Easy MLA Formatting with Microsoft Word

Learn how to set up a Microsoft Word document in MLA Style and insert properly formatted citations and references. 

At the conclusion of this course, you will know 

How to Set up a Microsoft Word in MLA Style

• Learn how to set up your documents in MLA Style
• See what goes on the abbreviated cover page and where
• Find out how to set up the header correctly
• Insure the paragraph settings and spacing are correct in the body of your paper
• Learn how to format the Works Cited page in MLA Style

How to use the References Feature in Word

• Find out how easy it is to insert properly formatted citations and references
• Set up your sources in the Reference Library that you can use over and over
• Know a few different methods of introducing a quote in your paper
• Build a Works Cited page with the click of your mouse

Identify and Avoid Plagiarism

• Learn the definition of plagiarism and why it is a matter of integrity
• Understand the difference between deliberate and negligent plagiarism
• Discover the 10 types of plagiarism
• Understand the vocabulary of plagiarism
• Use strategies to avoid plagiarism in your papers

These time-saving tips will save you time and help you make a good impression on your instructor with a professional looking paper.

Even if you have little or no experience using Microsoft Word, you will find this video series easy to follow.

Content and Overview

In Part 1, you will learn why MLA Style matters and go through some of the basic rules of formatting. We will then take you step-by-step through the process of setting up your document in MLA Style. Not only that, but we show you how to keep these settings so that every time you sit down to write a paper, everything is already setup. Finally, you will learn how to format your abbreviated page, the header of your paper, and the body of your paper and Works Cited page.

In Part 2, you will learn why we use citations and bibliographic information. We take you step-by-step through the process of setting up your sources in Microsoft Word. Then, you will learn how to insert citations into your paper with a click of the mouse. We also discuss different ways of introducing quotes and how it can affect the format of your citations. And finally, we show you how to insert your sources on the Works Cited page in one simple step that ensures your references are properly formatted every time.

In the Bonus Section, we show you how to identify plagiarism, and more importantly, how to avoid it. Look for downloads a couple of downloads to help you with formatting and evaluating your resources, too. You will also find a couple of short videos to help you with formatting blocked quotes and including quotes within a quotation. 

What are the requirements?

• You will need Microsoft Word on your computer (PC or Mac).

What am I going to get from this course?

• Setup a Word Document in MLA Style.
• Set the default settings in Word so you do not have to repeat it each time you sit down to write a paper.
• Insert properly formatted citations and references using the Reference Feature in Microsoft Word
• Identify and avoid plagiarism

What is the target audience?

• Anyone who writes academic papers for classes in MLA style.