The Paper

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:

Now that you have a better understanding about citations, let's take a look at the paper itself. This section will give you an overview on MLA formatting and style.

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Review the information.

  2. Answer the self-check questions at the end.

  3. Go to Part 5 and complete the Module Quiz.

Header

Include the following information in your MLA Header:

Your Name: Jane Miller

Course Title: ENGL 1101

Professor's Name: Professor Jones

Date: 7 July 2021

Formatting and Page Numbers

Using Times New Roman, 12 point font, and double-spaced lines, follow these steps:

Steps for Headers:

  • Start on the first line of the page (Do NOT open the header)

Steps for Page Numbers:

  • Insert Tab

    • Page Numbers

      • Top Right Option

Example in Word Online:

  • Insert

    • Page Number

      • Select the option with the page number in the upper right corner

      • Add your last name before the page number and click out of the header

Inclusive Language

Be respectful to others by using language that describes identity with sensitivity and avoid bias that could make some people feel excluded. MLA 9 makes the following recommendations when writing about race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, and socio-economic status:

  • Consider whether the terms you are using are meaningful to the context.

  • Reword gender-specific terms so that they are gender-neutral. (For example, use humankind instead of mankind).

  • Refrain from making generalizations about group beliefs and traditions. (For example, use "A Christian belief is" rather than "Christians believe").

  • When referring to diverse populations do not use broad terms. Instead be specific and use the subject's preferred terms (For example: "Sunni Muslims in India").

  • Pay attention to "person-first" and "identity-first" language. While person-first is best, your choice should reflect the express preference of the individual or group you are discussing.

    • Person-first language: leads with the person, not the identity. For example, "a person with autism", "a person with diabetes"

    • Identity-first language: leads with the identity, not the person. For example, "an autistic person", a diabetic person"

  • Minimize pronouns that exclude. The singular "they" may be used in formal writing to help avoid making assumptions about gender.

  • Avoid negatively judging others' experiences. Using phrases like "suffers from" or "victim of" may evoke inaccurate emotions or imagery.

  • Be thoughtful and consistent about capitalization and punctuation.

For more information and examples, see the Chapter 3, Inclusive Language of the MLA Handbook.