Research Paper Style Guide

In place of a title page, MLA style requires a heading on the first page of your paper.

The heading appears in the top, left corner of the first page, double-spaced.

If your title extends past one line, double-space between lines.

Your name will appear centered and in capital and lower-case letters one double-spaced line below your title.

Moore who will no doubt be so overwhelmed with its excellence that he will ask you to submit it for publication.

Headings: If your paper is long you may divide it into sections (for example, "Literature Review," "Research Method and Results," and "Discussion").Do not enlarge the font to make your paper appear longer; do not make the font smaller so you can fit your paper into the prescribed number of pages. This site offers only examples of the more common citations students use.For a wider range of topics, you need to consult the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers or the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.Select a form for each level of division (for example, you might write Level 1 centered, caps and lower case; Level 2 flush left, lower case only, etc.); use the same form for the same level your paper.Regardless of the system you choose, the title on the title page should conform to MLA standards. The number should appear by itself with no punctuation.Both style books are available in the bookstore and at the library.General format and title page: Your research paper needs to be typed and double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5 X 11 inches).Margins and spacing: All margins should measure one inch. Pagination: Number all pages of your paper in the upper right corner, one-half inch from the top. General format and title page: Your research paper needs to be typed, double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5 X 11 inches).Page numbers will appear within the top margin, but no other text should extend past the one-inch margins. Use one to one-and-a-half inch margins on all four sides of each page.Your university name (Oregon State University) will be placed one double-spaced line below your name.If you are a communication major, you also will include below the institution's name the title of your department.