MLA Format Checklist Always read your syllabi and assignment sheets carefully. Some professors have preferences that vary from MLA 7. For example, MLA 7 does not require the URL of an online source in the list of works cited. It is not unheard of, however, for a professor to require you to include the URL in your works cited anyway.

The Body of Your Essay

☐ Are the margins set to 1” on all sides?

☐ Is your essay in an easily readable and consistent font and in size 12? Always read your assignment sheet and syllabus carefully—some professors have specific preferences for font and size. Remember, you can rarely go wrong with Times New Roman.

☐ Is your essay double spaced with the extra space between paragraphs removed?

☐ Is there only one space after each period?

☐ One your fist page , did you type your name, your instructor’s name, the course number, and the date on separate lines, double-spacing between the lines and flushed with the left margin?

☐ Is your title centered? Be sure not to underline or bold anything in your title. Only use italics if you used the title of something else, i.e. The Attitude toward Violence in A Clockwork Orange.

☐ Have you used Word’s header functions to insert your last name and the page number throughout the document? Double-check your assignment sheet and syllabus because some professors prefer that your header not appear on the first page. If so check the different first page option on the header tab.

Your Works Cited Page

☐Does the list of works cited appear at the end of your essay and on a separate page?

☐ Did you use the works cited title and center it without underlining or bolding it?

☐ Have you used hanging indentions for your essays? This means each entry begins flush with the left margin, and if an entry runs more than one line, indent the subsequent line or lines one-half inch from the left margin.