roman (or similar serif font): 12-point font size.
- Header: Your last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner of every page.
- Heading: Your name, instructor's name, course name, and date (usually on the first page only).
- Works Cited Page: A separate page listing all the sources you cited in your essay.
Setting Up Your Google Doc for MLA Format
Now let's get our Google Doc ready. Here's how to make it MLA-compliant:
1. Setting Margins
- Open your Google Doc.
- Go to File > Page setup.
- Set the Margins to 1 inch on all sides. Make sure to click "Apply."
2. Setting Font and Spacing
- Select all the text in your document (Ctrl + A or Cmd + A).
- Change the font to Times New Roman, size 12.
- Set the line spacing to Double. You can find this option under the "Format" menu.
3. Adding the Header
- Go to Insert > Header.
- In the header section, type your last name, followed by a space, and then insert a page number using the page number tool (usually a small icon with a "#"). This will automatically add the page number to every page.
4. Creating the Heading
This usually goes at the top of the first page, before your introduction. You can manually type it:
- Your Name
- Instructor's Name
- Course Name
- Date (Day Month Year)
Keep it left-aligned and single-spaced. Leave one blank line after the heading before you begin your essay.
In-Text Citations: Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due
Proper in-text citations are crucial in MLA format. These short citations within your essay refer to entries in your Works Cited page. A typical MLA in-text citation looks like this: (Author's Last Name, Page Number). For example: (Smith, 15).
Remember: Always cite your sources to avoid plagiarism!
Crafting Your Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page lists all the sources you referenced in your paper. Each entry follows a specific format. There are many online resources and MLA style guides that can help you format your entries correctly. Remember to:
- Alphabetize your entries by the first author's last name.
- Use hanging indents: The first line of each entry is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented. Google Docs makes this easy - just select all the entries, then adjust the indentation under the "Format" menu.
Utilizing Google Docs' Features for MLA Formatting
Google Docs has some handy features that can simplify MLA formatting:
- Spelling and Grammar Check: Use Google Docs' built-in tools to catch errors and ensure grammatical correctness.
- Auto-Suggestions: Pay attention to Google Docs' suggestions for grammar and style. They often align with MLA guidelines.
Beyond the Basics: Mastering MLA Style
While this guide covers the fundamentals, mastering MLA style takes time and practice. Consult a comprehensive MLA style guide (available online or at your library) for detailed information and examples.
By following these steps and practicing consistently, you'll become much more confident in creating perfectly formatted MLA papers in Google Docs. Remember, clear and consistent formatting is essential for strong academic work. Good luck!
