The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely used formatting guide for academic and research papers, particularly in the humanities. One of the key elements of MLA style is the header, which provides important information about the document, such as the author's last name and page number. In this article, we will explore the MLA header guide and provide tips on how to format it easily.
What is an MLA Header?
An MLA header is a line of text that appears at the top of each page in a document, typically in the upper right corner. It includes the author’s last name and page number, separated by a space. The header is an essential part of MLA style, as it helps readers quickly identify the author and page number of the document.
MLA Header Format
To format an MLA header, follow these steps:
- Open your document and select the “Header” option from the “Insert” menu.
- Click on the “Header” tab and select “Blank” or “Empty” to start with a blank header.
- Type your last name in the header, followed by a space and the page number.
- Use the “Right Align” option to align the header to the right margin.
- Use a font that is consistent with the rest of the document, such as 12-point Times New Roman.
| MLA Header Elements | Format |
|---|---|
| Last Name | Author's last name (e.g. Smith) |
| Page Number | Page number (e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc.) |
| Font | 12-point Times New Roman (or consistent with the rest of the document) |
| Alignment | Right Align |
Tips for Formatting an MLA Header
Here are some tips to help you format an MLA header easily:
- Use the “Header” feature in your word processing software to create the header, rather than typing it in manually.
- Make sure to include your last name and page number in the header, separated by a space.
- Use a consistent font and font size throughout the document, including the header.
- Use the “Right Align” option to align the header to the right margin.
- Check the header on each page to ensure it is consistent and accurate.
Common MLA Header Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when formatting an MLA header:
One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to include the page number in the header. Another mistake is using the wrong font or font size in the header. It’s also important to avoid using unnecessary punctuation or special characters in the header.
MLA Header Examples
Here are some examples of correctly formatted MLA headers:
Example 1: Smith 1
Example 2: Johnson 2
Example 3: Rodriguez 3
What is the purpose of an MLA header?
+The purpose of an MLA header is to provide important information about the document, such as the author’s last name and page number.
How do I format an MLA header?
+To format an MLA header, open your document and select the “Header” option from the “Insert” menu. Type your last name in the header, followed by a space and the page number. Use the “Right Align” option to align the header to the right margin.
What are some common MLA header mistakes?
+Some common MLA header mistakes include forgetting to include the page number, using the wrong font or font size, and using unnecessary punctuation or special characters.
