Computer Procedures and Directions for MLA Document Format

Computer Procedures

To ensure that computers are in good working order for everyone’s use, please follow these guidelines.
  • Handle computers with care. Do not bang on the keys, move a computer, shut down at the end of your session, touch the screen, or do anything to compromise the machine’s good working order and safety.
  • Should your teacher ask you to shut down, do so only in this way: choose SHUT DOWN from the menu that pops up from the START button. Leave the screen on.
  • Change no computer settings (screensaver, background, mouse speed, taskbar items, sound, and the like).
  • Add no websites to the browser’s favorites list unless your teacher asks you to do so.
  • Save no file to the computer. Always save files to your own flash drive or other portable memory device. At the end of each day, saved files are deleted from each computer.
  • The computers are for class work only. Therefore, at no time are you permitted to play games or to access your email unless required for an assignment. Fail to follow this guideline at your peril.
  • Disconnect no cables.
  • Should you have a problem with a computer or a printer, ask your teacher for help.
  • To ensure correct formatting, as soon as you open a new document, choose DOUBLE-SPACE from the menu bar at the top of the screen (or if the icon is not visible, from FORMAT, PARAGRAPH, and LINE SPACING or CTRL+2). Then enter the MLA heading, complete with draft number notation below the date. Then choose SAVE AS, give your document an appropriate name, and save it to your flash drive. Note: Everything must be double-spaced
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    Directions for MLA (Modern Language Association) Document Format
  • Word-process (or write in blue or black ink when you do not use a computer).
  • Double-space throughout your text in a traditional 12-point font like Times New Roman or Book Antiqua. (In the interest of conserving paper, these instructions have been single-spaced.) If you write by hand (on an exam, for instance), skip at least two lines to leave room for revising, editing, and proofreading.
  • Write or print on only one side of the paper (unless you’re making a particular kind of double-sided document [such as a brochure, for instance]).
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  • On the first line at the left, write your heading in MLA style like this:
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    Student Name

    Dr. Robley Hood or Mrs. Mary Jo Johnson

    English IIB (or IID or the like)

    6 September 2007 (the date of a draft or the appropriate due date)

    Final Copy (or the appropriate draft number like this – D6 or D8)

    Note: When writing by hand, begin the heading on the first line of the paper just inside of or to the right of the red margin line.
  • When word-processing, tap ENTER once after the draft designation at the end of the heading, select CENTER (alignment), write the title, tap ENTER once again, and align left for your text. (Do not justify your text.) When writing by hand, skip one line and center the title; then skip another line before the body of your text. Obey the margins indicated by the light red lines.
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  • Do nothing unusual to the title of your composition. Do not bold it or underline it use a larger point size, for instance.
  • Number each page (including your first page) at the top right, one-half inch down from the top of the page according to the directions below.
  • When word-processing, add page numbers in this way only:
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  • At the end of your text, skip at least two spaces by hand (or enter twice if word-processing) and write (or word-process) the pledge: "I give my word as a Webb lady (or gentleman) that I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this assignment." Sign the pledge by hand with your full name. (Note: In this class, we may well confer about pieces of writing. Such conferring or "workshopping" of writing does not constitute unauthorized aid. When in doubt, ask.)
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