The first page of a straightforward academic paper can be formatted according to MLA guidelines which do not require a separate cover sheet. The title should forecast the content of the paper and the first sentence should act as a thesis sentence. The first paragraph helps readers anticipate the main points the paper will make. The font can be conventional serif type. An illustration could be incorporated into the first page if ap-propriate.


Some Suggestions :


• Put a running head with your last name and the page number in the upper right-hand corner of every page including the first.


• Place your name, the instructor's name (with appropriate title), the name of the course and the date on the upper left side of the first page, double-spaced.


• Center the title one double space under the date, capitalizing all words except for articles, prepositions and conjunctions. Don't underline, italicize, boldface or put quotations around the title.


• Begin the body of the essay one double space below the title and double-space the entire essay including any quotations.


• Leave one-inch margins at the sides and top and bottom of this page and every page.


• Ask your instructor if he or she wants you to follow MLA, APA or some other style. If not, you may format your paper less formally, but be sure it is neat and includes all important information.