how to put my essay in mla format in a google doc

how to put my essay in mla format in a google doc

Formatting an essay in MLA style in a Google Doc, especially if it’s intended to be 1000 words, involves setting up the document according to MLA guidelines and organizing your content effectively. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Create a New Google Doc:

• Open Google Docs and create a new document.

2. Set Up Page Margins:

• Click on “File” in the top menu.
• Select “Page setup.”
• Set all margins to 1 inch.

3. Set Font and Spacing:

• Use the “Times New Roman” font with a 12-point size.
• Set line spacing to “Double.”

4. Create a Header:

• In the top-left corner of the document, include your name, your instructor’s name, the course name/number, and the date. This information should be double-spaced and aligned to the left.

5. Title:

• Center-align your essay title at the top of the first page.
• Capitalize the first and last words of the title and all major words in between.
• Do not use bold, italics, or underlining for the title.
• Do not include quotation marks around the title unless it is part of a larger work (e.g., an article or book title).

6. Page Numbers:

• Insert page numbers in the upper-right corner of each page, half an inch from the top.
• Your last name should precede the page number (e.g., “Smith 1”).

7. Content and Structure:

• Organize your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Use proper indentation (0.5 inches) for the first line of each paragraph.

8. In-Text Citations:

• Use in-text citations (author-page) when quoting or paraphrasing sources within your essay. For example: (Smith 45).
• Ensure that your in-text citations match the sources listed in your Works Cited page.

9. Works Cited (if applicable):

• If you’ve used external sources, create a Works Cited page following MLA guidelines. Alphabetize your sources by the author’s last name or the title if there is no author.
• Format your citations correctly based on the type of source (book, article, website, etc.).

10. Proofreading:

• Carefully proofread your essay for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
• Verify that your word count is approximately 1000 words.

11. Sharing and Submission:

• Once your essay is complete, share it with your instructor if required, or save it in your preferred format (PDF, Word, etc.) for submission.

By following these steps, you can format your essay in MLA style within a Google Doc and ensure it complies with MLA guidelines. Always consult your instructor’s specific requirements for further guidance.