Formatting your expository essay in MLA format
I want you to make sure that your final draft paper is formatted so that when you have revised your different sections enough where you are pleased with them, you can type them easily. In an English classroom, you turn in "final drafts" using MLA (Modern Language Association) format. It is very specific formatting. Today, I want you to open up Word and format your paper so that it is ready to go. Look below and follow the directions to create your formatted paper. I would like the title of your paper (with subject to change later) to be "Letter from Birmingham Jail" Expository Essay. (Don't put it in bold print...I just wanted you to see it). Make sure that you save it under your username in your OneDrive account. Save it as "YOUR last name Expository Essay" ...example Merriman Expository Essay
If you are stuck, ask someone else who is working on formatting as well. If Mrs. Merriman is not conferencing with a student, you may come up to her to ask for help as well.
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On the “Home” tab, select “Times New Roman” from the font list and change size to 12.
- On the “Home” tab, click the arrow that expands “Paragraph Settings” and under Spacing, choose Double and make sure “Before” and “After” are set to 0pt. Click OK.
- On the “Layout” tab, click “Margins”, Select “Normal” (1” on all sides).
- Click on the “Insert” tab. In the Header & Footer group,click on “Page Number”. Choose “Top of Page” and then “Plain Number 3”.
- Type your last name and hit the space bar once. Highlight the text, click the “Home” tab, and change font to “Times New Roman”, 12. Then double click below dotted line to begin typing your paper.
- Type the following, each on a separate line: Your name, instructor’s name, the course number, and the date (Day Month Year).
- Hit “Enter” key to move down to a new line. To center your title, click the “Center” icon in the Paragraph section and type the title of your paper.
- To begin your paper, hit “Enter” key to move down to a new line. Click the “Left” icon in the Paragraph section. Hit “Tab” key to indent and start typing. *Remember to hit the “Tab” key each time you begin a new paragraph.
Below is an example of what your paper should look like when you are finished formatting it.