how to write a header for essay

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How to Create a Header in MLA Style

• 2-minute read
• 6th January 2023

In MLA style papers, the header is an important component. You may have heard of both headers and headings, so what’s the difference? And how are they formatted in MLA ? Read on to learn more.

What Is an MLA Header?

In the MLA style , the header is found on every page of your paper. It’s in the top right corner and provides your last name and the page number. To create one in Microsoft Word, follow the steps below:

• Go to Insert > Page number > Top of page. Choose the option that shows the page number on the right side.

2. Add your last name and make sure the font style and size match with the rest of your paper. Your header should now appear on each page of your paper.

What About Headings in MLA?

The MLA style doesn’t typically require a cover page, but your instructor still needs to see some introductory information. That’s where a heading comes in. It goes on the first page in the upper left-hand corner, and it includes your name, instructor’s name, course name/number, and the date.

As seen in the screenshot, the heading must be double spaced and in a readable font. You should then put the title of your paper below your heading, centered on the page.

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As far as section headings go, MLA doesn’t have any specific rules – however you choose to format them, just ensure that you remain consistent throughout the paper.

Summary: MLA Headers and Headings

The MLA style offers lots of flexibility and can be pretty easy to follow, once you get the hang of it. As a quick review, remember:

• Headers go on the top right corner of every page and include your last name and the page number.
• Headings go on the first page and include your name, professor’s name, course name/number, and the date.

If you need help with your MLA paper, our editors are here for you. We can help you out with formatting, references , and, of course, editing for grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, clarity, and concision. Get your first 500 words proofread for free to try it out!

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How To Write A Header For An Essay That Grabs Your Reader's Attention

Declan Gessel

May 9, 2024

Writing a header for an essay is crucial for setting the tone and providing structure, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout the content. Knowing how to write a header for an essay can significantly impact the overall quality of your work. 

In this guide, you will learn the importance of headers, the different types, and the best practices to make your essay stand out. By the end of this post, you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to write compelling headers that engage readers and make your essay cohesive and easy to follow. You will learn tips and tricks on how to write an essay .

Table of Contents

What makes a good essay header, how to grab attention with clear and engaging essay headers, avoiding cliches and overused phrases in your essay headers, 5 pro tips for how to write a header for your essay, write smarter with jotbot — start writing for free today.

Let’s delve on what makes a good essay header: 

Guiding the Reader Through the Essay's Structure

A clear header is like a map. It tells the reader what the upcoming paragraph is about. When readers have this information, they can easily decide if they want to continue reading. For example, if the reader knows a paragraph is about how to write a header for an essay, they will read on.

Avoiding Overly Broad or Vague Headers

Readers want to know what they are getting into before they start reading. Avoid overly broad headers that leave the reader unsure of the content. Make sure the header gives the reader a clue about what is coming next. For example, "Writing a Clear Essay Header" gives readers an idea of what the paragraph will be about.

Acting as Mini-Summaries

Informative headers act as mini-summaries. They give readers a quick preview of what they will read. This helps readers get more out of the paragraph. When readers know what to expect, they can better understand what they are reading.

Using Keywords and Key Phrases

If you can, use keywords or key phrases from the body paragraph in the header. This helps the reader connect the header to the content of the paragraph. For example, if “mini-summaries” is a key phrase in the paragraph, try to use it in the header.

Related Reading

• Argumentative Essay • Essay Format • Expository Essay • Essay Outline • How To Write A Conclusion For An Essay • Transition Sentences • Narrative Essay • Rhetorical Analysis Essay • Persuasive Essay

Below are the tips on how to grab engaging headers for essays:

Use Clear Verbs

To write more engaging headers for your essays, switch out passive verbs for active ones. For instance, instead of saying "The Impact is Analyzed," try "Analyzing the Impact." This change adds more punch to your writing, making it more engaging.

Ask Questions

Another way to make your essay headers more captivating is by incorporating questions . Questions pique readers' curiosity, enticing them to read further. For example, you could ask, "Can Technology Solve Climate Change?" This question creates a sense of intrigue that readers can't ignore.

Highlight Key Points

A great way to ensure that your essay header shines is by showcasing the main idea of the section right at the top. For example, instead of using a generic header like "Social Media Influencers," you could opt for "The Rise of Social Media Influencers." This way, readers know exactly what to expect from that particular section.

Keep it Simple

Lastly, when writing headers, remember to keep things straightforward. Don't use overly complex language that might confuse your readers. The aim is to create headers that are easy to understand and resonate with your audience.

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• Words To Start A Paragraph • Essay Structure • Types Of Essays • How To Write A Narrative Essay • Synthesis Essay • Descriptive Essay • How To Start Off An Essay • How To Write An Analytical Essay • Write Me A Paragraph • How To Write A Synthesis Essay

When writing essay headers, it's crucial to steer clear of clichés and overused phrases. These generic terms can easily dull the impact of your writing. Instead, focus on original, engaging, and exciting ways to draw your reader in.

I. The Pitfalls of Clichés and Overused Phrases

Clichés often fall short in two key areas:

1. Lack of Originality

Clichés can sound tired and lackluster, failing to grab the reader's attention.

2. Misrepresenting Content

Overused phrases might not accurately reflect the unique argument of your essay section.

II. Alternatives to Clichéd Language

A. strong verbs and precise nouns.

Steer away from weak verbs and generic terms. Instead, opt for:

Action verbs to capture the essence of your point.

Specific nouns for clarity.

For instance, instead of "The Importance Of Education," try "Cultivating Critical Thinking Skills: The Cornerstone of Education."

B. Figurative Language (Used Sparingly)

Use metaphors, similes, or other figures of speech creatively, but in moderation. For example, "A Web of Deceit: Unraveling the Conspiracy Theory."

C. Active Voice and Questions

Try using an active voice to make your header more engaging and consider sparking curiosity with questions. Instead of "Challenges Faced by Immigrants," try "Navigating New Waters: Challenges and Opportunities for Immigrants."

III. Brainstorming Effective Headers: A Step-by-Step Approach

A. identify keywords.

List your key points or arguments and choose keywords that accurately reflect your essay section.

B. Craft a Clear and Concise Sentence

Construct a sentence using identified keywords and strong verbs/nouns. Ensure it accurately represents your content.

C. Refine for Impact

Consider adding figurative language sparingly to inject intrigue. Explore phrasing options for a more engaging structure.

Avoiding clichés and overused phrases can greatly enhance your headers' impact by keeping readers engaged and interested. Be creative, precise, and original to truly capture the essence of your essay section.

1. Mastering Crystal Clear Communication for Your Essay Headers

By being upfront and informative, you can create headers that accurately reflect the content below, letting readers know exactly what they're about to learn. Ditch vague terms like "Healthy Habits" and go for something specific like "Boost Your Energy: 3 Simple Habits for a Healthier You."

2. Igniting Reader Curiosity with Power Words in Your Essay Headers

Weave in powerful words that pique interest and tap into the emotions of your readers. Words like "unlock," "secrets," "ultimate," or "mistakes" can add a spark. Instead of "Email Marketing Tips," use "Unlock the Power of Email: 3 Strategies to Boost Engagement."

3. The Sweet Spot: Keeping Your Essay Headers Short and Sweet

Attention spans are short online. Aim for concise headers that are easy to read and scannable. Focus on the core message and avoid unnecessary fluff.

4. Numbers: Utilizing Numerical Values to Craft Engaging Essay Headers

People love lists! Headers with numbers like "5 SEO Mistakes You Might Be Making" or "7 Hacks to Boost Your Blog Traffic" are easy to scan and instantly communicate value.

5. Sparking Curiosity with Intriguing Questions in Your Essay Headers

Spark curiosity by posing a question that taps into your reader's needs or pain points. For example, instead of "Social Media Marketing," try "Feeling Lost on Social Media? 3 Proven Strategies for Growth."

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Need editing and proofreading services, how to create an mla header | format guidelines & examples.

• Tags: Formatting Guidelines , MLA , MLA Style

Like many other formatting styles, the MLA style requires headers to be included on every page. An MLA header focuses on authorship, so the header format contains the author’s name(s) and page numbers.

In this article, we’ll be exploring guidelines around the MLA header format, how to create one, and sample headers. Without further ado, let’s get started!

What is an MLA header? 

The MLA header is a line of text above the contents of every page in your MLA-style paper. It contains the author’s last name and the page number. The MLA format header is a mandatory element of MLA-style academic writing and must be present on every page (except the MLA title page , if you have one).

The MLA header helps your readers easily track the page numbers of your paper. It is also known as an MLA running head. 

Note: An MLA paper header is not the same as a heading.

MLA header format guidelines 

Crafting MLA-style headers requires precision and attention to detail. In this section, we will provide detailed guidelines to format your paper.

Follow these steps to format your MLA format header:

Include the author’s last name(s) followed by the page number after a space. (Example: Hume 24)

• Write your page number in Arabic numerals, starting with “1” on the first page of the paper body.
• Do not include any punctuation marks in the header. 
• Place your header in the top-right of the page. 
• Leave a margin of 0.5 inches (1.25 centimeters) from the top and right side of the page, as shown in the infographic below. 
• Maintain the same font style and size you’re using in the rest of the paper. (This is usually 12-point Times New Roman.)

MLA format header for more than two authors 

The official MLA Handbook does not prescribe detailed guidelines for how headers are written in papers with multiple authors. We’ve compiled some commonly used guidelines that you can consider while creating your header.

MLA header for two authors

If you’re writing your paper with someone, your header must contain both your names followed by the page number. For example: 

Hume and Bachchhav 24 

Separate your names with the conjunction “and”. Avoid the use of ampersands (&). 

MLA header for three or more authors 

If you’re working on a group project or a paper with three or more authors, you can list only the surname of the first listed author of the paper, followed by “et al.” and the page number. For example, the header for a paper written by Hume, Bachchhav, and Scott will look like this: 

Hume et al. 24

Another acceptable header format for a paper with more than three authors is to list down all the authors’ last names, provided that your header doesn’t become too long. Here’s one such MLA header example: 

Hume, Bachchhav, and Scott 24 

Since there are multiple commonly acceptable variants of MLA format headers, you should consult your university’s style guide and get clarification from your instructor. You can also look for an MLA header example in papers that your peers or seniors have written. 

How to create an MLA style header 

Popular word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs come with built-in features that let you format MLA-style papers. This makes it quite easy to format MLA-style headers. In MS Word, you can create a header under the “Insert” menu.

• Double-click the top of the page.
• Click the “Insert” menu in the toolbar.
• Click “Page Number”, hover over “Top of Page”, and click “Plain Number 3”.
• Enter your last name along with the page number, both right-aligned

Now that you know how to format an MLA running head you can write your paper with confidence. If you’d like to keep reading about the MLA style, here are some more resources:

• How to Cite Sources in the MLA Format
• MLA Citation Examples: Essays, Websites, Movies, and More
• How to Write an Essay Header: MLA and APA Essay Headers  
• How to Write an Abstract in MLA Format: Tips & Examples
• What Is a Mind Map? Free Mind Map Templates & Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Should the mla paper header be on every page, what font and font size should i use for the mla header, what is included in the mla header format, is an mla header and heading the same.

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How to Write Essay Titles and Headers

The deadline for your latest writing assignment is mere minutes away. You’re rushing to get the final details together and suddenly realize you’ve forgotten a title. You quickly throw something random on top of the page and submit it to your teacher.

You’re not satisfied with your title, but you vow to do better next time. And you will!

You’ve learned from your mistake: essay titles are not a last-minute detail. They’re an integral part of any piece of written work and should be planned out earlier on in the writing process.

Titles lead to your reader’s first impression of your essay, and the headings help organize your thoughts and make the essay easier to read. Let’s take a look at how you can turn your titles from an afterthought into a well-thought-out writing element.

How Do You Write a Great Title?

People DO judge a book by its cover, and they will judge your essay by its title. So writing a strong title is an important part of starting your writing off on the right foot.

Your essay title has two main functions:

• Inform your reader
• Spark your reader’s interest

Additionally, keep in mind these three pointers:

Be clear and concise

Vague titles do not inform the reader. Provide a specific description of what your focus will be. Your audience wants to know precisely what they will be reading.

Bad Example: Oceans

Good Example: Disappearing Ocean Life in the Pacific Rim

Offer an exciting tidbit or interesting fact

If your title is boring, readers will not want to keep reading. Offer them something that will get attention.

Bad Example: How Consumers are Wrongly Spending Money

Good Example: The Seven Million Dollar Mistake

Everyone may be writing a college admissions essay, but don’t title yours: My College Admissions Essay . No matter what the prompt, make your title something that stands out from the stack.

Bad Example: My Research Project

Good Example: Relocating the Human Race to Mars

How Do You Create a Great Header?

Essay headers are often overlooked by writers, but they can really help your readers as they journey through your essay. While the title may get the reader hooked, the headers keep them moving smoothly through your paper. They enhance readability and help explain what is most relevant in the essay.

Each essay header should answer these two questions:

• What will I learn?
• What is the focus?

When readers approach a new section of your essay, they will have a better reading experience if they have a small preview of what’s to come.

Writing a useful header should be relatively easy. Read through your paragraphs and see what the main idea of is. From here, make a list of sub-topics that are discussed in each section. The best way to do this is to pull from the main points you listed out in your outline (which you, of course, remembered to do!).

Remember the following details about writing a header:

Be simple, but informative

You don’t want to give away all of your ideas here, but you need to give some guiding information.

Bad Example: Eating Too Many Fatty Foods Can Increase Your Cholesterol Levels

Good Example: How Your Diet Affects Your Health

Be consistent throughout your essay.

Choose a pattern and stick with it throughout the entirety of the assignment. If you start off by having a heading for each paragraph, keep it that way until the end. Also, make sure the format remains the same. If your first heading is in the form of a question, all of the rest should be as well.

Bad Example: Beaches, What is Up With Littering?, I Want to Clean Up the Planet

Good Example: Neglected Beaches, Effects of Litter, Motivated Activists

Just like when you are writing a title, there are generic headings you can lean on to get it done quick and easy. But don’t use these. Your conclusion shouldn’t have the header, "Conclusion." Come up with something unique for each part of your essay to keep your reader from feeling fatigued as they read on.

Bad Example: Conclusion

Good Example: Will the Pandas Survive?

Be organized and helpful

Your essay should be scannable. This means that if someone needs information fast, they can find it without having to read every word of your piece.

Although titles and headers are often neglected, they are very important to your pieces of writing. They grab your reader’s attention from the start and keep them focused throughout the rest of your essay. Taking the time to craft great titles and headers can advance your writing to the next level.

Don’t overlook the title and section headers when putting together your next writing assignment. Follow these pointers for keeping your writing organized and effective.

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A step-by-step guide for creating and formatting APA Style student papers

The start of the semester is the perfect time to learn how to create and format APA Style student papers. This article walks through the formatting steps needed to create an APA Style student paper, starting with a basic setup that applies to the entire paper (margins, font, line spacing, paragraph alignment and indentation, and page headers). It then covers formatting for the major sections of a student paper: the title page, the text, tables and figures, and the reference list. Finally, it concludes by describing how to organize student papers and ways to improve their quality and presentation.

The guidelines for student paper setup are described and shown using annotated diagrams in the Student Paper Setup Guide (PDF, 3.40MB) and the A Step-by-Step Guide to APA Style Student Papers webinar . Chapter 1 of the Concise Guide to APA Style and Chapter 2 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association describe the elements, format, and organization for student papers. Tables and figures are covered in Chapter 7 of both books. Information on paper format and tables and figures and a full sample student paper are also available on the APA Style website.

Basic setup

The guidelines for basic setup apply to the entire paper. Perform these steps when you first open your document, and then you do not have to worry about them again while writing your paper. Because these are general aspects of paper formatting, they apply to all APA Style papers, student or professional. Students should always check with their assigning instructor or institution for specific guidelines for their papers, which may be different than or in addition to APA Style guidelines.

Seventh edition APA Style was designed with modern word-processing programs in mind. Most default settings in programs such as Academic Writer, Microsoft Word, and Google Docs already comply with APA Style. This means that, for most paper elements, you do not have to make any changes to the default settings of your word-processing program. However, you may need to make a few adjustments before you begin writing.

Use 1-in. margins on all sides of the page (top, bottom, left, and right). This is usually how papers are automatically set.

Use a legible font. The default font of your word-processing program is acceptable. Many sans serif and serif fonts can be used in APA Style, including 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, 12-point Times New Roman, and 11-point Georgia. You can also use other fonts described on the font page of the website.

Line spacing

Double-space the entire paper including the title page, block quotations, and the reference list. This is something you usually must set using the paragraph function of your word-processing program. But once you do, you will not have to change the spacing for the entirety of your paper–just double-space everything. Do not add blank lines before or after headings. Do not add extra spacing between paragraphs. For paper sections with different line spacing, see the line spacing page.

Paragraph alignment and indentation

Align all paragraphs of text in the body of your paper to the left margin. Leave the right margin ragged. Do not use full justification. Indent the first line of every paragraph of text 0.5-in. using the tab key or the paragraph-formatting function of your word-processing program. For paper sections with different alignment and indentation, see the paragraph alignment and indentation page.

Page numbers

Put a page number in the top right of every page header , including the title page, starting with page number 1. Use the automatic page-numbering function of your word-processing program to insert the page number in the top right corner; do not type the page numbers manually. The page number is the same font and font size as the text of your paper. Student papers do not require a running head on any page, unless specifically requested by the instructor.

Title page setup

Title page elements.

APA Style has two title page formats: student and professional (for details, see title page setup ). Unless instructed otherwise, students should use the student title page format and include the following elements, in the order listed, on the title page:

• Paper title.
• Name of each author (also known as the byline).
• Affiliation for each author.
• Course number and name.
• Instructor name.
• Assignment due date.
• Page number 1 in the top right corner of the page header.

The format for the byline depends on whether the paper has one author, two authors, or three or more authors.

• When the paper has one author, write the name on its own line (e.g., Jasmine C. Hernandez).
• When the paper has two authors, write the names on the same line and separate them with the word “and” (e.g., Upton J. Wang and Natalia Dominguez).
• When the paper has three or more authors, separate the names with commas and include “and” before the final author’s name (e.g., Malia Mohamed, Jaylen T. Brown, and Nia L. Ball).

Students have an academic affiliation, which identities where they studied when the paper was written. Because students working together on a paper are usually in the same class, they will have one shared affiliation. The affiliation consists of the name of the department and the name of the college or university, separated by a comma (e.g., Department of Psychology, George Mason University). The department is that of the course to which the paper is being submitted, which may be different than the department of the student’s major. Do not include the location unless it is part of the institution’s name.

Write the course number and name and the instructor name as shown on institutional materials (e.g., the syllabus). The course number and name are often separated by a colon (e.g., PST-4510: History and Systems Psychology). Write the assignment due date in the month, date, and year format used in your country (e.g., Sept. 10, 2020).

Title page line spacing

Double-space the whole title page. Place the paper title three or four lines down from the top of the page. Add an extra double-spaced blank like between the paper title and the byline. Then, list the other title page elements on separate lines, without extra lines in between.

Title page alignment

Center all title page elements (except the right-aligned page number in the header).

Title page font

Write the title page using the same font and font size as the rest of your paper. Bold the paper title. Use standard font (i.e., no bold, no italics) for all other title page elements.

Text elements

Repeat the paper title at the top of the first page of text. Begin the paper with an introduction to provide background on the topic, cite related studies, and contextualize the paper. Use descriptive headings to identify other sections as needed (e.g., Method, Results, Discussion for quantitative research papers). Sections and headings vary depending on the paper type and its complexity. Text can include tables and figures, block quotations, headings, and footnotes.

Text line spacing

Double-space all text, including headings and section labels, paragraphs of text, and block quotations.

Text alignment

Center the paper title on the first line of the text. Indent the first line of all paragraphs 0.5-in.

Left-align the text. Leave the right margin ragged.

Block quotation alignment

Indent the whole block quotation 0.5-in. from the left margin. Double-space the block quotation, the same as other body text. Find more information on the quotations page.

Use the same font throughout the entire paper. Write body text in standard (nonbold, nonitalic) font. Bold only headings and section labels. Use italics sparingly, for instance, to highlight a key term on first use (for more information, see the italics page).

Headings format

For detailed guidance on formatting headings, including headings in the introduction of a paper, see the headings page and the headings in sample papers .

• Alignment: Center Level 1 headings. Left-align Level 2 and Level 3 headings. Indent Level 4 and Level 5 headings like a regular paragraph.
• Font: Boldface all headings. Also italicize Level 3 and Level 5 headings. Create heading styles using your word-processing program (built into AcademicWriter, available for Word via the sample papers on the APA Style website).

Tables and figures setup

Tables and figures are only included in student papers if needed for the assignment. Tables and figures share the same elements and layout. See the website for sample tables and sample figures .

Table elements

Tables include the following four elements: 

• Body (rows and columns)
• Note (optional if needed to explain elements in the table)

Figure elements

Figures include the following four elements: 

• Image (chart, graph, etc.)
• Note (optional if needed to explain elements in the figure)

Table line spacing

Double-space the table number and title. Single-, 1.5-, or double-space the table body (adjust as needed for readability). Double-space the table note.

Figure line spacing

Double-space the figure number and title. The default settings for spacing in figure images is usually acceptable (but adjust the spacing as needed for readability). Double-space the figure note.

Table alignment

Left-align the table number and title. Center column headings. Left-align the table itself and left-align the leftmost (stub) column. Center data in the table body if it is short or left-align the data if it is long. Left-align the table note.

Figure alignment

Left-align the figure number and title. Left-align the whole figure image. The default alignment of the program in which you created your figure is usually acceptable for axis titles and data labels. Left-align the figure note.

Bold the table number. Italicize the table title. Use the same font and font size in the table body as the text of your paper. Italicize the word “Note” at the start of the table note. Write the note in the same font and font size as the text of your paper.

Figure font

Bold the figure number. Italicize the figure title. Use a sans serif font (e.g., Calibri, Arial) in the figure image in a size between 8 to 14 points. Italicize the word “Note” at the start of the figure note. Write the note in the same font and font size as the text of your paper.

Placement of tables and figures

There are two options for the placement of tables and figures in an APA Style paper. The first option is to place all tables and figures on separate pages after the reference list. The second option is to embed each table and figure within the text after its first callout. This guide describes options for the placement of tables and figures embedded in the text. If your instructor requires tables and figures to be placed at the end of the paper, see the table and figure guidelines and the sample professional paper .

Call out (mention) the table or figure in the text before embedding it (e.g., write “see Figure 1” or “Table 1 presents”). You can place the table or figure after the callout either at the bottom of the page, at the top of the next page, or by itself on the next page. Avoid placing tables and figures in the middle of the page.

Embedding at the bottom of the page

Include a callout to the table or figure in the text before that table or figure. Add a blank double-spaced line between the text and the table or figure at the bottom of the page.

Embedding at the top of the page

Include a callout to the table in the text on the previous page before that table or figure. The table or figure then appears at the top of the next page. Add a blank double-spaced line between the end of the table or figure and the text that follows.

Embedding on its own page

Embed long tables or large figures on their own page if needed. The text continues on the next page.

Reference list setup

Reference list elements.

The reference list consists of the “References” section label and the alphabetical list of references. View reference examples on the APA Style website. Consult Chapter 10 in both the Concise Guide and Publication Manual for even more examples.

Reference list line spacing

Start the reference list at the top of a new page after the text. Double-space the entire reference list (both within and between entries).

Reference list alignment

Center the “References” label. Apply a hanging indent of 0.5-in. to all reference list entries. Create the hanging indent using your word-processing program; do not manually hit the enter and tab keys.

Reference list font

Bold the “References” label at the top of the first page of references. Use italics within reference list entries on either the title (e.g., webpages, books, reports) or on the source (e.g., journal articles, edited book chapters).

Final checks

Check page order.

• Start each section on a new page.
• Arrange pages in the following order:
• Title page (page 1).
• Text (starts on page 2).
• Reference list (starts on a new page after the text).

Check headings

• Check that headings accurately reflect the content in each section.
• Start each main section with a Level 1 heading.
• Use Level 2 headings for subsections of the introduction.
• Use the same level of heading for sections of equal importance.
• Avoid having only one subsection within a section (have two or more, or none).

Check assignment instructions

• Remember that instructors’ guidelines supersede APA Style.
• Students should check their assignment guidelines or rubric for specific content to include in their papers and to make sure they are meeting assignment requirements.

Tips for better writing

• Ask for feedback on your paper from a classmate, writing center tutor, or instructor.
• Budget time to implement suggestions.
• Use spell-check and grammar-check to identify potential errors, and then manually check those flagged.
• Proofread the paper by reading it slowly and carefully aloud to yourself.
• Consult your university writing center if you need extra help.

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How to Write an MLA Style Heading on a Literature Essay

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This article was co-authored by Michelle Golden, PhD . Michelle Golden is an English teacher in Athens, Georgia. She received her MA in Language Arts Teacher Education in 2008 and received her PhD in English from Georgia State University in 2015. This article has been viewed 158,965 times.

MLA style refers to the guidelines put out by the Modern Language Association for writing essays. [1] X Research source It specifies how you should write your headings for any type of essay that asks you to use MLA style, including literature essays. You should also use the guidelines to format other parts of your paper, including your title and headers.

Formatting the Title, Header, and Your Personal Information

• Put your name at the top. Underneath it, add your professor's name, and underneath that, add the class. The date goes underneath the class.
• This information should be double-spaced.

• You should also use title-case capitalization for your title, where you capitalize the first and last word, as well as all other important words.
• The title should be descriptive of your paper. Try to give the reader an idea of what your paper is about, though it can be a pun or funny, as well, such as "What's at Stake: Symbolism in Dracula "
• If you have a sub-title, it should be set off with a semicolon, as in the example.

• To double-space your document in Word, highlight the text and then open the "Paragraph" dialog box in Microsoft Word. Click on the "Line Spacing" drop-down menu and select "Double." This will automatically double-space your text.
• Do not manually enter spaces into your document. Doing this will add too much space between the lines and it will make your document look a little odd.

• You don't need to add "p" or "pg." in front of the page number. You just need the page number. Unless otherwise specified, the header goes on every page, including the first one.
• Always follow your teacher's instructions. For example, your teacher may ask you to place the page number under your name.
• You can create a header with your word-processing software. For example, in Microsoft Word, you can just double click in the space at the top of the page to edit the header.
• To insert page numbers in MS Word, select the "Insert" tab. Then, click on the "Page Number" drop down menu. Hover your cursor over the "Top of the Page" option and then select "Plain Number 3." The page number will appear on the current page of your document. Type your last name in front of the page number, and then check the box next to "Different First Page."
• You can also highlight the text and change it to match your document's text. For example, if you have used Times New Roman, then you could highlight the page number and your last name on the current page and then select Times New Roman from the font menu. Exit the header by clicking on a different part of your document.

Writing Section Headings

• Try saying something to your teacher like, "Just to clarify, do we need section headings for this paper?" If the teacher says yes, then you might ask, "Are there any special instructions for the section headings that I should keep in mind?"

• If you wrote the paper from an outline, use that to create your sections from.
• If you didn't use an outline, look at the main ideas that you outlined in your introduction. Each main idea should have its own section.

• For example, your first heading would be numbered like this: 1.

• For example, if your section is about the use of blood in Dracula , you could write something purely descriptive, such as "The Use of Blood in Dracula ."
• Use title capitalization, meaning you capitalize the first and last words in the heading, as well as all the other important words in the heading. Don't capitalize unimportant words, such as articles (a, an, the), prepositions (to, with, through, about, etc.), and conjunctions (and, yet, but, for, so, etc.).
• Place the heading after the number: 1. The Use of Blood in Dracula .

• Another example of parallelism would be changing the titles "The Blood in Dracula ," " Dracula's Symbolism," and "Finding Religion" to " Dracula's Blood," " Dracula's Symbolism," and " Dracula's Religion."

• For example, under "The Use of Blood in Dracula ," you could have the following subheadings: "1.1 Blood as Sexuality" and "1.2 Blood as Symbol of Immorality."

• For example, your headings could look like the ones below: 1. The Use of Blood in Dracula 1.1 Blood as Sexuality [text] 1.2 Blood as Symbol of Immortality [text]

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• ↑ https://www.mla.org/MLA-Style
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
• ↑ https://historyprofessor.org/organization/the-anatomy-of-a-ten-page-paper/

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English Composition 1

Inserting headers into essays.

According to the MLA (the Modern Language Association), each page of an essay, including the first page, should include the writer's last name and the page number inserted as a header in the upper right corner of the page, as illustrated below:

The header should not be typed where the text of your papers should be. It should be inserted as a header in your word processor so that your last name and the page number appear slightly above the first line of text on each page.

This page explains how to insert a header using Microsoft Word 2010. The procedure for inserting a header will vary depending on what type of word processor you are using, but a similar approach to what is explained below should work in other word processors.

How to Insert a Header in Microsoft Word

Begin by opening in your word processor the document in which you want to add the header.

• Make the "Insert" ribbon active at the top of the screen.
• Click the "Page Number" icon.
• Click "Top of Page."
• Click "Plain Number 3."

• Type your last name and a space just before the page number that will be added to the upper right of your document.
• If the header is not in the correct fonts, highlight your name and the page number, make the "Home" ribbon active, and choose the correct fonts.

Double left mouse click anywhere outside of the header area to return to the text area of your document.

If you need to make changes to the header after you have added it, just double left mouse click in the header area of the document.

If you do not see the header added to your document, the problem most likely is the "View" you are using. To see the document with the header, just make the "View" ribbon active and click "Print Layout."

Copyright Randy Rambo , 2019.

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How to Write an Essay in APA Format: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

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Writing an essay in APA format can initially seem challenging, but with the right guidance, it becomes a straightforward process. The APA (American Psychological Association) style is commonly used for citing sources within the social sciences. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay in APA format, complete with examples.

Understanding APA Format

Before diving into writing, it’s crucial to understand what the APA style entails. The APA style includes guidelines for various aspects of academic writing , such as the title page, abstract, main body, and references. These guidelines ensure clarity, consistency, and credibility in scholarly writing.

General Guidelines for APA Format

Font and spacing.

When preparing your essay, use a standard, easily readable font such as 12pt Times New Roman. Double-space all text, including the references, to enhance readability and provide space for comments or corrections. Additionally, include a page header, known as the “running head,” at the top of every page. This header should consist of a shortened version of your essay title, followed by the page number.

Margins and Alignment

Set 1-inch margins on all sides of your document. Align the text to the left-hand side, leaving the right-hand side ragged to maintain a clean, professional appearance. Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches to signal the start of a new paragraph.

The title page of your essay is the first impression your reader will have, so it’s important to get it right. It should include the essay title, your name, and your institutional affiliation, all centred on the page. 

Effects of Social Media on Academic Performance

University of Education

The abstract is a concise summary of your essay, usually no longer than 250 words. It provides a brief overview of the main points and findings of your essay, allowing readers to quickly understand the content and purpose of your work. Place the abstract on a separate page following the title page.

This study explores the impact of social media on students’ academic performance. Through a survey of 200 students, it was found that excessive use of social media has a negative effect on grades. The implications of these findings suggest a need for increased awareness and educational interventions.

The main body of your essay should be well-structured and organised, consisting of the following sections:

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your essay. Begin by introducing the topic, providing necessary background information, and stating your thesis or main argument. The thesis should be clear and concise, outlining the purpose and direction of your essay.

Introduction: The rapid growth of social media has sparked interest in understanding its effects on various aspects of life, including education. This essay examines how social media influences students’ academic performance. 

The method section describes the research methods or approaches you used in your study. Provide detailed information on how you collected and analysed your data, allowing others to replicate your study if desired.

A quantitative survey was conducted among 200 university students to gather data on their social media usage and academic performance. Participants were asked to report the average time spent on social media platforms and their grades.

In the results section, present the findings of your research. Use tables, graphs, or charts where appropriate to illustrate your data clearly. Ensure that you explain the significance of your findings in relation to your research question.

The discussion section interprets the results, discussing their implications and how they relate to your original thesis. Consider any limitations of your study and suggest areas for future research.

The findings suggest that while social media can offer educational benefits, its excessive use can hinder academic performance. Educational institutions should consider integrating social media literacy into their curriculum to help students manage their online time effectively. Future research could explore the impact of specific social media platforms on academic outcomes.

In-Text Citations and References

APA in-text citations guide readers to the full reference entry at the end of your essay. They must be included within the text when you quote or paraphrase someone else’s ideas or words to prevent plagiarism. APA style uses the so-called author-date system as per the example below.

The reference page is a crucial component of your essay, listing all sources cited in your work. Ensure each reference follows APA style, using a hanging indent for each entry. This not only gives credit to the original authors but also allows readers to locate the sources you used.

(Ross, 2022, p. 123)

Ross, J. A. (2022). The impact of social media on academic performance. Journal of Educational Research , 45 (3), 123-134.

Tips for Writing an Essay in APA Format

Writing an essay in APA format requires careful attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you master an essay in APA format (and other popular style guides ):

• Use Headings and Subheadings : Headings and subheadings help organise your essay and make it easier for readers to follow your argument. Follow APA guidelines for heading levels to maintain consistency.
• Cite Sources Properly : Proper citation is crucial in academic writing. Always give credit to the original authors of the sources you use. In-text citations should include the author’s last name and the year of publication, while the reference list should provide full publication details.
• Proofread and Edit : Before submitting your essay, thoroughly proofread and edit it to ensure it is free from grammatical errors and follows APA format strictly. Consider using writing tools or seeking feedback from peers to improve the quality of your essay.

You can effectively write an essay in APA format that meets academic standards by following these guidelines. The key is to stay organised, pay attention to detail, and adhere to the specific rules of APA style. With practice, writing in APA format will become second nature, helping you produce polished and professional academic papers.

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Page Header

The page header appears within the top margin of every page of the paper.

• For student papers, the page header consists of the page number only.
• For professional papers, the page header consists of the page number and running head.

Page numbers

Follow these guidelines to include page numbers in both student and professional APA Style papers:

• Use the page-numbering function of your word-processing program to insert page numbers.
• Insert page numbers in the top right corner. The page number should show on all pages.
• The title page carries page number 1.

Page headers are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Section 2.18 and the Concise Guide Section 1.17

Related handout

• Student Paper Setup Guide (PDF, 3MB)

Running head

The running head is an abbreviated version of the title of your paper (or the full title if the title is already short). The running head is not required for student papers unless the instructor or institution requests it. Thus, typically only professional papers include a running head.

Follow these guidelines to include a running head in an APA Style paper:

• Type the running head in all-capital letters.
• Ensure the running head is no more than 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
• Avoid using abbreviations in the running head; however, the ampersand symbol (&) may be used rather than “and” if desired.
• The running head appears in the same format on every page, including the first page.
• Do not use the label “Running head:” before the running head.
• Align the running head to the left margin of the page header, across from the right-aligned page number.

View the sample papers to see how the running head and page number appear in APA Style papers.

College MLA

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In the realm of college academia, adhering to the appropriate formatting guidelines is paramount, not only for presenting your ideas effectively but also for showcasing your professionalism. One such widely used formatting style is the College MLA Format. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on understanding MLA Format, step-by-step instructions on how to write in this format, answers to frequently asked questions, and examples to help you navigate through your academic writing endeavors seamlessly.

What is College MLA Format?

The College MLA Format refers to the Modern Language Association’s formatting style commonly used in academic writing, especially in the humanities and liberal arts disciplines. It sets guidelines for organizing and documenting various components of a paper, including in-text citations, works cited pages, headings, and more. Adhering to the MLA Format ensures consistency and facilitates clear communication of ideas within the scholarly community.

College MLA Format

The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is a style guide commonly used for writing and documenting research in the humanities, particularly in English studies. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to format your college paper in MLA style.

General Formatting Rules

• Use a legible font like Times New Roman.
• Font size should be 12-point.
• Set all margins to 1 inch on all sides.
• Double-space the entire document, including quotations, notes, and the works cited page.
• Indent the first line of each paragraph one-half inch from the left margin (use the Tab key).
• Center the title of the paper. Do not underline, italicize, or place it in quotation marks.
• Use standard capitalization (title case).
• Include a header in the upper right-hand corner, half an inch from the top and flush with the right margin.
• The header should include your last name followed by a space and the page number.
• In the upper left-hand corner of the first page, list your name, your instructor’s name, the course, and the date, each on a separate line, double-spaced.

John Smith Professor Johnson English 101 1 June 2024

In-Text Citations

• Author’s last name and page number(s) should be in parentheses.
• Example: (Smith 123).
• Two authors: (Smith and Jones 123).
• Three or more authors: (Smith et al. 123).
• Use a shortened title of the work instead of the author’s name.
• Example: (“Impact of Global Warming” 45).

Works Cited Page

• Title the page “Works Cited” (without quotation marks), centered at the top of the page.
• Double-space all entries.
• Use a hanging indent for each entry (first line flush left, subsequent lines indented half an inch).
• Author’s Last name, First name. “Title of Article.” Title of Periodical , vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.
• Smith, John. Understanding MLA Format . Penguin, 2020.
• Article in a Journal:
• Jones, Emily. “The Effects of Pollution.” Environmental Studies , vol. 34, no. 2, 2019, pp. 123-145.

Johnson, Mark. “Global Warming Facts.” Climate Change Resources , 2023, www.climateresources.org/global-warming-facts.

College MLA Template

Below is the template filled with sample details for a college paper formatted in MLA style:

John Smith Professor Johnson English 101 1 June 2024 The Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity Climate change has become a critical issue affecting various aspects of the environment. The impact of climate change on biodiversity is particularly significant. As temperatures rise, many species are forced to migrate to cooler areas or face extinction. In this paper, the effects of climate change on different species and ecosystems will be examined, highlighting the importance of immediate action to mitigate these effects. Effects on Animal Species One of the most noticeable impacts of climate change is the alteration of habitats. According to Smith, “Many species are losing their natural habitats due to changing temperatures and weather patterns” (23). For instance, polar bears are struggling to find ice platforms from which they can hunt seals. This habitat loss is leading to a decline in polar bear populations. In addition to habitat loss, some species are facing changes in their food supply. Jones notes that “rising sea temperatures are affecting the availability of certain fish species, which in turn affects the animals that rely on them for food” (45). This chain reaction illustrates how interconnected ecosystems are and how changes in one part can have widespread effects. Effects on Plant Species Climate change also affects plant species. Increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can disrupt the growth cycles of plants. “Many plant species are blooming earlier than usual, which can disrupt the timing of food availability for herbivores” (Johnson 67). This mismatch can have serious consequences for species that rely on specific plants for food during certain times of the year. Furthermore, the spread of invasive species is a growing concern. Invasive plants, which thrive in changing conditions, can outcompete native species, leading to reduced biodiversity. “Invasive species are often more adaptable to changing climates, allowing them to spread rapidly and dominate ecosystems” (Smith 89). Conclusion The effects of climate change on biodiversity are profound and far-reaching. Both animal and plant species are struggling to adapt to the rapid changes in their environments. Immediate action is necessary to mitigate these effects and preserve the planet’s biodiversity. Conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions are critical steps in addressing this global challenge. Works Cited Johnson, Mark. “Global Warming Facts.” Climate Change Resources , 2023, www.climateresources.org/global-warming-facts. Jones, Emily. “The Effects of Pollution.” Environmental Studies , vol. 34, no. 2, 2019, pp. 123-145. Smith, John. Understanding MLA Format . Penguin, 2020. Smith, John. “Impact of Habitat Loss on Polar Bears.” Wildlife Conservation Journal , vol. 12, no. 1, 2018, pp. 23-30.

College MLA Header

The header in an MLA-formatted college paper is straightforward. It includes your last name and the page number, aligned to the right. Here’s how you can format it along with a sample filled with details:

Header Format

• Position : The header should be placed in the upper right-hand corner of each page.
• Font and Size : Use the same font and size as the rest of your paper (usually Times New Roman, 12-point).
• Content : Your last name followed by a space and the page number.
• Alignment : Right-aligned.

Creating an MLA Header in Word

• Open your document in Microsoft Word.
• Go to the “Insert” tab and click on “Header”.
• Choose “Blank” or any simple header style.
• Click on “Page Number” in the “Insert” tab, choose “Top of Page”, and then “Plain Number 3” (this places the number on the top right).
• Type your last name before the page number.
• Ensure the font and size match the rest of your document (Times New Roman, 12-point).
• Close the header section by double-clicking outside the header area.

College MLA Format Essay

John Smith Professor Brown English 101 4 June 2024 The Impact of Technology on Education Technology has revolutionized the way we approach education. From elementary schools to universities, digital tools and resources have transformed traditional teaching methods, making learning more interactive, engaging, and accessible. This essay explores the impact of technology on education, highlighting both the benefits and the challenges it presents. One significant benefit of technology in education is the increased access to information. With the internet, students can access a wealth of information on any topic imaginable. Online libraries, educational websites, and digital textbooks provide students with resources that were previously unavailable or difficult to obtain. This access to information promotes self-directed learning, allowing students to explore subjects in greater depth and at their own pace. Another advantage is the enhancement of learning experiences through interactive tools. Educational software, virtual simulations, and multimedia presentations make learning more engaging and enjoyable. For example, science students can conduct virtual experiments, history students can explore interactive timelines, and language students can practice with language-learning apps. These tools not only make learning more fun but also cater to different learning styles, helping students to better understand and retain information. Moreover, technology facilitates collaboration and communication among students and teachers. Online discussion forums, group projects using collaborative tools, and video conferencing enable students to work together, share ideas, and receive feedback in real-time, regardless of their physical location. This connectivity fosters a sense of community and teamwork, which are essential skills in the modern workforce. However, the integration of technology in education also presents several challenges. One major issue is the digital divide. Not all students have equal access to digital devices and the internet, leading to disparities in educational opportunities. Schools in underfunded areas may struggle to provide the necessary technology, and students from low-income families may not have access to computers or reliable internet at home. This digital divide can exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder the academic progress of disadvantaged students. Additionally, the overreliance on technology can sometimes detract from traditional learning methods that are still valuable. For instance, excessive screen time can negatively impact students’ health, leading to issues such as eye strain and poor posture. Furthermore, the use of technology in the classroom can sometimes be a distraction, with students being tempted to use their devices for non-educational purposes during lessons. In conclusion, technology has undeniably transformed education, offering numerous benefits such as increased access to information, enhanced learning experiences, and improved collaboration. However, it is crucial to address the challenges it presents, including the digital divide and the potential for distraction. By finding a balance between traditional and digital teaching methods, educators can harness the power of technology to create a more effective and inclusive educational environment. Works Cited Smith, John. The Art of Writing . Penguin, 2020. —. “Understanding Poetry.” Literary Journal , vol. 5, no. 2, 2021, pp. 123-145. Doe, Jane. “The Future of Technology.” Tech Monthly , 4 Mar. 2022, pp. 30-35. Doe, Jane, and John Smith. The Study of Literature . Oxford UP, 2019. Smith, John. “How to Write an Essay.” Writing Help , 5 May 2023, www.writinghelp.com/how-to-write.

College MLA Format Citation

When writing a college paper in MLA format, proper citation is crucial for giving credit to sources and avoiding plagiarism. Below are examples of how to cite various types of sources in MLA format, both in-text and in the Works Cited page.

In-text citations are brief references within your text that direct the reader to the complete citation in your Works Cited list.

General Format

• Example: (Smith 123)
• “Climate change significantly impacts biodiversity” (Smith 45).
• Two authors: “The study shows a direct correlation” (Smith and Jones 67).
• Three or more authors: “Several factors were considered” (Smith et al. 89).
• Use a shortened title: “Effects of pollution are widespread” (“Impact of Pollution” 123).

The Works Cited page lists all the sources cited in your paper. It should start on a new page at the end of your paper.

• Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book . Publisher, Year.
• Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal , vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.
• Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Web Page.” Title of Website , Publisher, Date, URL.
• Johnson, Mark. “Global Warming Facts.” Climate Change Resources , 2023, www.climateresources.org/global-warming-facts .

How to write in College MLA Format?

Writing in College MLA Format may initially seem daunting, but with a step-by-step approach, you can easily master this widely used formatting style. Whether you’re working on an college essay , research paper , or any other academic document, following the guidelines of MLA Format ensures consistency and professionalism in your writing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each stage of the writing process, providing clear instructions to help you navigate the intricacies of MLA Format successfully. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your ability to craft well-structured and properly formatted papers that meet the standards of scholarly communication. So let’s dive in and discover the key steps to writing in College MLA Format.

Step 1: Formatting the Document:

To begin writing in College MLA Format, start by setting up the document appropriately. Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial, with a size of 12 points. Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides and double-space the entire document.

Step 2: MLA Format Heading:

At the top left corner of the first page, include a an MLA Format heading with your name, your instructor’s name, the course title, and the date, all aligned to the left. Place your last name and page number in the header’s top right corner, using the “Insert” tab in word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Step 3: In-Text Citations and Works Cited:

When referencing sources within the text, use parenthetical citations including the author’s last name and the page number (e.g., Smith 45). Create a separate page titled “Works Cited” at the end of your paper and list all the sources cited in alphabetical order, following the MLA Format Works Cited guidelines.

What is MLA format?

MLA format is a style guide for writing and documenting research in the humanities, especially in English studies, established by the Modern Language Association.

How do I format the header in MLA?

Include your last name and page number in the upper right corner, right-aligned, half an inch from the top.

What font and size should I use in MLA format?

Use Times New Roman, 12-point font throughout the entire document.

How do I format in-text citations in MLA?

Include the author’s last name and page number in parentheses, like this: (Smith 123).

How should I format the Works Cited page?

Title the page “Works Cited,” center it, double-space all entries, and use a hanging indent for each entry.

How do I format a block quote in MLA?

Indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin, double-space it, and do not use quotation marks.

What information goes in the heading on the first page?

Include your name, your instructor’s name, the course name, and the date, each on a separate line, left-aligned.

Do I need a title page for MLA format?

MLA format typically does not require a title page. Instead, use a heading on the first page.

How do I cite a book in MLA format?

Format: Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book . Publisher, Year.

How are multiple authors cited in MLA format?

For two authors, use both last names: (Smith and Jones 123). For three or more, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.”: (Smith et al. 123).

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to format a college essay: 15 expert tips.

College Essays

When you're applying to college, even small decisions can feel high-stakes. This is especially true for the college essay, which often feels like the most personal part of the application. You may agonize over your college application essay format: the font, the margins, even the file format. Or maybe you're agonizing over how to organize your thoughts overall. Should you use a narrative structure? Five paragraphs?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll go over the ins and outs of how to format a college essay on both the micro and macro levels. We'll discuss minor formatting issues like headings and fonts, then discuss broad formatting concerns like whether or not to use a five-paragraph essay, and if you should use a college essay template.

How to Format a College Essay: Font, Margins, Etc.

Some of your formatting concerns will depend on whether you will be cutting and pasting your essay into a text box on an online application form or attaching a formatted document. If you aren't sure which you'll need to do, check the application instructions. Note that the Common Application does currently require you to copy and paste your essay into a text box.

Most schools also allow you to send in a paper application, which theoretically gives you increased control over your essay formatting. However, I generally don't advise sending in a paper application (unless you have no other option) for a couple of reasons:

Most schools state that they prefer to receive online applications. While it typically won't affect your chances of admission, it is wise to comply with institutional preferences in the college application process where possible. It tends to make the whole process go much more smoothly.

Paper applications can get lost in the mail. Certainly there can also be problems with online applications, but you'll be aware of the problem much sooner than if your paper application gets diverted somehow and then mailed back to you. By contrast, online applications let you be confident that your materials were received.

Regardless of how you will end up submitting your essay, you should draft it in a word processor. This will help you keep track of word count, let you use spell check, and so on.

Next, I'll go over some of the concerns you might have about the correct college essay application format, whether you're copying and pasting into a text box or attaching a document, plus a few tips that apply either way.

Formatting Guidelines That Apply No Matter How You End Up Submitting the Essay:

Unless it's specifically requested, you don't need a title. It will just eat into your word count.

Avoid cutesy, overly colloquial formatting choices like ALL CAPS or ~unnecessary symbols~ or, heaven forbid, emoji and #hashtags. Your college essay should be professional, and anything too cutesy or casual will come off as immature.

Mmm, delicious essay...I mean sandwich.

Why College Essay Templates Are a Bad Idea

You might see college essay templates online that offer guidelines on how to structure your essay and what to say in each paragraph. I strongly advise against using a template. It will make your essay sound canned and bland—two of the worst things a college essay can be. It's much better to think about what you want to say, and then talk through how to best structure it with someone else and/or make your own practice outlines before you sit down to write.

You can also find tons of successful sample essays online. Looking at these to get an idea of different styles and topics is fine, but again, I don't advise closely patterning your essay after a sample essay. You will do the best if your essay really reflects your own original voice and the experiences that are most meaningful to you.

College Application Essay Format: Key Takeaways

There are two levels of formatting you might be worried about: the micro (fonts, headings, margins, etc) and the macro (the overall structure of your essay).

Tips for the micro level of your college application essay format:

• Always draft your essay in a word processing software, even if you'll be copy-and-pasting it over into a text box.
• If you are copy-and-pasting it into a text box, make sure your formatting transfers properly, your paragraphs are clearly delineated, and your essay isn't cut off.
• If you are attaching a document, make sure your font is easily readable, your margins are standard 1-inch, your essay is 1.5 or double-spaced, and your file format is compatible with the application specs.
• There's no need for a title unless otherwise specified—it will just eat into your word count.

Tips for the macro level of your college application essay format :

• There is no super-secret college essay format that will guarantee success.
• In terms of structure, it's most important that you have an introduction that makes it clear where you're going and a conclusion that wraps up with a main point. For the middle of your essay, you have lots of freedom, just so long as it flows logically!
• I advise against using an essay template, as it will make your essay sound stilted and unoriginal.

Plus, if you use a college essay template, how will you get rid of these medieval weirdos?

What's Next?

Still feeling lost? Check out our total guide to the personal statement , or see our step-by-step guide to writing the perfect essay .

If you're not sure where to start, consider these tips for attention-grabbing first sentences to college essays!

And be sure to avoid these 10 college essay mistakes .

Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.

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Frequently asked questions

How do i create an mla header for a paper with multiple authors.

If you’re working on a group project and therefore need to list multiple authors for your paper , MLA recommends against including a normal header . Instead, create a separate title page .

On the title page, list each author on a separate line, followed by the other usual information from the header: Instructor, course name and number, and submission date. Then write the title halfway down the page, centered, and start the text of the paper itself on the next page.

Frequently asked questions: MLA Style

In MLA style , footnotes or endnotes can be used to provide additional information that would interrupt the flow of your text.

This can be further examples or developments of ideas you only briefly discuss in the text. You can also use notes to provide additional sources or explain your citation practice.

You don’t have to use any notes at all; only use them to provide relevant information that complements your arguments or helps the reader to understand them.

No, you should use parenthetical MLA in-text citations to cite sources. Footnotes or endnotes can be used to add extra information that doesn’t fit into your main text, but they’re not needed for citations.

If you need to cite a lot of sources at the same point in the text, though, placing these citations in a note can be a good way to avoid cluttering your text.

According to MLA format guidelines, the Works Cited page(s) should look like this:

• Running head containing your surname and the page number.
• The title, Works Cited, centered and in plain text.
• List of sources alphabetized by the author’s surname.
• Left-aligned.
• Double-spaced.
• 1-inch margins.
• Hanging indent applied to all entries.

The MLA Works Cited lists every source that you cited in your paper. Each entry contains the author , title , and publication details of the source.

No, in an MLA annotated bibliography , you can write short phrases instead of full sentences to keep your annotations concise. You can still choose to use full sentences instead, though.

Use full sentences in your annotations if your instructor requires you to, and always use full sentences in the main text of your paper .

Usually, no title page is needed in an MLA paper . A header is generally included at the top of the first page instead. The exceptions are when:

• Your instructor requires one, or
• Your paper is a group project

In those cases, you should use a title page instead of a header, listing the same information but on a separate page.

When an online source (e.g. web page , blog post) doesn’t list a publication date , you should instead list an access date .

Unlike a publication date, this appears at the end of your MLA Works Cited entry, after the URL, e.g. “A Complete Guide to MLA Style.” Scribbr , www.scribbr.com/category/mla/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2021 .

For offline sources with no publication date shown, don’t use an access date—just leave out the date.

The level of detail you provide in a publication date in your Works Cited list depends on the type of source and the information available. Generally, follow the lead of the source—if it gives the full date, give the full date; if it gives just the year, so should you.

Books usually list the year, whereas web pages tend to give a full date. For journal articles , give the year, month and year, or season and year, depending on what information is available. Check our citation examples if you’re unsure about a particular source type.

In an MLA Works Cited list , the names of months with five or more letters are abbreviated to the first three letters, followed by a period. For example, abbreviate Feb., Mar., Apr., but not June, July.

In the main text, month names should never be abbreviated.

In your MLA Works Cited list , dates are always written in day-month-year order, with the month abbreviated if it’s five or more letters long, e.g. 5 Mar. 2018.

In the main text, you’re free to use either day-month-year or month-day-year order, as long as you use one or the other consistently. Don’t abbreviate months in the main text, and use numerals for dates, e.g. 5 March 2018 or March 5, 2018.

In most standard dictionaries , no author is given for either the overall dictionary or the individual entries, so no author should be listed in your MLA citations.

Instead, start your Works Cited entry and your MLA in-text citation with the title of the entry you’re citing (i.e. the word that’s being defined), in quotation marks.

If you cite a specialist dictionary that does list an author and/or overall editor, these should be listed in the same way as they would for other citations of books or book chapters .

Some source types, such as books and journal articles , may contain footnotes (or endnotes) with additional information. The following rules apply when citing information from a note in an MLA in-text citation :

• To cite information from a single numbered note, write “n” after the page number, and then write the note number, e.g. (Smith 105n2)
• To cite information from multiple numbered notes, write “nn” and include a range, e.g. (Smith 77nn1–2)
• To cite information from an unnumbered note, write “un” after the page number, with a space in between, e.g. (Jones 250 un)

If you cite multiple Shakespeare plays throughout your paper, the MLA in-text citation begins with an abbreviated version of the title (as shown here ), e.g. ( Oth. 1.2.4). Each play should have its own  Works Cited entry (even if they all come from the same collection).

If you cite only one Shakespeare play in your paper, you should include a Works Cited entry for that play, and your in-text citations should start with the author’s name , e.g. (Shakespeare 1.1.4).

No, do not use page numbers in your MLA in-text citations of Shakespeare plays . Instead, specify the act, scene, and line numbers of the quoted material, separated by periods, e.g. (Shakespeare 3.2.20–25).

This makes it easier for the reader to find the relevant passage in any edition of the text.

When an article (e.g. in a newspaper ) appears on non-consecutive pages (e.g. starting on page 1 and continuing on page 6), you should use “pp.” in your Works Cited entry, since it’s on multiple pages, but MLA recommends just listing the first page followed by a plus sign, e.g. pp. 1+.

In an MLA style Works Cited entry for a newspaper , you can cite a local newspaper in the same way as you would a national one, except that you may have to add the name of the city in square brackets to clarify what newspaper you mean, e.g. The Gazette [Montreal].

Do not add the city name in brackets if it’s already part of the newspaper’s name, e.g. Dallas Observer .

MLA doesn’t require you to list an author for a TV show . If your citation doesn’t focus on a particular contributor, just start your Works Cited entry with the title of the episode or series, and use this (shortened if necessary) in your MLA in-text citation .

If you focus on a particular contributor (e.g. the writer or director, a particular actor), you can list them in the author position , along with a label identifying their role.

It’s standard to list the podcast’s host in the author position , accompanied by the label “host,” in an MLA Works Cited entry. It’s sometimes more appropriate to use the label “narrator,” when the podcast just tells a story without any guests.

If your citation of the podcast focuses more on the contribution of someone else (e.g. a guest, the producer), they can be listed in the author position instead, with an appropriate label.

MLA recommends citing the original source wherever possible, rather than the source in which it is quoted or reproduced.

If this isn’t possible, cite the secondary source and use “qtd. in” (quoted in) in your MLA in-text citation . For example: (qtd. in Smith 233)

If a source is reproduced in full within another source (e.g. an image within a PowerPoint  or a poem in an article ), give details of the original source first, then include details of the secondary source as a container. For example:

When you want to cite a PowerPoint or lecture notes from a lecture you viewed in person in MLA , check whether they can also be accessed online ; if so, this is the best version to cite, as it allows the reader to access the source.

If the material is not available online, use the details of where and when the presentation took place.

In an MLA song citation , you need to give some sort of container to indicate how you accessed the song. If this is a physical or downloaded album, the Works Cited entry should list the album name, distributor, year, and format.

However, if you listened to the song on a streaming service, you can just list the site as a container, including a URL. In this case, including the album details is optional; you may add this information if it is relevant to your discussion or if it will help the reader access the song.

When citing a song in MLA style , the author is usually the main artist or group that released the song.

However, if your discussion focuses on the contributions of a specific performer, e.g. a guitarist or singer, you may list them as author, even if they are not the main artist. If you’re discussing the lyrics or composition, you may cite the songwriter or composer rather than a performer.

When a source has no title , this part of your MLA reference is replaced with a description of the source, in plain text (no italics or quotation marks, sentence-case capitalization).

Whenever you refer to an image created by someone else in your text, you should include a citation leading the reader to the image you’re discussing.

If you include the image directly in your text as a figure , the details of the source appear in the figure’s caption. If you don’t, just include an MLA in-text citation wherever you mention the image, and an entry in the Works Cited list giving full details.

In MLA Style , you should cite a specific chapter or work within a book in two situations:

• When each of the book’s chapters is written by a different author.
• When the book is a collection of self-contained works (such as poems , plays , or short stories ), even if they are all written by the same author.

If you cite multiple chapters or works from the same book, include a separate Works Cited entry for each chapter.

If a source has no author, start the MLA Works Cited entry with the source title . Use a shortened version of the title in your MLA in-text citation .

If a source has no page numbers, you can use an alternative locator (e.g. a chapter number, or a timestamp for a video or audio source) to identify the relevant passage in your in-text citation. If the source has no numbered divisions, cite only the author’s name (or the title).

If you already named the author or title in your sentence, and there is no locator available, you don’t need a parenthetical citation:

• Rajaram  argues that representations of migration are shaped by “cultural, political, and ideological interests.”
• The homepage of The Correspondent describes it as “a movement for radically different news.”

If a source has two authors, name both authors in your MLA in-text citation and Works Cited entry. If there are three or more authors, name only the first author, followed by et al.

You must include an MLA in-text citation every time you quote or paraphrase from a source (e.g. a book , movie , website , or article ).

MLA Style  is the second most used citation style (after APA ). It is mainly used by students and researchers in humanities fields such as literature, languages, and philosophy.

If information about your source is not available, you can either leave it out of the MLA citation or replace it with something else, depending on the type of information.

• No author : Start with the source title.
• No title : Provide a description of the source.
• No date : Provide an access date for online sources; omit for other sources.

A standard MLA Works Cited entry  is structured as follows:

Only include information that is available for and relevant to your source.

Yes. MLA style uses title case, which means that all principal words (nouns, pronouns , verbs, adjectives , adverbs , and some conjunctions ) are capitalized.

This applies to titles of sources as well as the title of, and subheadings in, your paper. Use MLA capitalization style even when the original source title uses different capitalization .

The title of an article is not italicized in MLA style , but placed in quotation marks. This applies to articles from journals , newspapers , websites , or any other publication. Use italics for the title of the source where the article was published. For example:

Use the same formatting in the Works Cited entry and when referring to the article in the text itself.

In MLA style , book titles appear in italics, with all major words capitalized. If there is a subtitle, separate it from the main title with a colon and a space (even if no colon appears in the source). For example:

The format is the same in the Works Cited list and in the text itself. However, when you mention the book title in the text, you don’t have to include the subtitle.

The title of a part of a book—such as a chapter, or a short story or poem in a collection—is not italicized, but instead placed in quotation marks.

In MLA style citations , format a DOI as a link, including “https://doi.org/” at the start and then the unique numerical code of the article.

DOIs are used mainly when citing journal articles in MLA .

The MLA Handbook is currently in its 9th edition , published in 2021.

This quick guide to MLA style  explains the latest guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers according to MLA.

The fastest and most accurate way to create MLA citations is by using Scribbr’s MLA Citation Generator .

Search by book title, page URL, or journal DOI to automatically generate flawless citations, or cite manually using the simple citation forms.

MLA recommends using 12-point Times New Roman , since it’s easy to read and installed on every computer. Other standard fonts such as Arial or Georgia are also acceptable. If in doubt, check with your supervisor which font you should be using.

To create a correctly formatted block quote in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

• Hit Enter at the beginning and end of the quote.
• Highlight the quote and select the Layout menu.
• On the Indent tab, change the left indent to 0.5″.

Do not put quotation marks around the quote, and make sure to include an MLA in-text citation after the period at the end.

To format a block quote in MLA:

• Introduce the quote with a colon and set it on a new line.
• Indent the whole quote 0.5 inches from the left margin.
• Place the MLA in-text citation after the period at the end of the block quote.

Then continue your text on a new line (not indented).

In MLA style , if you quote more than four lines from a source, use MLA block quote formatting .

If you are quoting poetry , use block quote formatting for any quote longer than three lines.

An MLA in-text citation should always include the author’s last name, either in the introductory text or in parentheses after a quote .

If line numbers or page numbers are included in the original source, add these to the citation.

If you are discussing multiple poems by the same author, make sure to also mention the title of the poem (shortened if necessary). The title goes in quotation marks .

In the list of Works Cited , start with the poet’s name and the poem’s title in quotation marks. The rest of the citation depends on where the poem was published.

If you read the poem in a book or anthology, follow the format of an MLA book chapter citation . If you accessed the poem online, follow the format of an MLA website citation .

Only use line numbers in an MLA in-text citation if the lines are numbered in the original source. If so, write “lines” in the first citation of the poem , and only the numbers in subsequent citations.

If there are no line numbers in the source, you can use page numbers instead. If the poem appears on only one page of a book (or on a website ), don’t include a number in the citation.

To quote poetry in MLA style , introduce the quote and use quotation marks as you would for any other source quotation .

If the quote includes line breaks, mark these using a forward slash with a space on either side. Use two slashes to indicate a stanza break.

If the quote is longer than three lines, set them off from the main text as an MLA block quote . Reproduce the line breaks, punctuation, and formatting of the original.

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