A well-documented and presented term paper does not focus only on the content. Simply stated, a perfect term paper means informative content and intelligent expression presented in a well-defined format.
While content and expression is your largely a factor of your talent and skill, the format for writing a term paper depends mainly on the guidelines laid down by the Modern Language Association, or the MLA. The guidelines specified by the MLA forms the basis of formatting a term paper written in English language.
The guidelines specify the quality and the size of the paper, on which you write a term paper. As per the specifications, you should type your work on a good quality white paper with a standard size of 8.5 by 11 inches. Also, you should write on one side of the paper only. While formatting the first page, keep in mind that there is no need to make title page unless your instructor specifies as much. While writing, the lines should be double-spaced.
Leaving space for margins is very important. Your instructor will use the margin to write his or her comments. Additionally, standard and evenly placed margins give a neat look. The MLA specifies leaving one-inch margins on the left, right, top and bottom of every page. The exception is page numbers, which are placed ½ inch from the top upper right hand margin.
Highlighting important points in a term paper helps to draw attention to them. As per the MLA guidelines, you should use underlining or italics for highlighting important points, or the titles of a longer work.
The MLA guidelines state that your works cited list should be written on a page that is separate from the essay. All entries should be double-spaced.