NWAW Rev./Art.-Form

WRITING CENTER "INFORMATION PICK-UP" (S.S.C.C.)

PROFESSIONAL PAPER FORMAT:

• MARGINS

• WORD-PROCESSING OR TYPING

• TITLE PAGE

• PARAGRAPHING

• MARGINS

• Margins are usually 1.5" on the tops and bottoms, with 1" margins on the left and the right. Margins not only make a paper easier on the eyes, but they allow the instructor to make comments on the paper's content.

Most word-processing programs have pre-set margins.

• WORD-PROCESSING OR TYPING

• All professional papers have to be word-processed or typed. Easy readability is an issue. Since hand-writing varies so dramatically, instructors require word-processed or typed papers for easy reading.

• All usually are double-spaced, with a blank line between each typed line. This again allows for easy readability and correction.

• Make sure to include page numbers to help you order your paper properly. Page numbers also help readers to move through your text and refer to certain sections by page number.

• Do access the spell-check and grammar check capabilities of word-processing programs. Professional papers should not have any spelling, grammar, punctuation or syntax mistakes.

• TITLE PAGE

• A title page--if required by the instructor--usually has the title centered at about 2" from the top. The student's name is placed one line below. The instructor's name, course name, assignment and date are placed at the bottom--as follows:

• Some students may wish to use a graphic on the title page. This is generally acceptable.

"The Perils of Obedience"

by Stanley Milgram

Instructor: Bob Rice

PSYCH. 101

Essay #1

April 11, 1997

• PARAGRAPHING

Paragraphs must be indented 5 spaces (or the amount of space set by the tabulation). Most instructors prefer this method.

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Using the block method, paragraphs may be un-indented, but there then must be two line spaces between each paragraph.

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(Revised 1998)