Typing and Printing

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Modern Language Association updated their guidelines on April 1, 2016. We have not yet updated this section of Resources for Researchers to reflect these changes. We have ordered a copy of the new guidelines and will update as soon as possible.

  • Use 8½ " x 11" paper

  • Print only on white paper

  • Print only on one side of the paper

  • Print on a high quality paper such as 25% cotton

  • Use font that is easy to read (e.g. Times New Roman, Ariel)

  • Left justify

  • Do not hyphenate words

  • Use laser printer or matrix dot printer with a good ribbon or fresh printer cartridge

  • Keep a back-up copy of your paper on disk

  • Keep a photocopy of your paper for yourself

Download an MLA Template

Download a template that has margins, heading, and other information formatted using MLA requirements.



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I am old enough that I used a manual typewriter to write my first term papers. However, I am not so old that I used this style of typewriter.


Photo Credit: Tony Frates