How to Format MLA Header: Step-by-Step Guide
MLA Header Overview
To format an MLA header correctly, place four double-spaced lines in the top-left corner of your first page. Include your full name, the instructor's name, the course title, and the date in DD Month YYYY format. This guide provides the exact steps and examples to ensure your essay meets MLA 9th edition standards.
Step 1: Set Margins and Alignment
Before typing your header, ensure your word processor is configured to standard MLA margins. Set all margins (top, bottom, left, and right) to exactly one inch. Use the left-align setting for the header text. Do not center the header or place it inside the actual 'header' area of the document (the top margin space); it should sit on the first lines of the main body of the page.
Step 2: Enter Your Identification Lines
Type your full name on the first line. On the second line, enter your instructor's name. It is professional to use their formal title, such as Professor Smith or Dr. Jones. On the third line, provide the course name and number (e.g., English 101). Finally, on the fourth line, write the date. MLA style requires the date to be written in a specific order: the day, followed by the month, followed by the year (e.g., 15 October 2023).
Step 3: Apply Double-Spacing
The entire MLA header must be double-spaced. Highlight the four lines of your header and set the line spacing to 2.0. Ensure there are no extra gaps or quadruple spaces between the date and your essay title. The transition from your header to your title, and from your title to your first paragraph, should maintain consistent double-spacing throughout.
MLA Header Example
Jane R. Doe Professor Michael Smith English 202: American Literature 12 December 2023 The Symbolism of the Green Light in The Great Gatsby The American Dream is a central theme in F. Scott Fitzgerald's... Note: The title is centered on the line immediately following the date. The first paragraph begins on the next line with a 0.5-inch indent.
Common MLA Header Mistakes
Avoid these frequent errors to maintain proper formatting:
- Incorrect Date Format: Do not use the Month/Day/Year format (e.g., 12/12/23). Always use Day Month Year.
- Extra Spacing: Avoid adding extra blank lines between the header and the title or between the title and the body.
- Using the Header Tool: Do not put the four-line identification block in the 'Insert Header' section of Word or Google Docs. Only the page number and last name belong there.
- Bold Titles: Your essay title should be plain text. Do not bold, underline, or increase the font size of the title.