Outlines in MLA Format

Alphanumeric OutlinesThis is the most common type of outline and usually instantly recognizable to most people.

The formatting follows these characters, in this order:

• Roman Numerals (I, II, III, IV, etc.)• Capitalized Letters (A, B, etc.)• Arabic Numerals (1, 2, etc.)• Lowercase Letters (a, b, etc.)

Beginning Your OutlineBefore beginning to put content in your outline, make sure your document is set up in MLA format.

• Times New Roman, size 12• 1” margins on all sides• Double-spacing for the entire document• Last name and page number in header• Proper MLA heading• “Research Paper Outline” centered in place of a title

Beginning Your OutlineAs you begin to type your outline, Microsoft Word will often try to start formatting your outline for you.

DO NOT ALLOW IT TO DO THIS!Any time the program inserts letters or spaces for you, undo it by using CRTL + Z.

If you use the auto-format, your outline will be done INCORRECTLY!

Thesis StatementAfter you have formatted the top of your paper, the first thing you will include in your outline is your thesis statement.

This will be aligned to the LEFT directly below the title. Type the word “Thesis” and a colon, followed by your thesis.

Roman NumeralsThe first level of the outline utilizes Roman Numerals.

This level should be flush with the LEFT margin of the page.

Items on this level should be MAIN POINTS.

Capital LettersThe second level of the outline utilizes capital letters.

This level should be indented ½” (TAB key one time) from LEFT margin of the page.

Items on this level should be supporting information about the main points.

Arabic NumeralsThe third level of the outline utilizes Arabic numerals.

This level should be indented 1” (TAB key two times) from LEFT margin of the page.

Items on this level should be details about the supporting information.

Lowercase LettersThe fourth level of the outline utilizes lowercase letters.

This level should be indented 1 ½” (TAB key three times) from LEFT margin of the page.

Items on this level should be details about the previous details.

A Note About FormattingIf information you are typing continues on to the next line, be sure that it lines up with indenting for its section.

This means that the only information that will be along the left margin will be information with Roman numerals.