Consult The Bedford Handbook,10th edition (orange and white). Read chapter 57a, "MLA Manuscript format," page 737, "Formatting the paper": Font; Title and identification; Page numbers (running head); Margins, line spacing, and paragraph indents; and Capitalization, italics, and quotation marks.
2. Take a close look at the formatting of the sample MLA paper on pages 740-747 of the text. Take particular note of the spacing of the header or running head (beginning 1/2 inch from the top edge of the page in the right margin), the heading or identification (beginning 1 inch from the top edge of the page or 2 spaces from the header), the title (beginning 2 spaces from the heading, centered), and the first line of the body (beginning 2 spaces from the title).
Note: 2 spaces = doubled space (Click "enter" once to double space between lines.) Any extra space between lines is incorrect.
Additional Notes (explanatory):
a. Subheadings are flush with the left margin, as they appear in this assignment.
b. Numbers are flush with the left margin, with two spaces after the periods, as they appear in this assignment.
c. Two spaces are left after all periods (and other end punctuation), when typing numbers, sentences, paragraphs, essays, etc.
d. The entire manuscript or assignment is double spaced, with no extra space between numbers or other entries, from the header to the end of the manuscript.
e. The manuscript must reflect margins for a standard page.
3. Using 12 font, Times New Roman, type the first two paragraphs of the sample MLA research paper by Sophie Harba, including the headers, heading, and title (exactly the way the manuscript appears, without marginal notations), chapter 57b, pages 740-741. The entire format of the paper has to be correct to receive full credit.
4. Double space from the last sentence of the second paragraph and type your own heading or identification flush with the left margin. Do not forget to double space between entries.
5. DO NOT FORGET THAT YOUR MANUSCRIPT MUST REFLECT MARGINS FOR A STANDARD PAGE.
6. Proofread your assignment before submitting, checking to make sure that you catch all errors and that you have followed all guidelines.