How To Write Mla Header

Mastering the MLA Header: A Comprehensive Guide to Formatting Your Papers

The MLA (Modern Language Association) style is widely used in humanities disciplines, and a correctly formatted header is crucial for academic credibility. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of creating a perfect MLA header, ensuring your papers meet the highest standards of academic writing. We'll cover the basics, address common mistakes, and provide practical examples to solidify your understanding. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently format your MLA header, allowing you to focus on the substance of your work.

Understanding the Purpose of the MLA Header

The MLA header isn't just a formality; it's a vital element of your paper's organization and presentation. It provides essential identifying information at a glance, allowing readers (and instructors) to quickly determine the author, assignment, and date. Consistency in formatting demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are highly valued in academic settings. The header helps prevent plagiarism accusations by clearly establishing authorship.

Essential Components of the MLA Header

The MLA header consists of four key components, all meticulously positioned on the upper left-hand corner of the first page of your paper:

Your Name: This should be your full legal name as it appears on your official university records. Avoid nicknames or shortened versions. Place this on the first line.
Instructor's Name: This is the name of the professor or teacher to whom you are submitting the assignment. Use the name they prefer to be addressed by, usually the formal version found on the syllabus. Place this on the second line.
Course Name: This is the full title of the course as it appears on your syllabus. Accuracy is crucial; avoid abbreviations. Place this on the third line.
Date: This should be written in the standard American date format (Day Month Year), e.g., 15 October 2023. Avoid using numerical abbreviations for months (e.g., 10/15/23). Place this on the fourth line.

Formatting Specifications: The Nuts and Bolts

The formatting of the header is as important as the information it contains. Here's a breakdown of the essential formatting rules:

Alignment: All four lines of the header should be left-aligned. This is consistent with the overall left-alignment of MLA formatting.
Spacing: Use single spacing between each line of the header. This maintains consistency with the single spacing required throughout the rest of the MLA formatted paper.
Font: Use a standard, easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial. The font size should be 12 points, matching the rest of the paper's text.
Margins: The entire page, including the header, should have 1-inch margins on all sides. Ensure your word processor is set to these margins before beginning.
Page Numbering: While not technically part of the header itself, page numbers are an equally crucial element. The MLA guidelines require page numbers in the upper right-hand corner of each page, beginning with the first page. The page number should be ½ inch from the top of the page and aligned to the right.

Example of a Correctly Formatted MLA Header

Let's visualize a correctly formatted header:

Jane Doe
Professor Smith
English 101
15 October 2023

This example clearly shows the four elements, appropriately spaced and aligned. Remember that this header only appears on the first page of your paper. Subsequent pages will only contain the page number in the upper right-hand corner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many students make common mistakes when formatting their MLA headers. Avoiding these pitfalls will save you time and ensure your paper is properly formatted:

Incorrect Date Format: Using a different date format (e.g., MM/DD/YY or DD/MM/YY) is a frequent error. Always use the Day Month Year format.
Inconsistent Spacing: Uneven spacing between lines in the header looks unprofessional. Use single spacing consistently.
Incorrect Alignment: Centering or right-aligning the header is incorrect. It should always be left-aligned.
Using Nicknames or Abbreviations: Use your full legal name and the full course title. Avoid nicknames or abbreviations.
Forgetting the Header on Subsequent Pages: Remember, the full header only appears on the first page. Subsequent pages only need the page number in the upper right-hand corner.
Incorrect Font and Font Size: Using a non-standard font or an incorrect font size disrupts the overall look and professionalism of your paper. Stick to Times New Roman or Arial, 12pt.
Incorrect Margins: Ensure you maintain 1-inch margins throughout your document, including the header area.

Advanced Considerations: Handling Complex Situations

Certain situations may require slight adaptations to the standard MLA header format. Let's address some of these:

Multiple Instructors: If you have multiple instructors for a course, list all of their names. You may need to adjust the spacing to fit within the margin.
Unusual Course Titles: For unusually long course titles, it's acceptable to break the title onto a second line within the header. Maintain consistency in formatting with the rest of the paper and always keep within the margin guidelines.
No Instructor Name Available: In unusual circumstances, where an instructor's name isn't readily available (such as an online course), use a course identifier provided by the institution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to include my student ID number in the MLA header? A: No, the MLA style does not require a student ID number in the header. Your name is sufficient for identification.
Q: What if my instructor has a very long name? A: If your instructor's name is unusually long, and it extends beyond the margin, it's acceptable to shorten the name to a formal first and last name while ensuring clarity.
Q: Can I use a different font if I have a disability that requires a specific font? A: Yes, if you have a documented disability that requires a specific font, you should discuss this with your instructor to receive appropriate accommodations.
Q: How do I create the header in Microsoft Word? A: In Microsoft Word, you'd typically type the header information in the header section (Insert > Header), ensuring proper formatting and alignment. Page numbering is also found within the Header & Footer options.
Q: What if I make a mistake in the header? A: If you notice a mistake after submitting your paper, contact your instructor immediately.

Conclusion: The Importance of Precision

The MLA header might seem like a minor detail, but its accuracy and consistency demonstrate your attention to detail and your understanding of academic conventions. By following these guidelines carefully, you'll ensure your papers meet the high standards expected in academic writing. The time invested in mastering the MLA header will pay off significantly in the overall quality and professionalism of your work. Remember, a well-formatted paper reflects the care and effort you put into your research and writing. Mastering the MLA header is a crucial first step towards achieving this. So, take the time to get it right, and you'll confidently present your academic work with clarity and professionalism.