Writer's Style Guide - Formatting Your Piece of Writing

Writer's Style Guide

Formatting Your Piece of Writing

Formatting Your Piece of Writing

Type or word process on "letter-size" white sheets of paper, which are 8.5 by 11 inches, or approximately 21 by 28 cm. If you are expressly permitted to use handwriting, write legibly in pen on standard-size lined sheets. Whether you are typing or writing, use only one side of each sheet.
Where standard usage calls for italic type, underline the words if you are either writing by hand or using a typewriter that does not have italic type.

Page Identification

Number the pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner of each page. Start with the number 1 for the first page of content, which is usually the first page after the title page.
On the same line as the page number, add any other information that the assignment directions require. If you are using a word processor, all of this information belongs in the header.

Margins

Use margins of at least 2.5 cm, or at least 1 inch.

Spacing and Indenting

If you are typing your work, double-space it. If you are writing by hand, skip every second line. Indent the first word of each paragraph at least 1 cm or 5 spaces. You may also allow a little extra space above each paragraph.

Setting Up a Title Page

Use a separate sheet of paper for the title page of a research paper.

Centre the title of your piece of writing: place it halfway between the left and right margins. In the title, capitalize the first letter of the first word and all major words-all words except articles, coordinating conjunctions, and prepositions. Within your title, italicize the title of any separately published book or play, and use quotation marks around the title of any article, short story, or poem.

At the bottom, add your name, the course name, the date, your instructor's name, and any other information that the assignment directions require. (Sample of a Title Page)