Formatting Headers and Footers in MLA Style

Formatting Headers and Footers in MLA Style for Persuasive Essays

When working on a persuasive essay in MLA style, formatting headers and footers is crucial for maintaining consistency and clarity throughout your paper. In this article, we will explore the essential guidelines for formatting headers and footers in MLA style, providing you with practical tips and examples to help you get started.

Understanding Header Requirements

In MLA style, headers should include your last name and page number in the top-right corner of each page. This helps readers quickly locate specific pages and credits sources properly. To create a header in MLA format:

• Center the page number 1 inch from the right edge.
• Place your last name in uppercase letters after the page number.
• Use a font size between 12-point and 14-point.

Best Practices for Header Formatting

Here are some additional best practices to keep in mind when formatting headers:

Creating a Footer

In MLA style, footers are used to include the Works Cited entry page or a citation guide at the bottom of each page. This helps readers locate specific sources without having to search for them throughout the document.

• Place the footer 1 inch from the bottom edge.
• Format your Works Cited page according to MLA guidelines (more on this in our upcoming article).

Header and Footer Examples

Here are some examples of properly formatted headers and footers:

Header Example: Jones, Jane 1

Footer Example: Jane Jones Works Cited Page | ...