Introduction
When writing an academic paper, you might have to write it using MLA style. However, the MLA style does not normally call for a title page because the style provides instructions for all the important information on the first page. Despite that, you might need to write one at your instructor’s or professor’s request.
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Basic Requirements for Creating an MLA Title Page
When formatting an MLA title page, there are some things you need to put in mind. The title page must be the first page of your paper. The details to include in your title page are:
- The title of the paper
- Your full name
- Your instructor’s or professor’s full name
- The course name and number
- The date of submission.
This information must be written in this particular order.
Basic Formatting for MLA Title Page
- Font: Times New Romans
- Font size: The font size throughout the paper should be 12 pts
- Margins: There should be a one-inch margin for the top, bottom, left and right side of the paper.
- Spacing: Double spacing should be used.
Steps in Writing an MLA Title Page
- The title should be about one third down of the page: The title of your paper should follow the usual title capitalization standards. That is, the first letter of each word should be capitalized, except for very short words such as prepositions or articles. However, no matter how short the first word of the title is, it must be capitalized.
The title and other information on the title page should be centered.
Example
The Environmental and Societal Impact of Drastic Climate Change
After 2 or 3 lines, write your name: you must write your first and last name, your middle name is optional.
Example
The Environmental and Societal Impact of Drastic Climate Change
Joseph Morgan
Leave another 2 to 3 lines then write the course or class information: Here, you are expected to write the name of the course as well as the course number.
Example
The Environmental and Societal Impact of Drastic Climate Change
Joseph Morgan
Geography 1208
Write the instructors or professors on the following line: It is important to include the appropriate title as well as the first and last name.
Example
The Environmental and Societal Impact of Drastic Climate Change
Joseph Morgan
Geography 1208
Dr. James Smith
Write the date immediately after the Instructors name: The MLA format requires the European style date. That is the day first, followed by the month and finally the year.
Example
The Environmental and Societal Impact of Drastic Climate Change
Joseph Morgan
Geography 1208
Dr. James Smith
24 March 2020
The First Page
If you are not required to provide a separate title page, you will need to write your name, professor’s name, the course information, and the date at the top left corner of the first page. The page number should also be at the top right corner of the first page.
Guidelines for the Page Number
- It should be a combination of your last name and page number
- It should be half an inch from the top of the paper
- It should be right-justified
- Do not include a comma or p. for page
Example
Carrington 1
The heading in MLA format should be left-aligned on the first page. The heading should consist of the following in this particular order:
- Your name (last and first name)
- Your professor’s or instructor’s name
- The course information (name and number)
- The due date of the paper
Immediately after the heading, the title of the paper should be written on the next line. The title should be centered with title case capitalization
Example
Joseph Morgan
Geography 1208
Dr. James Smith
24 March 2020
The Environmental and Societal Impact of Drastic Climate Change
4