General Guidelines for Formatting Your Papers
Note: These are general guidelines. Be sure to follow any specific format instructions your instructor provides.
For all papers (submitted online and hard copy):
· Double-space the text.
· Indent paragraphs about 5 spaces.
· Put the title at the top of page 1.
· Number the rest of the pages, starting with page 2.
· Tables should be labeled "Table" and be numbered and captioned. Other illustrations such as photographs, images, charts, and drawings should be labeled "Figure" and be numbered and captioned. All images should go as close to their corresponding text as possible.
· Use the documentation style required by your instructor. If the instructor does not require a specific style of documentation, then use either APA (American Psychological Association style, often used in the social sciences and some natural sciences) or MLA (Modern Language Association style, often used in the humanities).
· Proofread and/or use a spellchecker.
Additional format guidelines for hard copies:
· Include your last name and page number on each page (e.g., Smith 4).
· Include a title page with your name, title of the paper, course title, and date.
· Staple the paper in the top left-hand corner; binders are not necessary.
