Formatting Your Writing

General Formatting Notes:

When Hand-Writing:

• Leave a 1" margin all around
  • the first line on the page is 1" from the top of the paper
  • the pink lines on the sides are 1" from the edges of the paper
  • the bottom has no 1" lines; leave three blank lines at the bottom of the page
• Use blue or black permanent ink (not erasable)

• Have a heading and title

• Don't skip lines between paragraphs

• Indent paragraphs 1/2" (about the same as the width of your thumb)

• Use front and back of paper

When Typing:

• Use12 pt. font (not larger, not smaller), preferably Times New Roman
• Make sure your margins are set to either 1" all around, or 1" at the top and bottom, and 1.5" on the sides.
• Double space the entire essay (make sure there is a blank line between every line of typing; the computer will do this automatically if you tell it to; you do not need to hit "Enter" after every line).

General Writing Notes:

• Unless specifically directed otherwise:
  • Always leave a 1” margin around your writing
  • Don’t skip lines (on the computer, this is called “double spacing,” because you hit the “Enter” key twice to leave a blank line)
• Don’t write “I will now tell you about,” “I will now write,” “In this essay I will,” etc. – Just dive right in!
• When answering an essay question or prompt, restate the question/prompt in the first paragraph of your answer.
• Always leave yourself time to plan what you will write before you begin your draft.
• Always leave yourself time to review what you have written; check your spelling and grammar and make any last-minute additions, deletions, or corrections.
• Use the least number of words possible that still allow you to clearly state, explain, or support your point.
• Rule of thumb:A paragraph in an essay has no less than 3 sentences, and no more than 8 sentences.
• A paragraph in a narrative or letter can have as many or as few sentences as are needed.