how to write your name on the assignment

MLA Style Guide: Formatting Your Paper

• Get Started Here
• When, Why, & How to Cite
• Formatting Your Paper
• Citations & Bibliography
• OWL Purdue - MLA Sample Paper

How do I Format My Paper?

     Let's say your professor wants you to format in MLA style, and you have no idea how to do it. Where do you start? And why do you need to use a format anyway?

     There are a few reasons why professors ask you to use a specific format. One reason is to provide consistency between papers while grading. Can you imagine what it would be like to grade 150 papers, and every single one is formatted differently? It would take them quite a bit of time to grade your paper! On top of that, they may be looking for specific things like citations, page numbers, certain paragraphs or names, etc., and using a consistent format helps them find what they looking for quickly and easily, resulting in a faster grade for you!  

     Another reason to learn a format is to prepare you for upper-division classes in your major. It's worth noting that every discipline has its formatting style preference, and learning a citation style like MLA, APA, or Chicago will give you an understanding of how basic style rules work.

Let's get started on the basic rules:

Your paper should be written using a standard (8.5x11 inch) sheet of paper with a common font such as Times New Roman. Some professors may request a different font, but Times New Roman is the most commonly accepted.

The entire document should be double-spaced, including the header and bibliography. You can easily double-space a paper by highlighting the entire document, then pressing the Ctrl button on your keyboard and pressing the 2 (Ctrl + 2).

Margins on the page's sides, top, and bottom are 1 inch. The only exception is with the page number and your name on the right-hand side of the header, which is 1/2 inch from the top of the page.

Pages should be numbered, along with your last name, in the top-right header of the paper.

• Your Name, Professor's Name, Class Name, and Date should be double-spaced on the first page of your paper in the upper left-hand corner, with a 1-inch margin from the top and left sides.
• The title of your paper should be centered, with no boldface, underlining, or italics, unless you include a title within your title.
• Indentations should be 1/2 inch in from the 1-inch font.

Now that you've read this far and have an idea of what you need to do, there is a big shortcut you can use. Word has a few templates for various paper formats, including MLA, APA, and others. To locate these templates, select 'new' under file and type  MLA in the search box . Then select the template you wish to use. Download the Word document to your computer, open the template, and begin typing. 

MLA Style Resources

• MLA Formatting and Style Guide From OWL Purdue University Writing Lab One of the most popular websites regarding citations, bibliographies and plagiarism. Use the search bar on the site to find answers to any obscure question about MLA.

• MLA Style Center Direct from the Modern Language Association (MLA), this site offers help on how to do everything MLA. Offers tutorials, tips, and templates.

Other Useful Places

• Plagiarism by Vivian Harris Last Updated Jul 16, 2024 246 views this year
• English 1A and 1B by Susan Seifried Last Updated Jul 17, 2024 152 views this year
• Norco MLA 9th Style guide
• << Previous: When, Why, & How to Cite
• Next: Citations & Bibliography >>
• Last Updated: Jul 16, 2024 4:33 PM
• URL: https://norcocollege.libguides.com/MLAguide

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, proper way to include name in essay format.

What's the proper way to include my name in the format of a college application essay? Should I place it on the top left or somewhere else? Thanks in advance!

When formatting your college application essay, it's important to adhere to the guidelines provided by the college or use the standard MLA format if there are no specific instructions. Generally, you would want to include your name in the header of your essay, along with other important information. Here's a simple example:

1. In the top-left corner of the first page, include your full name, your high school, your guidance counselor, and the submission date (each on a separate line).

2. After the date, leave one line blank and then insert the title of your essay, centered on the page, and make sure to use standard capitalization rules.

3. Double-space your text, and begin the essay one line below the title.

In some cases, colleges may ask you to include your name and a specific identifier such as your Common App ID or social security number in the header on each page. In that case, create a right-justified header containing your last name, identifier, and the page number. Make sure to double-check the submission guidelines of the specific college you're applying to for any specific formatting requirements. Always follow their instructions to ensure your essay is properly formatted and presented.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

We use cookies to ensure we give you the best experience of our website. By browsing this site you accept we use cookies to improve and personalise our services and marketing. Read our privacy statement for more about what we do with your data, as well as your rights and choices.

• Studying by distance learning
• Get prepared for study
• How much time will you need?
• About our qualifications
• How to decide what to study
• How we'll support your studies
• Online tools and resources
• Te tautoko i te angitū o ngā ākonga Māori - Supporting Māori learner success
• Pasifika learner support
• Disability and Access Services
• Access to local campus services
• Fees free study
• Paying your fees
• Student loans
• Scholarships, awards and financial assistance
• Learner stories
• Choose courses
• How to apply to enrol
• Course start, end and withdrawal dates
• Recognising previous study and experience
• English language requirements
• Providing proof of your identity
• Terms and conditions of enrolment
• Fees and funding
• Changes to your enrolment
• International and studying from overseas
• Changes to benefit Open Polytechnic learners
• Student Advisory Group
• Disclaimer and copyright statement
• Notice of meetings
• Jobs at Open Polytechnic
• Who are our learners?
• Our Māori learners
• Our Pasifika learners
• Media Contact
• Publications
• First Impressions Survey
• Academic research
• Hei whaiwhakaaro i mua i tō ako - Some things to think about before you study
• Te whakatau he aha hei ako māu - Deciding what to study
• Whakawhiwhinga ākonga Māori - Scholarships and awards for ākonga Māori
• Message from Pule Ma’ata - Pasifika
• Meet our kaimahi Pasifika
• Pasifika success
• Scholarships for Pasifika
• Getting started with online learning
• Course and study support
• Supporting Māori learner success
• Meet some of our learners
• Dyslexia and the Dyslexia-Friendly Quality Mark
• Library & Learning Centre
• Mental health support
• Using iQualify
• MyOP learner portal and app download
• Accessing your learner email and free online Microsoft software
• Assistive technology tools
• Helperbird free assistive technology tool
• eduroam free Wi-Fi
• How to re-enrol
• Withdrawing from your course
• Withdrawals and course transfers
• Learner forms
• Get your student ID card
• Get started
• Make a plan
• Set study goals
• Reading skills
• Active learning
• Taking notes
• Mind mapping
• Researching
• Evaluating information
• Critical thinking for reading and research
• Step-by-step guide to tackling assessments
• Assessment types
• Plan your assessment
• Understand your assessment task
• Writing skills

Formatting and presenting assessments

• Assessments information
• Get help with academic writing and research skills
• Referencing and plagiarism
• How to reference
• Preparing for exams
• Types of exam questions
• Planning your time for an exam
• Information for sitting exams
• Research ethics for doing research projects
• How your work will be assessed
• How to submit your assessment for marking
• Submitting your work in te reo Māori
• How to request an assessment extension
• Special Consideration for in-course assessments
• Grading scales
• Academic Integrity
• Assessment writing
• Referencing
• Word limits and word count guidelines
• Using AI - Artificial Intelligence services
• Exam dates and venue information
• Exam admittance information and permitted materials
• Information for exam day
• Sitting exams from overseas
• Getting assistance with exams
• Exam reconsiderations, resits and the return of exam papers
• Aegrotat consideration
• Getting your final results
• Te whare tapa whā
• The Fonofale model of health
• Taha tinana – physical wellbeing
• Taha hinengaro – mental wellbeing
• Taha whānau – family, community and social wellbeing
• Taha wairua – spiritual wellbeing
• Free mental health support
• Rainbow learner support
• Applying to graduate
• Attending a graduation ceremony
• Academic transcripts
• Graduation Live Stream
• Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice
• Complaints and concerns
• Learning Engine LMS
• CPD and training services
• Digital design, video, animation and software development
• Instructional design
• Content licensing
• Digital design, video and animation

Formatting and presenting your assessments correctly is important because many include marks for presentation.

This may include marks for things such as:

• formatting and layout
• APA referencing
• writing style
• grammar and spelling.

Before you start on your assessment:

• check your assessment question, emails from your course leader, and learning materials for how it should be presented
• read the instructions carefully. Make sure you understand them and follow them exactly
• if you're not sure about what’s required contact your course leader.

Please note that assessments for psychology courses have specific requirements for formatting and presentation. Refer to the information and guidance provided on our Library and Learning Centre website:

APA Style for Psychology assessments

General guidelines for electronic submissions

• Most assessments should be produced using Microsoft Word.
• You can also submit assessments using: .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx or .rtf.
• if you don’t have Microsoft Word go to My Open Polytechnic to download and access your free version
• if you're not sure about the file type required, contact your course leader.
• Use a clear, readable font, such as Verdana, Calibri, Tahoma or Arial and use the same font throughout.
• Use black text on a white background.
• Avoid coloured backgrounds or text in a colour other than black, unless you have special permission to use them.
• Use 11 or 12 point font for the body of your assessment.
• Use 1.5 spacing and 2.53 cm (1”) wide margins.
• Leave a blank line between paragraphs.
• If the questions are short, leave a blank line between each question. If they are long, start each question on a new page.
• Left-justify your work (also known as left-aligned).
• Use bold for headings.
• Essays don’t usually need subheadings; reports usually do.

Most assessments need a title page, which should include:

• the title and number of the assessment
• the course number and name
• the due date
• your full name and student number.

Centre this information on the page, starting approximately one-third of the way down the page.

• Number and clearly label figures and tables.
• Add numbers as follows: Figure 1, Figure 2, Table 1, Table 2, and so on.
• Put table and figure captions above the table.
• Don't number the items in a reference list.

For more help with figures and tables, check:

Get more help with tables  and figures – APA  Style website

Headers and footers

Insert a header or footer on each page (except the title page). It should contain:

• your name (last name, first name/s)
• your student number
• the course code
• the assessment number
• page numbers.

Reference list

The reference list comes at the end of the assessment and should start on a new page labelled 'References'.

Need more help with reference lists? Check out the guides below:

Quick referencing APA guidelines  (PDF 47 KB; opens in a new window)

Guide to APA referencing  (PDF 395.11 KB; opens in a new window)

Appendices are used for information that:

• is too long to include in the body of your assessment
• supplements or complements the information you are providing.

Start each appendix (if applicable) on a new page. If there's just one appendix label it ‘Appendix’ without a number. If there is more than one, label them Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on.

In the main text of your assessment, refer to the Appendix by the label – for example, Appendix A.

Tops and bottoms of pages

Check the top and bottom of your pages to ensure they avoid:

• widows – single lines of text at the top of a page
• orphans – first lines of paragraphs at the bottom of a page
• tombstones – headings or subheadings alone at the bottom of a page
• split lists – lists that are divided between two pages (if possible).

General guidelines for hard copies

Most of the guidelines above also apply to hard copies (printed or handwritten documents).

If your course requires or allows handwritten assessments, be sure to follow the course instructions on presenting handwritten assessments.

Word limits and word count guidelines 

Word limits support the development of concise writing skills. Word count guidelines help you to understand the expectation of workload for an assessment.

 For more detailed information about these go to:

Word limits and word count guidelines  

Got a question?

If you want to talk with someone about formatting and presenting your assessments, contact The Library and Learning Centre | Te Whare Pukapuka Wāhanga Whakapakari Ako. 

Contact the Library and Learning Centre

Find Graduate Programs and Masters degree courses

• Online Master’s
• Cheapest masters Program
• Cheapest Online Masters
• Phd Programs
• Online Phd Doctoral Programs
• Graduate Certificate
• Online Certificate Programs
• One Year Masters
• One Year Online Masters
• Fastest Online Masters
• IVY League Programs
• GRE Score for Masters
• No GRE Masters Programs
• No GRE Online Masters Programs
• Grad School Matcher
• FAFSA Graduate Programs
• Graduate Scholarships
• Graduate Fellowships
• Graduate Assistantships
• Ivy League Scholarships

How to Write a Proper College Heading for an Assignment?

Do you need help writing proper headings for your assignments? Don’t worry, and you’re not alone. Many students find it challenging to format their assignments correctly, especially regarding titles. Writing an appointment is a crucial aspect of your academic journey as a student. From essays to research papers, they are vital in shaping your grades and overall academic performance. While the content of a work is crucial, the title is equally essential. A proper college assignment heading gives your appointment a professional look and provides vital information. 

This article will guide you on how to head a college assignment correctly. 

What is the College Assignment Heading?

A college assignment heading is a summary of the topic that appears at the top of the first page. The title includes the name of the student, the course name, the submission date, and the appointment title. The heading should be placed at the center of the page, and the font size should be more significant than the body text.

Why a proper college assignment heading is important?

The heading of your task provides the reader with crucial information about the content of your text. It also helps to set the tone and structure of your task. A suitably formatted title helps to give your work a professional look. It makes it easy for your teacher to identify and grade your assignment.

If you want to format your university assignment heading correctly, that’s not a problem. You can use sites like AssignmentBro assignment maker to help you out. These websites provide templates you can customize according to your requirements. Moreover, they ensure that your work title follows the proper formatting guidelines. It makes it easier to submit your text without errors.

Follow the guidelines

Firstly, always follow the guidelines provided by your professor. Different professors may have additional requirements. So check the requirements before submitting the task. Secondly, use a clear and concise title that accurately reflects the content of your assignment. Avoid using vague or irrelevant titles.

Choose the right formatting

When formatting your heading, use bold or italic font styles to distinguish the sections. For example, use bold for the title and italic for the course name. It will make your title easier to read and understand.

Use proper capitalization

It’s essential to use the correct capitalization for your title. In general, capitalize the first letter of each significant word. It includes nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. However, you shouldn’t capitalize prepositions, articles, or conjunctions only if they’re the first word in the title. For example, “How to Write a Proper College Assignment Heading” is correct. “How to Write a Proper College Assignment Heading for Essays, Research Papers, and Exams” is incorrect.

Consider the audience

Your heading should be appropriate for the intended audience. If you are writing for a general audience, use a title that is easy to understand. If you are writing for an academic audience, use a more formal heading that includes the title of the assignment.

Use subheadings

If your document is long, use subheadings to break it into smaller, more manageable sections. It makes it easier for the reader to navigate the document and find the necessary information.

Add keywords

In addition to the formatting tips, it’s essential to remember the keywords relevant to your assignment topic. Incorporating these keywords will help the reader understand the purpose of your task. If your work concerns the benefits of reading books on campus, include relevant keywords like “books” and “campus” in your heading.

Think about the type of assignment

In addition to the tips mentioned above, it’s essential to remember the type of assignment you’re writing. For instance, if you’re writing an essay, including the essay type in your title, such as “argumentative” or “analytical.” Similarly, if you’re writing a research paper, including the research topic in your heading to make it clear to the reader.

Proofread your assignment heading

Moreover, it’s crucial to proofread your text title before submitting it. Make sure to check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A suitably formatted or error-filled heading can create a positive impression on the reader. It will affect your grades.

Your assignment heading should be clear and concise, providing a summary of the content of your text. Avoid using complex words and phrases that may confuse the reader. Also, your name and student ID should be included in the title. This information helps your teacher identify and link your assignment to your academic record. The date when the work is due should be included in the heading. This information helps your teacher to keep track of submission dates. Remember that your college assignment title is an essential part of your work. It’s an opportunity to showcase your professionalism and attention to detail. Following the proper guidelines can create a positive impression on your professor. It will make your assignment stand out.

Writing a proper college assignment heading is a vital aspect of academic writing. Always check with your professor for specific instructions, use clear and concise titles, format your titles appropriately, and include relevant keywords. A well-formatted heading provides vital information about your assignment, sets the tone and structure, and gives your work a professional look. Following the tips in this article and using the examples provided, you can write a proper college assignment title that will impress your teacher and help you achieve academic success. Writing proper college task headings may seem daunting at first. But it’s easy if you follow the ethical guidelines.

[show_link program=’graduate’ other=’courses’]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply