what does a double spaced essay look like examples

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay and Score an A for it

Many guidelines for formatting essays, as presented in rubrics, recommend double-spacing as one of the proper formats for standard comprehensive essays . For instance, when you receive the assignment instructions, essay prompts, or other academic homework assignment instructions, the Spacing of the work is usually specified.

The common spacing specifications include a 1.5 spaced essay, single-spaced essay, and a double-spaced or 2.0 spaced essay. In most cases, instructors will insist that your essay must be typed and double-spaced on standard-sized 8.5" by 11" paper, with margins of 1" on all sides.

In this detailed guide, we focus on the definition of a double-spaced essay, how to double-space an essay on MS Word or Mac Pages, and how to spice up that essay so that you score higher marks.

What is a double-spaced essay?

Here is the meaning of a double-spaced essay : A double-spaced essay is a standard essay written on a standard-sized (8.5" x 11") paper with a one-inch margin around the paper formatted with double spaces between the lines that make a paragraph with no extra spacing between paragraphs.  

In terms of word count, a double-spaced essay contains either 275 or 300 words in total per page, depending on the font used. Formatting a paper in double-spacing makes it easier for the tutor to read through the essay, make corrections within the left spaces, and follow through with ideas in your essay.

The number of words in a double-spacing essay also depends on the page margins you have set for your text. For instance, if you use A-4 sized page, an essay will have fewer words, the same as an A3 page. However, a standard-sized age with one-inch margins all around should have 275 words as a standard.

With short essays being between 250 words and 1000 words, with the most common in college being a 500-word essay, you can write as many words as you wish depending on the scope of the question, essay prompt, and the topic.

In most instances, students are advised to use font 12 points of 11 depending on the font type you are using. Failure to format your essay in the required Spacing might lead to penalties ranging from deduction of grades to poor grades.

As you set out to write or edit your essay, ensure that you choose a font that your professor advises. But this should only be the last thing you do as you polish your essay. For instance, some students find it comfortable writing with a given font, say Arial font 13, and then converting to Times New Roman font 12 when editing.

What is the significance of Double Spacing in essays and assignments?

You are probably wondering why we double-space essays or why it is the preferred standard for essays you write in high school and college. Below are some of the top three reasons why teachers want essays to be double-spaced.

• Double-spacing makes it easier to read through the document quickly as the lines do not blur together.
• Double-spaced essays are also reader-friendly. A reader can easily read and trace the points in your essay without needing extra aids or larger fonts.
• Double-spaced essays or assignments are also preferred because they leave whitespaces where the instructors can write comments on the paper.
• Another reason is that double-spaced essays give you (the essayist) enough room to communicate to your readers. The Spacing enhances the spatial mode of the essay or paper, making it easier to spot main points, read without getting lost or straying into other lines, and use one's fingers.

Double-Spacing vs. Other tyles of Spacing for Essays

When writing an essay, report, dissertation, annotated bibliography, or research paper for school, you should be aware of the type of Spacing required. There are three types of Spacing for school assignments: single, 1.5, and double Spacing.

A double-spaced paper or document, which is the most common, entails creating 2.0 spaces between lines in a paragraph without spaces between paragraphs. Double-spacing is a norm of most college assignments; even dissertations and theses are mostly double-spaced.

A 1.5 spaced essay or document means that the lines or sentences in a paragraph are spaced 1.5 mm from one another without spaces between paragraphs.

Finally, a single-spaced paper has little white spaces between the typed lines in the paragraphs. The lines within the paragraph are spaced 1.0 from one another. This means that there is little room for comments, remarks, or feedback from the professor. You should only use single and 1.5 spacing if your instructor advises so.

If you have typed your paper and realize that you have the wrong spacing, do not worry. You can do the Spacing of an essay or document either on a word document or on a Mac, as we shall explain shortly. The good news is that you can do this at any point in your writing process. The process will differ depending on the program you are using. Let's explore widely.

If you are wondering what a double-spaced essay looks like, have a look below.

Here is how single Spacing should look like in an essay:

Pages vs. Spacing Chart

To try to bring things to their perspective, here is a table comparing word count to Spacing. It can help you plan your essays.

You can simply conclude from the table abov e that a single-spaced page has the exact word count as twice a double-spaced paper.

How to set Double-Spacing on your Computer

Some people prefer to use other font styles and formats when writing, then edit the entire document to the required format and Spacing later, which is okay. Others like to keep everything organized from the beginning, which means setting double-spacing from the onset. Whether on Mac Page's word processor or MS word processor, here are some steps to take.

Pages on a Mac

If you are using a Page's word processor on a mac, you can follow these steps to double-space your paper:

• Highlight the text that you wish to double-space
• Click on Inspector, a blue button on the top right of your window
• In the new window, select the Text tab or the "T."
• Find the section labeled Spacing and type 2 into the box to the right of the slide bar.

On Microsoft Word Processor

If you are typing your assignment on a word document, follow the following steps to double-space it:

1. Select the text that you wish to change its Spacing

2. Under the Home tab , go to the Paragraph Click on the small arrow in the bottom left corner, as shown below.

3. A new window will pop up with various settings, including general, indentation, and Spacing, as shown in the figure below.

4. Click on the line spacing drop-down arrow

5. Select " Double " from the list

6. Check the " Don't add space between paragraphs of the same style ."

7. Press OK to execute the changes and save

The process is more or less the same for all Microsoft word processing versions. 

You can also adjust the line-spacing from the toolbar on your Microsoft word processor . This is probably the best way if you are one of those that want a page with double-spacing from the onset.

1. Under the Paragraph section of the Home Tab , locate the line-spacing button .

2. Click on the button to expand it as shown below.

3. Choose 2 . 0 for double-spacing , 1.5 for 1.5 line-spacing, and 1.0 for single spacing.

4. Click on OK to make the paper double-spaced.

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: 9 Steps to Take

Suppose you are assigned to write a double-spacing essay and you are wondering how to proceed, here is a little cheat sheet to keep you going. We asked our top essay writers and here were their exact recommendations; they can help you craft a double-spaced essay or assignment.

1. Read the essay prompt

The first thing you should always do when assigned to write a double-spaced essay is to thoroughly read the assignment prompt. It helps you unpack the question, brainstorm on a good topic, and pick the best topic for your essay. additionally, you also get to understand the Spacing, font type and size, and length/wordcount of your essay. It is an integral step in writing an essay.

2. Select a good essay topic

After reading the instructions, you need to rewrite the question on your own terms, conduct some research, evaluate the viable topics, then choose a hot topic for your essay. depending on your area of study, select a topic that is neither too narrow nor too broad. Go with a topic that is easy to find resources and one that you have genuine interest in writing a paper. If you are left with the option of selecting a topic on your own, select a topic that is relevant to the subject of study.

3. Use appropriate evidence

We cannot insist less how much it is important to cite all the sources that you use in an essay. First, failure to cite sources used in an essay could amount to plagiarism, which is a punishable offense in higher education and even professional realms. Therefore, you need to manage your in-text citations and reference list to ensure that your paper has some scholarly rigor. Citing facts paraphrased, quoted, or summarized from a source bolsters the arguments in the paragraphs of your essay. It brings in a string of a scholarly streak that makes the paper flow, make sense, and support your thesis statement.

4. Present your facts well

When planning for your essay or writing an essay outline/structure, you ought to have thought of the scaffolding of your essay. An essay scaffold refers to the order in which you present your arguments, themes, or texts in an essay. Have some semblance of organization in your essay. As an essayist, ensure that you substantiate your claims using proper evidence.

Instead of casually presenting an idea because you do not believe in it, use the available empirical evidence to make the essay even more desirable. It is also appropriate not to jump into unwarranted or unsupported conclusions.

If you do so, let it be on grounds of the evidence presented to support your thesis statement. Equally, your essay must always address the readers, so focus on what would interest them. From the title to the reference page, ensure that your readers are well-entertained and hooked.

5. Have a good essay structure

Apart from determining the order of argument, ensure that your essay is also well-structured. A comprehensive essay with a definite structure intrigues the readers. It also simplifies the writing process because everything falls into its rightful place.

You will have a laser-sharp focus on a structured essay than an essay you write haphazardly. Such an essay (a poorly-planned essay) will probably miss a thing or two. But when you have an essay outline , your chances of intriguing your readers increased. In short, a well-structured essay is reader-friendly.

Instead of beginning with the introduction, like anyone else, why not begin with the body paragraphs. Because you have a preliminary thesis, your body paragraphs can be developed without the introduction.

You can then finalize the writing process by tweaking the thesis into a final thesis, based on the arguments on the body paragraphs, and then writing a catchy introduction.

When you have your introduction, you can now finalize the writing process by writing an equally catchy conclusion that leaves your readers yearning for more.

As long as you maintain the standard format of a three-paragraph or a five-paragraph essay, whichever order you use to write does not matter provided the quality of the essay is met.

Choose the essay scaffold depending on the type of essay you are writing. For instance, you can use Toulmin, classic argument method, or Rogerian approach when writing an argumentative essay . similarly, you can choose to use chronology or point-by-point contrast when writing a classification or compare and contrast essay .

6. Use simple vocabulary

When writing any essay, it is not the chance to measure who knows what vocabulary. Instead, it is a chance to present facts from research to reinforce your ideas and thoughts on a given topic. Resist the temptation of using tough words to impress your teacher. Simplicity always wins when it comes to essay writing. Write in plain and simple language.

Use the ordinary words that makes it easier for your instructor to read and flow with your ideas. They never have the time to peruse a thesaurus, and even if they do, you would probably irritate their appetite leading to poor grades.

Use simple common words to communicate with the audience. Most engaging and top-grade essays are written in simple language. Students who write simple papers end up scoring better, as long as the facts are presented, flowing, and well organized.

7. Use short and long sentences

Every piece of assignment you write is meant to impress your readers. Using short sentences and long sentences blended together makes an essay readable. Short sentences are brief, easy to understand, and allow for easier navigation.

Although sometimes it is tempting to use complex sentences, they are counted as run-on or ambiguous sentences. When writing, this should not trouble you. However, when editing the paper, shorten the long sentences that have empty but complex vocabularies. It narrows down to simplicity again.

All our writers are better because they have mastered the art of balancing short and long sentences. With such a craft, you can convince even the toughest professor on earth for the best grades.

Brevity, coherence, accuracy, composition, and clarity comes from a mastery of how to use short sentences. So, try to practice often and use this approach for success in your essays.

8. Balance your paragraphs

To achieve a perfect paragraph in an essay is akin to getting an A+. It is not hard although it is something that most people struggle with.

Ensure that your topic sentences achieve cohesion and coherence. Cohesion means a good flow while coherence means achieving a sense of the whole. Your paragraphs should transition into one another.

Each paragraph should present a single idea linked to the order. Check out our guide on the PEEL paragraphing format . We also have a checklist for a good essay paragraph . A paragraph is an indispensable or irreplaceable node within a coherent sequence of logic. They are the building blocks of the essays. So, make them count.

Finally, your paragraphs need to be balanced in terms of number of words. Remember, by default the body paragraphs comprise 80% of the entire word count. This means that if you are writing a five-paragraph essay, the three body paragraphs should be spread to cover for the same.

9. Edit and format correctly

The writing process is no doubt the hardest part. Since it comes with researching, reading, and critical thinking, by the time you are done chances are that you are exhausted and probably fatigued. If you make the mistake of rushing directly to edit and format the paper, you'll probably make mistakes. It is the sole reason why it is good to plan an essay � allocate some good time for editing and polishing the essay or any assignment for that matter.

Now, when you're done with writing, take some much-deserved break. You can go for a walk, have a nap, watch your favorite show, activate your social media and plug back, or visit a friend, whatever will ease your mind.

After the rest, spend some quality time objectively reading, editing, and formatting your essay. focus on spelling, grammar, stylistic, and organization mistakes. You should also check the right Spacing, fonts, and font type. If you find the process consuming and tiresome, you can use our essay editing service. We have keen editors who can always help.

After everything is okay, check your paper for plagiarism, and submit it before the deadline.

Parting Shot!

To this end, you now understand what a double-spaced essay is, how to set double Spacing on your Computer, and how to make a double-spacing interesting enough to earn you a better grade.

Whether you are writing in MLA, Harvard, APA , or Chicago, the process remains the same. If you need tips on how to make an essay longer , check out our guide on the same. We also have various guides that can help you become a better essay writer.

Related: How to indent in an essay or paper.

Otherwise, if all you need is someone who can assist you with writing a well-researched, refined, and polished school essay, we have excellent and talented writers on the wait. Place an order through the form on our homepage and experience a perfect essay help you have never seen before.

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

Double Spaced Essay Guide: Tips for Formatting Your Paper

Writing an essay is a  vital task  for both students and professionals. This could range from academic papers and blog posts to business reports. An  essential  part of crafting your text is attention to formatting, notably the spacing between lines and paragraphs.

Proper spacing not only impacts your document’s readability and visual appeal but also affects the  word count . Furthermore, it plays a significant role in the impression you leave on your readers, which directly influences the feedback you might receive, whether from instructors or clients.

Need help doing your assignment?

A commonly adopted format is  double spacing . This involves leaving an empty line between each line of text, greatly enhancing readability and providing space for comments or corrections. Despite its benefits, there’s often confusion around the  exact definition of double spacing, how to implement it across various word processing tools, and its appropriateness for different essay types.

What is Double Spaced in an Essay?

Double spacing is a  formatting technique  that creates extra space between the lines of text in an essay. It is often required by teachers and professors in higher institutions of learning, such as colleges and universities. A double spaced essay is an essay that has two blank lines between each line of text, making it  easier to read and edit .

A double spaced essay also has one inch margins around the paper and  no extra space between the paragraphs .

How do I make an essay double spaced?

To make an essay double spaced, you need to use a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Depending on the program, you can follow these steps to set up double spacing:

• Select all the text in your essay by pressing  Ctrl+A  or  Command+A .
• Go to the Home tab and click on the  Line and Paragraph Spacing  icon. Alternatively, you can go to the Layout or Design tab and click on the  Paragraph Spacing  option.
• Choose  2.0  or  Double  from the drop-down menu. This will apply double spacing to your entire essay.

Is 2.0 double spaced?

Yes, 2.0 is considered double spaced. The industry standard for double spacing is  2.0 , meaning there should be two blank lines between each line of text.

This allows for a  comfortable reading experience  and makes it easier to spot mistakes.

How many paragraphs is a double spaced paper?

The number of paragraphs in a double spaced paper depends on the length and structure of your essay. There is no fixed rule for how many paragraphs you should have, but a general guideline is to have  one paragraph for each main point or idea . You can also use transitions and headings to organize your paragraphs and make your essay more coherent.

The length of each paragraph can vary, but a typical paragraph in a double spaced paper has about 100 to 200 words.

Is an MLA essay double spaced?

Yes, an MLA essay is double spaced. MLA style is a common citation and formatting style for academic papers, especially in the humanities. MLA style requires that the entire essay, including the title, headings, and Works Cited page, is double spaced.

The only exception is  block quotations , which are single spaced and indented.

What does a 500 word essay look like double spaced?

A  500 word essay  is a concise piece of writing, typically encompassing three to five paragraphs. This format is frequently utilized for assignments in both high school and college settings.

When double spaced, a 500 word essay spans approximately one to two pages, with the exact length affected by the chosen font size and margin settings. Given that a standard double spaced page features between  275 to 300 words , a 500 word essay would occupy roughly half or two-thirds of a page.

Is double spaced 1.5 or 2?

Double spacing  is not the same as  1.5 spacing . Double spacing means there are  two blank lines  between each line of text, embodying a  2.0 spacing , which is recognized as the industry standard for double spacing.

Is 1.5 spacing ok for APA?

APA style, a predominant formatting and citation approach in social sciences, mandates  double spacing  throughout the entire paper, encompassing the title page, abstract, main text, block quotations, and reference list. An exception exists for block quotations, which should be single spaced and indented. Thus,  1.5 spacing does not align  with APA requirements unless advised otherwise by your instructor or institution.

Is 1.0 single spacing?

Indeed,  1.0 spacing is considered single spacing . It’s the benchmark spacing, entailing  no extra space  between lines, making it a frequent choice for business documents such as letters, memos, and reports.

Are you supposed to double space an essay?

The necessity to  double space an essay  varies based on the essay’s purpose, audience, and specified format. Generally, academic essays prioritize double spacing, particularly when following MLA or APA style guides, as it facilitates readability, editing, and commenting.

While it impacts word count and page length, adherence to instructor or institutional guidelines is paramount, as preferences on spacing may differ.

How to Double Space in MLA Format?

MLA format is a  common style  for academic papers, particularly in the humanities. It adheres to specific guidelines for both formatting and citing sources. One key guideline is the requirement to use  double spacing  throughout your document.

What is Double Spacing?

Double spacing creates an  empty line  between every line of text within your document, exemplified by the spacing of this paragraph. This additional white space not only makes the text more  readable  and easier to edit but also distinguishes it from single spacing, where text lines are directly beneath each other without extra space.

Is MLA Paper Double Spaced?

Indeed, MLA papers require double spacing. This  fundamental aspect  of MLA formatting encompasses all sections of your paper, including the body text, quotations, headings, and the Works Cited page. Double spacing ensures your paper presents a consistent and professional appearance, offering ample room for comments and corrections.

Implementing MLA Double Spacing

Double spacing in MLA format means setting your document to have two blank lines between each text line, known as 2.0 spacing in the industry. To apply this setting in your MLA document:

• Select the text to double space, or use  Ctrl+A  to select the entire document.
• Navigate to the Paragraph or Line Spacing settings in your word processor, typically found in the toolbar or under the Format menu.
• Select  Double  or  2.0  from the drop-down menu to apply double spacing to your selected text.
• Click  OK  or  Apply  to confirm your adjustments.

Do you skip a line between paragraphs in an essay?

The answer to this question  depends  on the formatting style and the type of document you are writing. Different styles, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard, have  different rules  for spacing between paragraphs. Similarly, different types of documents, such as academic papers, blog posts, emails, and books, may have different preferences for paragraph spacing.

What do double spaced paragraphs look like?

Double spaced paragraphs use an entire empty line in between lines of text. This means that there is  twice as much vertical space between the lines  as there is within the lines. Double spacing is often used for readability and for editing purposes, especially in academic papers and manuscripts.

Here is an example of a double spaced paragraph :

“Double spacing uses an entire empty line in between lines of text. As the most spacious of the common options for line spacing, it is great for readability . It can also make text seem less overwhelming, although for long works it can be too spacious and make the entire work too lengthy, which is why most books are single-spaced. Double spacing is ideal for works that require editing, like school papers or submission manuscripts. Historically, the extra space between lines was used for handwritten notes and corrections, but this is less common in the digital era.”

How many spaces should you skip between paragraphs?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different styles and types of documents may have different preferences. However, a  general rule of thumb  is to use one of the following methods to separate paragraphs:

• Indent the first line of each paragraph by five spaces or half an inch. This creates a visual cue that indicates a new paragraph. Do not add extra space before or after the paragraph. This method is common in academic papers and books.
• Leave a blank line between each paragraph. This creates a clear break between the paragraphs and makes the text look less dense. Do not indent the first line of each paragraph. This method is common in online writing, such as blog posts and emails.

How do you line break without a new paragraph?

Sometimes, you may want to move the text to the next line without starting a new paragraph. This can be useful when you want to keep related ideas together or create a list without bullet points. To do this, you can use a line break, which is a special character that tells the word processor to start a new line.

The most common way to insert a line break is to press Shift and Enter (or Return) at the same time. This will move the text to the next line but keep it in the same paragraph.

For example, here is a list of items created with line breaks:

Apple Banana Orange Pear

How should you separate paragraphs in an essay?

The way you separate paragraphs in an essay  depends  on the purpose and structure of your essay. Generally, you should follow these steps to create effective paragraphs:

• Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea or point of the paragraph.
• Provide supporting sentences that explain, illustrate, or analyze the topic sentence with evidence, examples, or arguments.
• End with a concluding sentence that summarizes, evaluates, or connects the paragraph to the next one.
• Use a transition word, phrase, or sentence to link the paragraphs and show how they are related.

How many lines do you skip when writing an essay?

The  number of lines you skip  when composing an essay is influenced by the formatting style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard) and the document’s nature. These elements dictate the rules for line and paragraph spacing. While requirements can vary across document types such as academic papers, blog posts, emails, and books, a  general rule  is to adhere to double spacing throughout the essay unless instructed otherwise. This approach leaves one empty line between each line of text. Avoid extra line skips between paragraphs unless employing the blank line method for paragraph separation.

When to put space between paragraphs?

The decision to  space paragraphs  apart depends on the formatting style and document type. Yet, a broad guideline suggests inserting space between paragraphs to foster a clear distinction and enhance the text’s readability, especially useful in online content like blog posts and emails.

Spacing can be achieved by leaving a blank line or adjusting your word processor’s spacing settings. Conversely, avoid spacing in contexts where new paragraphs are indicated visually, such as in academic papers and books, to preserve logical coherence. This visual indication can be accomplished by indenting the first line of each paragraph or through specific formatting features.

How to transition from one paragraph to another?

Transitions  are essential tools in writing, providing pathways for your readers between paragraphs or sections and demonstrating how your arguments or ideas interlink. Effective transitions, which can appear at a paragraph’s start or end (or both), are crucial for maintaining a coherent narrative. They include:

• Additive transitions  introduce new information or ideas, such as “moreover,” “furthermore,” “additionally,” “also,” and “in addition.”
• Adversative transitions  present contrasting concepts or information, exemplified by “however,” “nevertheless,” “on the other hand,” and “conversely.”
• Causal transitions  explain cause and effect relationships, with examples being “therefore,” “thus,” “consequently,” “as a result,” and “because.”
• Sequential transitions  clarify the order of ideas or events, indicated by “first,” “second,” “third,” “next,” “then,” and “finally.”

Choose transitions that are  relevant , clear, and align with your essay’s purpose. Avoid overuse or overly general transitions, ensuring each aids the flow of your argument or narrative seamlessly. Below are samples of effective transitions:

“Some experts argue that prioritizing individual actions in addressing climate change diverts attention from necessary collaborative effort. However, others believe in the critical role of individual efforts in fostering collective change awareness. Annie Lowery highlights the significance of individual actions in driving social change, noting their potential to transform values and mobilize more people towards combating climate change.

A common personal initiative towards reducing carbon footprint is recycling. This process not only repurposes waste but also minimizes the demand for new materials, saving energy and preserving natural resources while reducing pollution.

Nonetheless, recycling’s efficiency and impact are constrained by factors like the quality and cost of recyclable materials, underscoring its complexities and challenges.”

How do you break a line between paragraphs?

Creating a visual separation between paragraphs is essential for organizing ideas, enhancing readability, and improving the visual appeal of your document. While not always necessary, understanding when and how to effectively break a line between paragraphs can significantly impact your writing’s clarity and presentation.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the circumstances under which breaking a line between paragraphs is advisable, the methods available for creating such breaks, and the tools you can use to implement them seamlessly.

When to break a line between paragraphs?

Deciding when to insert a break between paragraphs depends largely on the document’s style and purpose. As a rule of thumb, incorporating a break is beneficial when you aim to create a distinct separation that reduces text density, thereby improving readability. This technique is particularly useful in online content like blog posts and emails, where visual appeal and ease of reading are paramount.

To introduce a break, you can either leave a blank line between paragraphs or employ a spacing feature in your word processor. Conversely, avoid breaks when seeking to subtly signal the start of a new paragraph, which is often the case in academic papers and books to maintain logical flow and coherence.

For subtle cues, consider indenting the first line of each paragraph or using specific formatting features in your word processor to indicate the beginning of a new section.

How to break a line between paragraphs in Microsoft Word?

Microsoft Word offers several methods for breaking lines between paragraphs to suit your formatting needs:

• Press Enter twice after a paragraph. This method, while straightforward, may not align with your document’s formatting style and could impact the overall length and word count.
• Select your targeted text or press Ctrl+A to select the entire document.
• Navigate to the Home tab and click on the Line and Paragraph Spacing icon, or right-click the text and select Paragraph.
• Choose the appropriate spacing option, such as 6 pt or 12 pt, or opt to Remove Space After Paragraph for a tighter appearance.
• Click OK or Apply to finalize your adjustments.
• Select your text or use Ctrl+A for the entire document.
• Go to the Design or Layout tab and click Paragraph Spacing.
• Select a spacing style like Compact, Tight, Open, or Relaxed, or customize your settings.
• Click OK or Apply to apply your changes.

How to break a line between paragraphs in Google Docs?

Google Docs, a web-based word processor, provides flexible options for adjusting paragraph breaks:

• Similar to Word, pressing Enter twice creates a blank space between paragraphs, though this might not suit all formatting guidelines.
• Select the text or press Ctrl+A for the full document.
• From the Format menu, choose Line Spacing.
• Pick a spacing level like 1.15, 1.5, or 2.0, or select Custom Spacing for more control.
• Click OK or Apply to make the changes.
• Select your text or the entire document with Ctrl+A.
• Access Paragraph Styles from the Format menu.
• Choose a style that meets your needs, such as Normal Text or Heading 1.
• Confirm your selection with OK or Apply.

How to break a line between paragraphs in HTML?

HTML offers straightforward methods for paragraph and line breaks:

• To create a new paragraph, use the  <p>  tag, which introduces space before and after the text. Implement by enclosing your text within  <p></p>  tags, for example,  <p>This is a paragraph.</p> .
• For a direct line break within a paragraph, the  <br/>  tag is your go-to. Insert it where you want the break, like so:  This is a line<br/>with a break.

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How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay and Score an A for it

Published by Boni on November 11, 2022 November 11, 2022

What Does Double-Spaced Mean

In writing, formatting is essential to improving readability and successfully communicating ideas. Double spacing is a frequent formatting strategy. Whether you are a student, a professional writer, or someone who interacts with written materials frequently, it is essential to comprehend double spacing. You should also assess how it might affect the display and readability of your work.

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Double spacing is simply adding an extra line of space between each line of text. This gives the page a more open appearance and simplifies reading and editing. You can modify the line spacing in word processing systems through settings. For instance, the “Line Spacing” option in a Word document allows users to choose between single, 1.5, and double line spacing. In the majority of word processing programs, double-spacing is usually the default setting.

There are several reasons why writers utilize double spacing. Long passages of text may become easier to read, and it aids in maintaining the reader’s attention on the key ideas. Double spacing can also be used to divide lengthy passages into smaller, easier-to-read portions. Most essays, reports, articles, letters, and more, use this formatting style.

What is a Double-Spaced Essay?

A double-spaced essay is an essay where you separate the lines by one inch around the article with no extra space between the paragraphs. A double-spaced essay should be on a standard-sized (8.5”x 11”) paper with an inch margin around the document.

A double-spaced paper has 275 or 300 words per page, depending on the typeface. Here is a 2 paragraph double spaced essay example .

Double-Spaced Essay Format

It is essential to know how to format your document after writing. No matter the size of the paper, it is always possible to double space, but you should know how the program you have written your documents works. The most common programs students use are Word (Mac version) and Microsoft word.

For the Microsoft word

• You need to highlight the text.
• Open the page layout function at the top.
• In the paragraph section, find a small black arrow on the lower left side
• Click on the arrow to open a new window
• Then open the “intervals and indents” function; if not opened.
• Select the “line spacing,” which is on the double list section
• Click “Ok” to effect and save the changes

For Word (Mac Version), the instructions are as follows:

• Highlight all text or selected lines
• Click the inspector on the upper right corner (blue button)
• A new window will open
• Find a section called “Text” (labeled with a big “T”)
• Click on the interval section
• Enter 2 for double spacing on the right side of the selection bar
• Click “Ok” to save the changes

How to Set Double-Spacing on Your Computer

You can double-space all or part of a word document. Alternatively, some prefer to edit the document to spacing and format after writing, while others prefer keeping everything organized from the beginning, which means you write with double spacing from the start.

The following are double spacing steps on Word (Mac version) or MS Word Processor.

Documents on Mac Version

Use the following steps to double-space your document if you use the word mac version to process your pages.

• To double-space a specific text, highlight the text.
• Then click a blue button (inspector) on the right of your window.
• Select the “T” or Text tab in the new window that pops up
• Go to the section named spacing and write 2 into the box of the slide bar to the right.

On MS Word Processor

Follow the following space to double-space if you use a word document to write your essay.

1. Highlight the text you want to double space

2. Go to the paragraph section under the home tab, and on the bottom left corner, click the small arrow.

3. There will pop up a new window with different settings, including; spacing, identification, and general .

4. Click on the drop-down arrow on the line spacing

5. From the list, choose “double.”

6. Click on the box “ Don’t add space between paragraphs of the same style .”

7. Press OK to save and effect the changes.

All Microsoft word processing versions use more or less the same steps when double spacing.

If you want to use the double spacing from the beginning when writing, you can adjust the line spacing on your Microsoft word processor toolbar.

• Go to the paragraph section on the home tab and find the line and paragraph spacing button.
• Click on the button to find more options

• Select 2.0 for double spacing
• Click OK to save the changes and double-space your document.

How to Write a Double-spaced Essay

You do not have to struggle when writing a double-spaced essay. The trick is to curate an interesting essay, just like you would for any other essay. Then, follow the right formatting style. By following the instructions below, you can ensure that your essay complies with the double-spacing standard and presents your thoughts concisely, readably, and expertly.

• Read the essay prompt

When asked to write a double-spaced essay, you must always start by carefully reading the assignment prompt. It enables you to analyze the question, generate ideas for a healthy subject, and select the top subject for your essay. Furthermore, you learn your article’s spacing, font type, size, and word count. It is a crucial phase of essay writing.

• Choose an essay topic

You must read the guidelines, then paraphrase the query in your own terms, do some research, assess the potential essay ideas, and select a good topic. Choose a good and narrow topic based on your field of study. Choose a subject where you can easily get resources and genuinely want to write a paper. Select a topic that is relevant to the study area if you are free to choose your own topic.

• Use appropriate materials

In an essay, you must cite all of your sources. First, forgetting to cite evidences in an essay can be viewed as plagiarism, which is prohibited in learning institutions and employment. To achieve scholarly rigor, you must keep track of your reference list and in-citations. Facts from sources that have been rephrased, cited, or summarized make essay paragraphs stronger. It improves the paper’s logic, flow, and thesis statement support.

• Present your facts well

You should have considered the scaffolding of your article when creating or composing an outline or framework. An essay scaffold arranges readings, arguments, and ideas. Put your essay in order. Writers should back up their claims.

Instead of putting up a theory you do not agree with, support your claim with empirical data. Only make snap judgments or conclusions with sufficient evidence. If so, provide proof to back up your claim. Focus on what fascinates them because your article must speak to the reader. Engage readers from the title through the bibliography.

• Have a good essay outline and structure

In addition to choosing the sequence of your arguments, ensure your essay is appropriately organized. A thorough article with a clear framework captures the interest of the reader. The writing process is also made simpler because everything is properly located.

An essay that is well structured will allow you to focus more intently than one that is hastily written. Such an essay (with poor planning) will likely overlook a few things. However, your chances of captivating your audience enhance when you have an essay framework. Thus, a well-structured essay is easy to read.

Why not begin with the body sections instead of the introductory like everyone else does? Your body paragraphs can be produced without the introduction because you have a working thesis. The writing process can be finished by developing the initial thesis into a final thesis depending on the justifications in the body sections, and then writing a captivating introduction. Once you have written your introduction, you may finish your essay by constructing a compelling conclusion that will leave your audience wanting to read more about it.

• Use simple vocabulary

Examining vocabulary is different from the purpose of essays. It is an opportunity to present evidence that backs up your viewpoints. To win your teacher over, use straightforward language. Simplicity is necessary for writing essays. Write clearly.

Make your instructor’s job easier by using clear language. They have no time to use a dictionary; and once they use one, you would annoy them and reduce their grades. Use simple language to communicate. The best writing is written in simple terms. Simple papers will do well when the proofs are given, organized, and flow smoothly.

• Use short and long sentences

Your audience should be impressed by every assignment you write. An essay is more readable when it combines both short and large sentences. Simple, understandable, and concise sentences make it simpler to navigate.

Although it can be tempting to utilize complex sentences occasionally, they are run-on or unclear sentences and should be avoided. You should not be concerned about this when writing. However, cut long sentences with sparse yet intricate vocabulary when editing the document. Once more, it becomes straightforward.

Understanding how to employ short sentences effectively is the key to brevity, coherence, accuracy, composition, and clarity. So, practice frequently and employ this strategy to succeed in your essays. With such skill, you may persuade even the most difficult professor to give you the finest grades.

• Balance your paragraphs

A perfect paragraph in an essay is equivalent to receiving an A+. Although majority of individuals struggle with it, it is not difficult.

Verify the coherence and cohesiveness of your topic sentences. When something is coherent, it has a good flow and a sense of unity. The transitions between your paragraphs should be smooth. A single order-related idea should be discussed in every paragraph.

Finally, the word count in each paragraph needs to be balanced. Remember that 80% of the word count comprises body paragraphs. Accordingly, the three body paragraphs should be spaced out to cover the same material if you are writing an essay of six paragraphs.

• Edit and format your essay correctly.

It is challenging to write. You could feel worn out once you are done because it demands reading, research, and critical thinking. If you format and revise the paper quickly, you will make mistakes. Planning an essay is crucial to allow time for editing and polishing.

Take a break, and then spend some time reading, editing, and formatting your essay objectively. Concentrate on punctuation, grammatical, stylistic, and organizational errors. Ensure that the fonts and font type are appropriate, as well as the spacing. Our essay editing service is available if you find the process time-consuming and exhausting. Once everything is in order, ensure your paper is original, and submit it before the due date.

Double spacing vs. Other Types of Spacing for Essays

You can space your school assignment using three types of spacing: single, 1.5, and double spacing. You should know the spacing type required when writing your school dissertation, research paper, annotated bibliography, report, or essay.

• Double Spaced Document or Paper

It is the most common type of spacing which involves selecting 2.0 spaces between paragraph lines without any other spaces between paragraphs. Most college assignments, theses, and dissertations are double-spaced.

• 1.5 Spaced Document or Essay

A 1.5-spaced paper has sentences or lines in a paragraph spaced from each other using 1.5 mm space and has no spaces between paragraphs.

• Single Spaced Document

Single spacing is typing that does not leave lines blank. A single-spaced document has a space of 1.0 between the lines in a paragraph, which creates little room for feedback, remarks, and comments. You should use single spacing only when the requirement says so.

However, whether your essay is on Mac or a word document, you can change the spacing of your paper to different spacing styles any time you need.

Pages vs. Spacing Chart

Below is a table that compares the number of pages and words to different spacing styles.

500 Word Example of a Double-Spaced Essay

There are many samples of double-spaced essays on the internet that will enable you to understand these essay types. Most of these samples have picture evidence, a format that helps your understanding. The double-spacing form is used mainly by book authors when sending a text to the publisher to allow enough spacing for error correction by the editors. The extra space allows the editor to make comments or remarks.

Also, students can use double spacing when writing their draft essays as it gives spaces for supervisors or teachers to comment and make remarks before a student can draft the final copy. For example, a student can use a double-spacing format for scientific text, which gives extra space to highlight any grammatical errors or minor flaws that need to be corrected.

Get a quality plagiarism free 500 words essay by using our AI powered essay generator .

Benefits of Double Spacing in Essays

The following are the advantages of using double spaces in your thesis.

• Creates space for crucial notes

Sometimes you may want to include important notes when taking an exam or writing an essay, but the notes cannot fit in your document body without making it look unprofessional. But with a double-spaced essay, there is enough space at the end of each paragraph where you can write end notes or footnotes without disturbing the flow of the reading.

• It makes your essay easy to read

A double-spaced essay means there are few words in a line. This makes it easy to read since you will not have to often move your eyes from one end of the page to the other. There are no line breaks in double-spaced lines to distract you from the flow of ideas, and it is easy to skim through the sentences.

• Help emphasize important points

It may be challenging to notice when you have repeated a phrase or word using single spacing, making the content look repetitive. However, double spacing creates more spaces between repeated texts and phrases such that they stand out more prominently.

• Reduces typos

Double-spaced punction marks such as commas and full stops are more visible than when single-spaced. It lets the reader know where a sentence starts or ends without rereading previous phrases or sentences. It is more crucial, especially if the reader is learning English, as they will see where there are commas and where sentences end, and also easy for proofreaders.

• It makes your writing look professional

Most readers want a document that is convenient and easy to read within a short period. Your writing skills should look professional and impress the reader at first glance. You can achieve this by double spacing, as it makes the document easy to read and creates an impression of professionalism.

Explore an example of a double spaced essay about how to tame a Wild Tongue – summary and response.

Need Help with Double-Spaced Essay Writing?

Students often face time constraints in balancing academic and life activities. If you are in this category, you can seek assistance from Gudwriter, and you will have your double-spaced essay written within the shortest time possible. We have a team of seasoned writers experienced in different subjects to craft your essay.

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How to Double Space Your Paper

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Double spacing refers to the amount of space that shows between the individual lines of your paper. When a paper is single-spaced, there is very little white space between the typed lines, which means there is no room for marks or comments. This is precisely why teachers ask you to double space. The white space between the lines leaves room for  editing marks  and comments.

Double spacing is the norm for essay assignments, so if you are in doubt about expectations, you should format your paper with double spacing. Only use a single space if the teacher asks explicitly for it. 

Don't worry if you've already typed your paper and you now realize that your spacing is wrong. You can change spacing and other types of formatting easily and at any time in the writing process. But the way to go about these changes will differ, depending on the word processing program you're using.

Microsoft Word

If you are working in Microsoft Word 2010, you should follow these steps to set up double-spacing.

• Select (highlight) text if you have already typed some lines. If not, go to the next step.
• Click on the Page Layout tab.
• Go to the Paragraph section. You will see a small arrow in the bottom left corner.
• Click on the arrow to bring up a new window.
• Select the Indents and Spacing tab (it is probably already open).
• Find the Line spacing menu and select double from the list. Then select OK .

Other versions of Microsoft Word will use a similar process and the same wording.

Pages (Mac)

 If you're using the Pages word processor on a mac, you can double-space your paper following these instructions: 

• First highlight text, if you have already typed some lines
• Click on  Inspector , which is a blue button on the top right of your window
• When a new window opens, select the  Text  tab which is a large "T"
• Find the section labeled  Spacing  and type  2  into the box to the right of the slide bar
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How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay  

• Post category: Nursing
• Reading time: 15 mins read

How do you write a double-spaced essay? To write a double-spaced essay, first compose your essay in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Then, select your text and choose the ‘2.0’ option in the line spacing feature, which adds a full line of space after each line of text. This formatting makes your essay more readable and is often required in academic settings for clarity and ease of commenting.

This article will guide you through writing and formatting a double spaced essay, a skill essential for academic success.

What is a Double-Spaced Essay?

A double-spaced essay is a piece of writing composed on standard-sized paper (8.5″ x 11″) featuring one-inch margins. It is characterized by having double spaces between the lines within a paragraph while maintaining standard spacing between the paragraphs. 

A double-spaced essay typically contains about 275 to 300 words per page , depending on the font size and style. This spacing format is preferred because it allows tutors to easily read, correct, and understand the ideas presented in the essay.

The word count per page can also vary based on the page margins. For example, an essay on an A4-sized page might have fewer words than one on a standard page with one-inch margins, which generally holds around 275 words.

For shorter essays, which range from 250 to 1000 words, with 500 words being common in college, the length can vary based on the essay’s requirements, prompt, and topic.

Students are often advised to use a font size of 11 or 12, depending on the font type. Not adhering to the specified spacing and formatting guidelines can result in penalties, including grade reductions.

Significance of Double Spacing in Essays and Assignments

Double spacing is significant for several reasons:

• Enhanced Readability: The additional space between lines prevents the text from appearing too dense, making it easier for readers to follow.
• Room for Comments: Double spacing allows instructors to insert comments and feedback in academic settings.
• Standardization: Many academic institutions and publications require double spacing to maintain a uniform appearance across all documents.
• Error Detection and Editing Ease: The extra space makes it easier to spot and correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, thereby improving the overall quality of the writing.
• Professional Appearance: Double-spaced documents have a cleaner, more professional look, essential in academic and professional contexts where presentation is as important as content.

Double-Spacing vs. Other Styles of Spacing for Essays

Double-spacing is a common formatting style for essays, but it’s not the only option. Comparing it with other spacing styles can help understand their uses and benefits:

Double-Spacing: This style places a full blank line between each line of text. It’s preferred in academic settings for its readability and space for annotations. It’s ideal for longer essays where detailed feedback is expected. Here is an image showing what a double-spaced essay looks like:

Single-Spacing: In this style, lines of text are directly below each other with no extra space in between. It’s more compact, allowing more words per page. Single-spacing is often used for business documents or in settings where space is limited. Here is an image showing what a single-spaced essay looks like:

1.5 Spacing: This is a middle ground between single and double spacing. It makes text more readable than single spacing while saving space compared to double spacing. It’s suitable for shorter essays or documents where moderate readability is required. Here is an image showing what a 1.5-spaced essay looks like:

How to Set Double-Spacing on Your Computer

Setting double-spacing on your computer is a key skill for creating well-formatted documents, particularly for academic or professional writing. Below are simple steps to achieve double spacing in popular word processing programs like Microsoft Word and Pages on a Mac. By following these instructions, you can ensure your documents meet the necessary formatting standards for clarity and readability.

Pages on a Mac

To set double-spacing in your document using the Pages word processor on a Mac, follow these steps:

• Start by highlighting the text in your document if you have already written something.
• Click on the ‘Inspector’ button, identifiable by its blue icon located at the top right corner of your window.
• A new window will open; here, select the ‘Text’ tab, represented by a large “T”.
• In this tab, locate the ‘Spacing’ section and enter ‘2’ in the box next to the slider, setting your document to double-spaced formatting.

On Microsoft Word Processor

To double-space your assignment in a Word document, simply follow these steps:

• If you’ve already typed some text in your Word document, begin by selecting (highlighting) it. If your document is still blank, you can skip this step. 

• Next, click on the ‘Page Layout’ tab. 

• In the ‘Paragraph’ section, you’ll notice a small arrow in the bottom left corner; click on this arrow to open a new window. 

• The ‘Indents and Spacing’ tab will be open by default. Locate the ‘Line spacing’ dropdown menu and choose ‘Double’. 
• Finally, click ‘OK’ to apply the changes.

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay in 9 Simple Steps

Writing a double-spaced essay involves several key steps to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper formatting. Here are nine simple steps to guide you through the process:

Read the Essay Prompt

Understanding the essay prompt requires an in-depth examination of the prompt to grasp its key themes, questions, or requirements. Identifying these elements is essential as they form the backbone of your essay. Themes guide the direction of your research and writing, helping you stay focused and relevant.

The specific questions in the prompt dictate the areas you need to cover, ensuring that your essay is comprehensive and addresses all necessary points. Additionally, understanding any specified requirements, such as word count or formatting, is vital to ensure your essay meets the expected standards. 

Select a Good Essay Topic

The key is to balance a topic that captivates your interest and one that aligns closely with the prompt’s requirements. It’s important to choose a subject you know or have a strong interest in, as this will reflect the depth and quality of your writing. At the same time, the topic should be sufficiently narrow or specific, allowing you to explore it in detail within the confines of your essay’s length.

This specificity ensures that you can delve deeply into the topic without exceeding word limits or skimming over important details. The right topic keeps you motivated throughout the writing process and ensures that your essay is focused, detailed, and relevant to the prompt.

Use Appropriate Evidence

Using appropriate evidence is a cornerstone of writing a strong, persuasive essay. It involves conducting thorough research to gather information from credible and authoritative sources. These sources can range from academic journals, which provide peer-reviewed and expert insights, to books authored by respected figures in the field and reputable websites known for their factual accuracy.

The key is to ensure that these sources are relevant to your essay’s topic and current, reflecting the latest research and developments. The evidence you select should directly support your thesis or main argument, providing solid backing for your claims. 

Present Your Facts Well

Presenting facts effectively in your essay involves structuring it to ensure a logical flow from one point to the next. Each paragraph should center around a clear main idea substantiated by the evidence you’ve gathered. Using transitional phrases to weave these paragraphs together is essential to maintaining coherence throughout your essay.

This approach strengthens the clarity of your argument and enhances the overall readability, guiding your reader through a well-reasoned, cohesive narrative.

Have a Good Essay Structure

A well-structured essay is pivotal for effective communication of your ideas. It typically comprises an introduction that introduces the thesis and outlines the main points, a body where these points are developed and supported with evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes the main arguments and restates the thesis, providing a cohesive end to your narrative.

This clear structure not only guides the reader through your argument but also reinforces the cohesiveness and persuasiveness of your essay.

Use Simple Vocabulary

Using simple vocabulary is crucial in essay writing. While demonstrating knowledge is important, avoiding overly complex or technical language that might confuse the reader is essential. The goal is to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. Opt for straightforward and accessible language, ensuring that your points are conveyed with clarity and precision.

This approach makes your essay more readable and ensures that your arguments are understood by a wider audience, regardless of their expertise in the subject matter.

Use Short and Long Sentences

Incorporating a mix of short and long sentences is an effective way to enhance the readability and impact of your essay. Short sentences are useful for making clear, impactful statements, while longer sentences allow for more detailed explanations and drawing connections between ideas.

This variety in sentence length adds rhythm and dynamism to your writing and helps maintain the reader’s interest, ensuring that complex ideas are conveyed with clarity and effectiveness.

Balance Your Paragraphs

Balancing your paragraphs is key to creating a well-structured and engaging essay. Aim for each paragraph to be of a length that allows a complete and coherent idea or argument to be fully developed without becoming overly lengthy or cumbersome. This balance ensures that each point is given adequate attention and explanation, enhancing the clarity and flow of your essay while also keeping it digestible and easy to follow for the reader.

Edit and Format Correctly

After completing your draft, revise and edit your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Pay attention to the overall flow and clarity of your essay. Ensure that it is double-spaced per the required formatting standards, and check for any other specific formatting requirements, such as font size, margins, and citation style.

Should my College Essays be Double Spaced?

Yes, your college essays should generally be double-spaced. This formatting standard is widely adopted in academic writing because it enhances readability and allows instructors to make comments and suggestions. However, always check the specific guidelines your instructor or institution provides, as requirements can vary.

Conclusion on Writing a Double-Spaced Paper Format

This guide has equipped you with the knowledge of what a double-spaced essay entails, the steps to set double spacing on your computer, and strategies to enhance the quality of your double-spaced writing, thereby improving your chances of securing a better grade. These principles hold true regardless of the formatting style – be it MLA, Harvard, APA, or Chicago.  Following these guidelines, you can produce a well-crafted, double-spaced essay that effectively communicates your ideas and meets the required academic criteria.

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MS Word Tips: How to Use Double Spacing

• 3-minute read
• 7th November 2023

Double spacing in Microsoft Word is a formatting technique that can enhance the readability and presentation of your documents. Whether you’re a student working on an essay, a professional drafting a report, or a writer formatting a manuscript, understanding how to use double spacing effectively is essential.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what double spacing is, and how to apply it to your text. We’ll also share some handy keyboard shortcuts to help make the process even more efficient.

What Is Double Spacing?

Double spacing refers to the practice of inserting a blank line between each line of text in a document, effectively making it appear as though there’s an empty line between each line of text. This spacing style is particularly useful for a variety of document types and scenarios.

When Is Double Spacing Commonly Used?

Most academic institutions require essays, research papers, and dissertations to be double-spaced. This format makes it easier for professors to provide feedback and annotations. Additionally, many style guides (such as MLA ) use double spacing.

If you’re a writer or author, you’ll often find publishers and literary agents prefer double-spaced manuscripts. This format allows for easier editing and readability. Business documents, such as reports and proposals, and legal documents often benefit from double spacing as well.

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How to Apply Double Spacing in Microsoft Word

Let’s go through the steps to apply double spacing to your text in Microsoft Word.

Method 1: Using the Ribbon

• Open your Microsoft Word document.
• Highlight the text you want to double space or press Ctrl + A to select the entire document.
• Go to the Home tab on the Ribbon.
• In the Paragraph group, locate the Line Spacing option. It usually looks like three lines with an arrow next to it.
• Click on the arrow to open the Line Spacing menu.
• Select 2.0 from the menu, which represents double spacing. Alternatively, you can click on the arrow at the bottom right-hand corner of the Paragraph group and select 2.0 under Line Spacing .

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

• Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + 2 to quickly apply double spacing.

Mastering the art of double spacing in Microsoft Word is a valuable skill for anyone who deals with Word documents regularly. Whether you’re a student, writer, or professional, knowing when and how to use double spacing can greatly improve the readability and presentation of your work.

And once you’ve finished writing your document, be sure to send it to one of our expert editors! We’ll ensure your grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, referencing, and more are perfect. You can try out our proofreading service for free today.

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Mla format papers: step-by-step tips for formatting research essays in mla style.

Jerz >  Writing > Academic     [ Argument | Title  |  Thesis  |  Blueprint  | Pro/Con | Quoting | MLA Format ]

(View a Google Doc template for an MLA Style paper .)

0.1) If you’ve been asked to submit a paper in MLA style, your instructor is asking you to format the page and present the content in a specific way. Just as football referees dress a certain way, and Japanese chefs cook a certain way, writers in certain disciplines follow a certain set of conventions. This document will show you how to format an essay in MLA style.

0.2) If, instead of questions about putting the final formatting touches on your essay, you have questions about what to write, see instead my handouts on writing a short research paper , coming up with a good thesis statement , and using quotations in the body of your paper .

• Document Settings (1 inch margins; double spaced; 12-point)
• Page Header (name and page number, upper right of every page)
• Title Block (assignment info and an informative title)
• Citations (no comma between the author and page number; commas and periods go outside of inline quotes)
• Works Cited List (lots of tricky details! sort alphabetically by author, not by the order the quotes appear in your paper)

For the most complete information, check your campus library or writing center for the  MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers , 8th ed.

MLA Style Format (First Page)

How to format the Works Cited page of an MLA style paper.

1. Document Settings

Your word processor comes with default settings (margin, line height, paragraph spacing, and typeface) that will likely need adjustment. For MLA style, you need:

1.1 Adjusting Document Settings in MS-Word (Windows)

My copy of Microsoft Word for Windows defaults to

• 1-inch margins all around
• 1.15 line height
• 10pt spacing between paragraphs
• Calibri 11-point  typeface.

Changing to MLA Style (Windows)

• The default margins in my test run were fine, but if you need to change them: Page Layout -> Margins -> Normal (1-inch all around)
• The default line height is too low. Change it to 2.0. Home -> Line Spacing -> 2.0. (You could try fudging it to 1.9 or 2.1 to meet a page count, but any more than that and your instructor may notice.)
• The MS-Word default adds extra space after paragraphs.(MLA Style instead requires you to  signal paragraph breaks by indenting the first line.) CTRL-A (select all your text) Home -> Line Spacing -> Remove Space After Paragraph
• Change the typeface to Times New Roman 12-point. Home -> Font Face Selector (change to Times New Roman) Home -> Font Size Selector (change to 12)

1.2 Adjusting Document Settings in MS-Word (Mac)

My copy of  microsoft word for mac defaults to.

• 1.25 inch left and right margins, 1 inch top and bottom
• 1.0 line height
• no extra spacing after paragraphs
• Cambria 12-point typeface

Changing to MLA style (Mac)

• In my test run, the left and right margins are too big. To change them: Layout -> Margins -> Normal (1-inch all around)
• The default line height is too low. Change it to 2.0. Home -> Line Spacing  -> 2.0
• My Mac copy of MS-Word does not add extra spaces after paragraphs. If yours does: Home -> Line Spacing  -> Line Spacing Options… (a new window will pop up) Don’t add space between paragraphs of the same style (check this box) -> OK
• The 12-point Cambria will probably be fine, but to change the typeface: Home -> Font Face Selector (change to Times New Roman) Home -> Font Size Selector (change to 12)

2. Page Header

In the top right of every page, use your word processor’s “Page Header” function add an automatic page number and your surname.

2.1 Adding the Page Header in MS-Word (Windows)

• Insert -> Page Number -> Top of Page -> (choose the right-justified “Plain Number” option)
• The cursor will jump automatically to the right place for you to t ype your surname .
• Click anywhere in the body of the paper to exit the header area.

2.2 Adding the Page Header in MS-Word (Mac)

• Insert (in the top menu) -> Page Numbers…  -> (Set “Position” to “Top of Page (header)” and “Alignment” to “Right”)
• Click just to the left of the new page number, and type your surname .
• On my test document, my name was too far over to the left; grab the triangular tab adjuster just above your name, and drag it a notch to the right .

3. Title Block

In the upper left corner, type your name, your instructor’s name, the course number and section, and today’s date. Centered on the next line, type an informative title that actually informs the reader of your main point (not just “English Paper” or “A Comparison between Hamlet and Macbeth”).

• Like all the other text in an MLA style paper, the title block is double-spaced .
• The title is in the same font as the rest of the paper — it is not boldface, or enlarged.
• There is  no extra space above or below the title.
• A truly informative title will include the general topic, and your precise opinion on that topic.  (So, if you pan to compare Hamlet and Macbeth, your title should state the unique point you want to make about Hamlet and Macbeth. Reuse part of your thesis statement.)

4. Citations

This handout presumes you already know why you should cite your sources (to establish your authority, to introduce persuasive evidence, to avoid plagiarism , etc.). 

To fully cite a source requires two stages.  The first happens in the body of your paper (the “in-text citation”) and the second happens on a separate page at the end of your paper (see “Works Cited List,” below.)

4.1 Citing a Block Quote (more than three lines)

• Long quotes can start to look like filler. Only use a block quote if you have a very good reason to include the whole passage. (You can usually make your point with a shorter quote.)

• Place the parenthetical citation (the author’s name and the page number) after the period . (This is different from inline quotes, below.)
• There is no comma between the author’s name and the page number.
• If the quotation runs across more than one page: (Wordsworth-Fuller 20-21) or (Wordsworth-Fuller 420-21).
• Skip wordy introductions such as, “In his informative guide The Amazing Writing Book , published by Elizabeth Mount College in 2010, the noted composition expert Maxwell Wordsworth-Fuller describes the importance of citations in MLA style papers.” Cutting the filler leaves more room to develop your own original ideas. (See “ Integrating Quotations .”)

4.2 Citing an Inline Quotation

When the passage you want to quote is less than three lines long, use inline style.  Here we have two brief passages, taken from the same page of the same source, so we can handle both with a single parenthetical citation.

• The parenthetical citation appears outside the quoted material.
• The period that ends the sentence comes after the close parenthesis . (This is different from block quotes, above.)
• In this example, we have changed the first word a little, lowercasing it in order to fit it into our own sentence. To let the reader know what we changed, we put [] around it.
• Again, note the absence of a full sentence that explains who Wordsworth-Fuller is and where the quote comes from. All that info will be in the Works Cited list, so we leave it out of the body of the paper.

4.3 Citing a Paraphrase

Let’s imagine we want to reference Wordsworth-Fuller’s general idea about citation as a way to establish credibility, but we don’t need to include any of the technical details. We can save space, and make it much easier on our reader, if we paraphrase:

• Use paraphrasing for variety, or to make a passing reference without taking up much space.
• If we use an author’s idea, rephrased in our own words, we must still cite the idea.

Tips for avoiding common errors in MLA citations.

5. Works Cited List

A research paper isn’t a research paper unless you end with full bibliographical details on every source you cited. This part can be tedious and tricky; leave yourself plenty of time to do it.

How to format the “Works Cited” list of an MLA style paper.

• MS-Word Wind: Insert -> Page Break -> New Page.
• MS-Word Mac: Document Elements -> Break -> Page.
• Title your new page: Works Cited MLA style calls for no extra spaces above or below the page title; no special formatting.

5.1.  How to Create an Individual Works Cited Entry

Exactly what goes into each item in your bibliography depends on what kind of item it is. The general format is as follows:

Author. Title of Source. Container, contributors, version, volume and issue, publisher, date, location.

Exactly how that basic format gets turned into a Works Cited entry depends on the source.

Here’s the basic format for any book:

• Gibaldi, Joseph, and George Spelvin.
• Gibaldi, Joseph, Alan Smithee, and George Spelvin.
• GIbaldi, Joseph et al.
• The italicized phrase “ et al. ” is an abbreviation for the Latin “et alia,” meaning “and others.”
• The “ al. ” is short for a longer word, so we mark the abbreviation with a period.
• The “ et” is not an abbreviation, so it doesn’t get a period.
• Place periods after the author’s name, after the title of the book, and at the end of the entry.
• The title of the book is italicized .
• The publisher is the name of the organization responsible for publishing the book. In this example it’s the Modern Language Association. It might instead be Project Gutenberg, the US Department of Agriculture, or the World Health Organization,

Basic Format for Any Academic Article

Author. “Title of Article in Quotation Marks.” Title of Journal in Italics, volume #, issue #, YEAR, pp. [pages of article]. Italicized Name of Database.

Let’s break that example down.

The author Margaret Kantz wrote the article “Helping Students Use Textual Sources Persuasively.” That article doesn’t exist on its own floating in space; it was published by a journal called College English,  in the 52nd year of publication, in the first issue of its 52nd volume, in the year 1990, the article started on page 74 and ran through page 91. The student found this article while searching the database Academic Search Elite .

Every academic article has a specific title, and is published in a journal with a different title. (Online citation generators often get this wrong, and will often repeat the same title twice.)

What is this “volume 52, number 1”?

If  College English were a TV series, then “volume” would be which season, and “number” would be the episode number. The title of the article would be the equivalent of a scene within that episode.

The title of the database, Academic Search Elite , is like the title of the streaming service you’d need to sign into. If you were talking about your favorite TV show and you told me it was on Netflix, or Disney+, I could find it. But if you told me “It’s on my MacBook” or “It’s on my Samsung phone,” that wouldn’t help me to find it.

Basic Format for Any Web Page

In the above example, reporter Camila Domonoske filed a news story called “Students Have ‘Dismaying’ Inability To Tell Fake News From Real, Study Finds,” that aired on a news program called The Two-Way , which is published by National Public Radio, and the story aired Nov 23, 2016.

In MLS Style, the full URL is optional. Really long URLs with long strings of numbers in them are often generated for specific users, so someone else who visits that same URL will often get an error message.

You might shorten the URL to “npr.org,” because it would be a simple matter to use a search engine to find the actual story.

Other Citation Examples

What if your source doesn’t fit any of my examples?

You might be trying to cite something that doesn’t fit the above pattern, like a social media post, a video game, a work of art, an email from a relative, a billboard, or something else. It’s just not practical for me to try to include an example of every single thing it’s possible to cite.

The MLA citation format is designed to be flexible, so that it works for forms of media that haven’t been invented yet.

See Purdue OWL’s handouts for how to create a bibliography entry for a book , an article in a  periodical (such as a journal or newspaper), or an  electronic source (such as an email, web page or a YouTube clip). See also this list of  other common sources  (such as a personal interview or a movie).

5.2.  How to Organize Your Works Cited list

Sort the entries alphabetically by the author ‘s last name.

• If the author is an organization (such as a government agency or non-profit foundation), alphabetize according to the name of the organization .
• If you are citing a painting, or a composer, then obviously “author” has to be interpreted a little loosely.
• Unless your instructor ask you to organize your Works Cited list differently,  everything should be alphabetized together, in a single list. MLA does not require that you separate works of different kinds, or that you cite works in the order that they appeared in your paper, or that you write annotations to go along with each item.
• Use double-spaced line height. (in my copy of Word, I select the text and choose Format -> Paragraph ->  Line spacing -> Double -> OK.)
• Use hanging indent paragraph format. (In my copy of word, I select the text then choose Format -> Paragraph -> Indentation -> Special -> Hanging Indent.)

29 May 2011 — new document posted, replacing outdated handout written in 1999. 06 Jun 2011 — expanded section on organizing the Works Cited list, since several readers asked for clarification. 07 Jun 2011 — reorganized for emphasis 19 Apr 2012 — added numbers to more subheads 24 Mar 2014 — added details on Works Cited paragraph formatting. 02 Oct 2016 — updated with MLA 8th Edition details. 30 Nov 2016 — added annotated Works Cited sample image. 07 Sep 2020 — updated section 5.1

571 thoughts on “ MLA Format Papers: Step-by-step Tips for Formatting Research Essays in MLA Style ”

This guide to formatting MLA style papers is incredibly detailed and helpful! It’s great to have step-by-step instructions for setting up everything from margins to citations correctly. Thanks for sharing—this will definitely make writing research papers in MLA format much easier!

The information was very helpful

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Thanks for sharing such an informative post with us.

fantastic information

Thanks for info!

hello i am nate sedmack i am here to kill all the furries for what they did to gavin born

I’m learning more writing a paper

it was very informational and helped me a lot

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Curious how you would Cite this webpage? haha…

awesome reminders

what about if when your using a quote and there is no name just anonomus

Honestly, I’d say find another way to make your point. An anonymous saying like “A stitch in time saves nine” won’t help you demonstrate your ability to write the kind of scholarly paper that MLA is designed for. Certainly investigate the quote to find out whether it maybe comes from Shakespeare or some other source that you can quote. I might identify the example I used as “English proverb,” but since I won’t be marking your paper, you really should check with your instructor.

This article..thing is the only reason I am passing my online college class. Especially the citation builder. Thank you!

I would Like You To Give Simple Instructions Not Complicated Ones , and Include also how much Papers Should be worked on.

Khalid, if there is any particular detail you are confused about, please let me know what question you have and perhaps I can help. There is no specific answer to how much a paper should be worked on. It depends on what grade you want to earn, how much time you have, whether your instructor is willing to meet with you before the due date, whether your instructor will give you the chance to revise your work, and many other factors.

hahahah xD me too same

How do I cite a photo that I found online?

Is it a historical photograph or a photograph published in a book that someone scanned and posted on line, is it a photograph of something like a sculpture? Is your paper focused on the work of the photographer, the makeup artist who prepared the model, the digital image enhancer who altered the image, the model? There is no single correct way to cite a photograph, because there are many different reasons to cite a photograph. Your instructor would be able to give you more specific advice. In general, though, the 8th edition of the MLA guide would say something like this:

Olsen, Jimmy. “Superman Rescues Boy Scouts from Lava Pit.” Photograph. The Daily Planet . July 22, 1956.

If you found the picture on a blog or a Flickr gallery, adjust the citation accordingly. If you found the image as the result of a Google search for something, you might very well end up finding a page that re-uses someone else’s picture without appropriately giving credit. There are many variables. Talk to your instructor, who will be the one grading your work, and will therefore be the right person to advise you on what to do.

is the text or what you wrote supposed to be centered in the page or to the left margin

Left margin.

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cool it was helpful

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I think you should include online resource citation instructions

Click on “Citing” at the top of the page. One of the options on the other end of that link is how to cite a web page.

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which writing style (MLA, APA) have more importance for students of social sciences, media sciences and business?

It depends on the instructor or editor who’s calling the shots. http://subjectguides.library.american.edu/c.php?g=175008&p=1154150

Very informative. It helped introduce my tired old mind to the MLA format. So, I can better help coach and prepare my wife for her English course. Thank you very much.

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I’m using a book title and author as my paper heading. How is that formatted?

I would tell my own students that a book title and the name of an author is not a good paper title, and I would ask them to write a title that catches the reader’s attention, identifies the topic, and identifies what position the paper is going to take on the topic. But if you are not my student, then I’m not the person who will be evaluating your paper. MLA style puts the book title in italics. Other than that, I really don’t have any advice for you.

Thank you very much for this useful information. As a freshman in highschool, my biology teacher asked for me to write an essay in mLA format about evolution. I had no clue what mLA format was,so I searched it up and it brought me here. In middle school I never wrote an essay in this format before,but I feel very confident to type my first mLA essay and I’m excited to do so! (Right after I finish my draft >.<) thank you very much! （⌒▽⌒)✌

This wasn’t helpful at all

Shavez, what were you looking for? This page is about formatting a paper you have already written. The first section includes links to pages about how to write essays.

u a real nigga dennis

really dude my collies and I would prefer that you didn’t use any profane language due to younger children that may be reading this

thank u i got an A 97 percent

this was very helpful i got an A 95 percent

hi my name is Jessie i have to writ a 2 pages Essay about MLA can someone help me

Dennis, what lends itself to science in the APA system? And what lends itself to the Humanities with the MLA? TIA.

As compared to MLA papers, APA papers tend to be shorter, and divided up into sections. Authors who use APA style tend to publish more frequently, because their knowledge goes out of date more quickly; so the date is prominent in APA citations, and page numbers are rare.

By contrast, people who use MLA style tend to write longer essays that aren’t divided up into standard sections like “procedure” and “conclusions.” Humanities scholarship generally doesn’t go out of date quickly. Instead of conducting experiments, humanists read and write a lot of longer essays and books, re-interpreting and quoting passages from them. MLA style makes the page numbers prominent, so that other scholars can easily find and re-read those same passages for themselves, and further the work of scholarship as it is conducted in the humanities.

Thanks for the reply. What do you mean by ” MLA style tend to write longer essays that aren’t divided up into standard sections like “procedure” and “conclusions.”? Are we not suppose to use conclusions in MLA format? In my English class, we use MLA with conclusions, but what do you mean by “procedure” and “conclusions”? I understand each instructor is different but is it right to use conclusions in an MLA paper…or am I getting confused?

Typically papers written in MLA style DO have a conclusion, but it would not be set off in a separate section under the subheading “Conclusion.” MLA papers tend NOT to follow a standard, particular structure. Papers written in the sciences DO have a fairly rigid set of sections, with separate subheadings. But it’s best for you to talk to your teacher about the specifics of any asisgnment.

Ok, thanks. I just wanted to ask and clarify it. Also, doesn’t the word “humanist” means something else entirely? The Humanist term today implies ‘human’ and is often used for atheists, for example… or am I wrong?

I used the term “humanist” to mean “a person who studies the culture of humans,” without intending the more specific meaning you mention. At my school, the humanities division includes theologians.

seems easy enough

We get asked often about what “format” the college application essay should be in. Although not generally… http://t.co/v1TTNxtE4e

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When using MLA format, do you list the book title, the title of the article or both?

For guidance on citing individual sources, see the link in item 4, above. This page is about formatting the paper once you’ve already written it.

I wrote a paper and it looks just like your example. I followed everything to the “t” and my professor says that my header is indented and my paragraphs are double indented and the page numbers are in wrong format. What can I do?

Winston, I suggest you talk to your professor. I have been teaching from thiis handout for years, and when a student makes a formatting error on a rough draft, I just ask them to fix it for the revision. But your instructor is the one who designed the assignment and who evaluates your submissions, so he or she is the person to approach with questions.

I agree. .let me ask you this. Are your headers indented?

The screenshot was taken from a page that I created following the instructions for using MS-Word with a MacBook Pro. I followed the instructions that are on the page. But surely your instructor gave you guidelines, in a handout or an assigned textbook, which is why I encourage you to have this conversation with your instructor. Whether your instructor does or does not agree with the information on this page really doesn’t matter, since your instructor created the assignment and evaluates it according to his or her own criteria. I suggest you let your your teacher know you are confused about what you did wrong, and ask for an opportunity to make minor formatting changes to a paper that, we hope, met all the major criteria.

How do you add footnotes to an MLA style paper?

Most word processors will have an Insert -> Footnote or Insert -> Note (footnote or endnote) option. Most short college papers don’t need footnotes. (They aren’t for documenting sources — use an in-text citation and a Works Cited list instead.) I suggest you talk to your instructor about whether you really do need to use a footnote.

RT @DennisJerz: MLA Format Papers: Step-by-step Instructions for Writing Research Essays #mlastyle http://t.co/B6pGb3Pkeh

Thank you so much!! I love the Bib builder!!

I’m glad to hear you found it helpful!

Dear Dr. Jerz,

I am writing to request permission to link your webpage, “MLA Format Papers: Step-by-step Instructions for Writing Research Essays” to our website.

Marie Walcroft Librarian Lansdale School of Business

I am glad you found this page helpful. Yes, you are welcome to include a link and a brief extract.

Can you put what information is supposed to be in each paragraph???

Emma, I’m afraid I don’t understand the question. I feel like you’ve asked me what emotions are supposed to be in each verse of a song, or what colors are supposed to be in a painting. The many different kinds of songs or paintings are all created for different reasons; likewise, paragraphs are assigned, written, and read for a whole range of different reasons, so there’s no answer that covers all possible cases.

that was beautiful

I really find this useful (especially fudging the line spacing to 2.1). Good job!

Im in middle school and I have to do this. I have never heard of MLA Format and this helped ALOT. Thanks so much! Hopefully I get a good grade on this paper!

“@pretti_slimm: @Thyler_Jonzy http://t.co/QIf00vlgws try this site looks helpful”I just found a sample paper on Google

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Is the Table of Contents double spaced – MLA?

i think you should add an explanation about page header. that was what i was looking for

See item 2 from the table of contents: http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/mla-style-papers/#page-header

when you say page numbers (Wordworth-Fuller 20), are you referring to the page number within the MLA document or the page number the text appears on within the authors works?

In this case, your paper would be referring to something you found on page 20 of the text by Wordsworth-Fuller.

With your delicate information about to write MLA format essay in right way will lead me to successful college year.

Thank you for useful information about how to write MLA format essay. Before my college year I didn’t know there were many different forms of essay. When my professor asked me to write MLA format I had no idea how to write it, but with your delicate information I think I will survive my college year. Thank you again.

I’m glad to know you found this page helpful. Most instructors will be happy to help if you stop by during their office hours, and if your prof is too busy for that most universities will have a writing center where you can get help at any stage of any assignment involving writing.

Thank you for valuable information. Before my college year in America I didn’t know what MLA Format was, but with this delicate information I will survive my college year.

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That means the quote is from page 20 of the book or article written by Wordsworth-Fuller.

Very good information, I really needed this incite on research paper formats. It has such thorough details and that make it so much easier to understand.

How do you in text cite a website? I didnt really see much about that.

I think you should add an explanation about page numbers. That was what I was looking for, but I couldn’t find the significant area.

Section 2 explains how to put page numbers in the header, and section 4 discusses page numbers in citations.

read it… it’s there.

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• Chicago Style Format for Papers | Requirements & Examples

Chicago Style Format for Papers | Requirements & Examples

Published on September 25, 2019 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on April 9, 2024.

The information in this article is largely drawn from Turabian style —a version of Chicago style aimed at students and researchers. When writing a paper in Chicago style, these are the guidelines to follow; for the sake of simplicity, the term “Chicago” is used here.

Chicago Citation Generator

To apply Chicago format:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt. Times New Roman.
• Double-space the text.
• Use 1 inch margins or larger.
• Indent new paragraphs by ½ inch.
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center.

Note that any specific formatting advice from your instructor or faculty overrules these guidelines. Template documents set up in Chicago style are available to download below. Just select the one with the citation style you’re following.

Author-date Notes and bibliography

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Table of contents

General formatting, block quotes, numbers and acronyms, in-text citations and notes, bibliography or reference list, frequently asked questions about chicago format.

Chicago doesn’t require a specific font or font size, but recommends using something simple and readable (e.g., 12 pt. Times New Roman). Use margins of at least 1 inch on all sides of the page.

The main text should be double-spaced, and each new paragraph should begin with a ½ inch indent. Text should be left-aligned and not “justified” (meaning that the right margin should look ragged).

Page numbers can be placed either in the top right or the bottom center of the page—one or the other, not both.

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A Chicago title page isn’t required—often it’s sufficient to just include your title at the top of the first page—but if you’re asked to include one, Turabian provides guidelines for how to present it.

All text on the title page should be center-aligned and double-spaced, and written in the same font as the rest of your text. The title should appear about ⅓ of the way down the page, in headline capitalization and in bold.

If you have a subtitle, the main title ends with a colon and the subtitle appears on the following line, also in bold and the same size as the main title.

About ⅔ of the way down the page, add any information your instructor requests you to include—your name, student code, the course name and code, the date, etc. Each new piece of information appears on a new line.

The title page should not have a page number, but should be included in the page count—in other words, the page numbering starts on page 2.

Headings should use headline capitalization:

• Summary of results
• Summary of Results

If you use different levels of heading (e.g., chapters, sections, subheadings), make sure your presentation makes clear which type of heading each one is.

All headings of one level should be presented the same way, and higher-level headings should stand out more from the text. For example, you might use a larger font for chapter headings, bold for section headings, and italics for subheadings:

Prose quotations of five or more lines (or more than 100 words), as well as poetry quotations of two or more lines, are presented as block quotes .

Block quotes do not use quotation marks . Instead, a blank line separates them from the surrounding text on both sides and they are indented by an additional ½ inch. Unlike the rest of the text, they are not double-spaced.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Chicago recommends using words, not numerals, for numbers lower than 100. For example, you would write “ninety-five,” not “95.” But numerals should still be used when you’re referring to a specific measurement (e.g., “15 cm”) and when using decimals (e.g., “1.5”).

Acronyms should be introduced the first time you refer to the thing they stand for:

After this point, you can use the acronym alone.

Neither numerals nor acronyms should be used at the beginning of a sentence. Either rewrite the sentence so that the numeral or acronym appears elsewhere, or write out the full phrase or number:

• 100 people responded to the survey.
• One hundred people responded to the survey.
• The survey received 100 responses.

Chicago provides guidelines for not one but two citation styles : author-date and notes and bibliography.

In author-date style , citations are placed directly in the text in parentheses . In this style, you have some flexibility about how exactly to integrate the citation:

In notes and bibliography style, citations appear in Chicago footnotes or endnotes (the format is identical either way), and the reader is referred to them by superscript numbers in the text.

Footnote and endnote numbers appear at the end of the relevant clause or sentence, after any punctuation except a dash .

Endnotes appear on their own page just before the bibliography ; footnotes appear at the bottom of each page. Footnotes should be separated from the text by a short rule and be presented in the same font size as the main text, or smaller. Word’s footnote function automatically creates footnotes like this:

At the end of your paper, you’ll likely include a bibliography (for notes and bibliography style) or a reference list (for author-date).

Bibliographies and reference lists are not double-spaced, but leave a blank line between entries.

If an entry extends onto a second line, a ½ inch indent should be applied to all but the first line of the entry.

If you have to create a Chicago style annotated bibliography , follow the same format as a normal bibliography, but indent and double-space the annotations under each source reference.

Turabian style is a version of Chicago style designed specifically for students and researchers. It follows most Chicago conventions, but also adds extra guidelines for formatting research papers , theses and dissertations .

More information can be found in A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian, now in its ninth edition.

• A reference list is used with Chicago author-date citations .
• A bibliography is used with Chicago footnote citations .

Both present the exact same information; the only difference is the placement of the year in source citations:

• In a reference list entry, the publication year appears directly after the author’s name.
• In a bibliography entry, the year appears near the end of the entry (the exact placement depends on the source type).

There are also other types of bibliography that work as stand-alone texts, such as a Chicago annotated bibliography .

In Chicago author-date style , your text must include a reference list . It appears at the end of your paper and gives full details of every source you cited.

In notes and bibliography style, you use Chicago style footnotes to cite sources; a bibliography is optional but recommended. If you don’t include one, be sure to use a full note for the first citation of each source.

Footnotes appear at the bottom of the relevant page.  Endnotes appear in a list at the end of the text, just before the reference list or bibliography. Don’t mix footnotes and endnotes in the same document: choose one or the other and use them consistently.

In Chicago notes and bibliography style , you can use either footnotes or endnotes, and citations follow the same format in either case.

In APA and MLA style , footnotes or endnotes are not used for citations, but they can be used to provide additional information.

Chicago format doesn’t require you to use any specific font, as long as you choose something readable. A good standard choice is 12 pt Times New Roman.

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Caulfield, J. (2024, April 09). Chicago Style Format for Papers | Requirements & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/chicago-style/format-paper/

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English Composition 1

The proper format for essays.

Below are guidelines for the formatting of essays based on recommendations from the MLA (the Modern Language Association).

• Fonts : Your essay should be word processed in 12-point Times New Roman fonts.
• Double space : Your entire essay should be double spaced, with no single spacing anywhere and no extra spacing anywhere. There should not be extra spaces between paragraphs.
• Heading : In the upper left corner of the first page of your essay, you should type your name, the instructor's name, your class, and the date, as follows: Your Name Mr. Rambo ENG 1001-100 18 January 2022
• Margins : According to the MLA, your essay should have a one-inch margin on the top, bottom, left, and right.
• Page Numbers : Your last name and the page number should appear in the upper right corner of each page of your essay, including the first page, as in Jones 3 . Insert your name and the page number as a "header." Do not type this information where the text of your essay should be.
• Title : Your essay should include a title. The title should be centered and should appear under the heading information on the first page and above the first line of your essay. The title should be in the same fonts as the rest of your essay, with no quotation marks, no underlining, no italics, and no bold.
• Indentation : The first line of each paragraph should be indented. According to the MLA, this indentation should be 1/2 inch or five spaces, but pressing [Tab] once should give you the correct indentation.

Putting all of the above together, you should have a first page that looks like the following:

Copyright Randy Rambo , 2022.

What’s the right scholarship essay format and structure?

Many scholarships require you to submit at least one essay – and maybe you’ve already got that covered . But now you’re wondering: how should your essay be formatted? Should it be double-spaced or single-spaced? Should you include a title? Should you include the prompt? What does a typical scholarship essay format look like?

Although you don’t have to worry about essay formatting at Going Merry ( we’ll structure and submit your application for you , with our pre-filled forms!), maybe you’re also applying to some other scholarships too. So we’re here to help you understand how to format your scholarship essay.

Where do I start? 

Does a scholarship essay need a title , how should a scholarship essay be formatted what font should i use , how should a scholarship essay be structured can i get a template or outline, scholarship essay format at a glance, should scholarship essays be double-spaced , start writing.

You’ll need to dive into a personal experience or tell your story of an accomplishment, a hobby, an interest to the scholarship provider, showing them your experience with a structured and descriptive essay. Create an outline of your essay (this can be old school, with pen and paper!), write it out, and then ensure you’re formatting it professionally and properly.  (Need more scholarship essay tips? Try these.)

This depends on the essay submission format.

If there is a text box entry, you can just copy and paste the body of your essay, without a title. This is the case, for example, when applying for scholarships through Going Merry .

If you’re attaching an essay as a Word or PDF document, you can optionally include a title, but this is usually unnecessary unless there are special scholarship essay format instructions to do so. (One popular reason you might need to do this is if the prompt is to write about any topic of your choice, or to choose your own prompt. In this case, to give the reader more context before you begin your essay, a title may be helpful.)

If you are required to create a title, we recommend doing one of two things:

• Think of a title early on. Write down that title, write your essay, and then circle back to the title to tweak it as needed. -OR-
• Write your essay and then come up with a title . Your creativity might be fresher once you’ve answered the prompt and included the meat and potatoes of the scholarship essay, which might help you come up with a suitable title at the end.

Also, don’t stress! While a clever title can improve your essay, it’s hardly a make-or-break. A very descriptive title that summarizes the prompt would work fine, as long as your essay is strong. 

Relatedly, you don’t need to include the essay question or prompt at the top of your essay. The scholarship committee will know what the topic or prompt is!

(Want inspiration from winners? Check out these winning scholarship essays .)

If you’re writing your essay in a document to upload to your Going Merry profile , or to submit to a scholarship application on a provider’s website , and the scholarship provider doesn’t have explicit guidelines, it’s best to just follow a standard professional style and format. That means using 1-inch page margins, 12-point font size double-spaced (or 1.5 spaced), and a “standard” font like Times New Roman in classic (default) black. Don’t get creative with fonts or colors here. You want the content of your essay to be what stands out, rather than your unorthodox formatting.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how to best structure a good scholarship essay. In fact, you can see how wide-ranging these winning essays are. In fact, how to best answer and structure your essay depends partially on the essay and partially on your personal writing style. 

However, one pretty common way of structuring your scholarship essay is how Going Merry winner John Flowers Jr did it . Here’s the template/outline:

• Introduction (1-2 paragraphs) : Draw the audience in with an attention-grabbing opening sentence related to the prompt. Introduce your main points that you’ll be sharing later in your essay.
• Example of an opening sentence from a Going Merry scholarship winner: “My parents were never given a shot at having an education beyond high school.” This tells us about the student’s parents and how it might have influenced the student’s decision to apply to college, setting the tone for the essay.
• Introductory paragraph: “My parents were never given a shot at having an education beyond high school. They were never given a shot to show their full potential and make a difference in the world. They had to start life at an early age. I want to succeed in college for them and for me. I want them to be proud of me for doing a task that they weren’t able to do.” – This expresses John’s understanding of what his parents had to do, and that they did not get a chance to attend college. John also expresses his determination, and his drive to attend college to do something for his parents.
• Body (1-3 paragraphs) – Expand on your main points. Back up your information with evidence, examples, and facts. This is where you’re encouraged to share details of how you got to where you are today, what inspired your hobbies, interests, or drive to attend college, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic and/or personal goals. Remember to use specifics rather than make general statements!
• Conclusion (1 paragraph): Explain how winning this scholarship would help support your goals (and maybe also have wider community impact) 
• An excerpt from John’s conclusion: “Winning this scholarship will make a difference to me because it will allow me to cover college financial issues that may hold me back from reaching my career. Being less stressed about worrying about college fees will allow me to focus more of my attention in class to earn the credits, and not worry about how I’m going to pay for the class.” – John explains how valuable this scholarship is for him, not just monetarily, but also how it will help him achieve his goals.

• Read the scholarship essay format guidelines carefully, to check if the scholarship includes instructions
• If you’re submitting your scholarship essay outside of the Going Merry platform, set up your document with a 1-inch margin
• Aim for a 12-point font
• The best font to use is Times New Roman. Other good options include Arial, Calibri, Tahoma, and Verdana
• Always get a second opinion on the scholarship essay format for grammar, punctuation, spelling, structure, etc.
• Online form
• Going Merry scholarship platform (apply to thousands of scholarships and upload your scholarship essay)

You’re probably used to double-spacing your high school papers and essays. Since adding line spacing can make essays more readable, using 1.5-spacing or double-spacing is a good idea if you’re attaching an essay as a Word doc or PDF. But again, unless the scholarship provider has specified this information, it’s not mandatory.

More important is to not leave your essay as one block of text. Instead, we recommend separating paragraphs when you’re starting a new thought or idea.

For scholarship essays on Going Merry, you won’t have to worry about formatting because we will do this for you whenever you submit applications through our platform.

We know you’re going to rock your essay with these scholarship essay format guidelines, so get to it! It’s best to start writing your essay as early as possible to give yourself time to review the essay, ask someone (like a parent, guidance counselor, or friend) to proofread your essay, and then make sure to submit it on time. (On Going Merry , we’ll send you deadline reminders on your favorited scholarships and draft applications, so you won’t miss them!)

When you’re ready to apply for scholarships, sign up for Going Merry ! You’ll create a free student profile, enter your information once, and then we’ll match you with thousands of scholarships that you can apply to with just the click of a button. Don’t worry about entering your information twice – we’ll pre-fill this for you!

If you need additional resources to accompany this scholarship essay format guide, check out these related blog posts for more writing tips:

• How to answer “Why do you deserve this scholarship?”
• How to Write the Best Personal Statement
• 10 Tips for Writing An Essay About Yourself
• How to Write a Career Goals Essay
• 6 Tips for Writing Scholarship Essays About Academic Goals
• College Essay Guy: How to write a scholarship essay
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Ready to find scholarships that are a match for you?

• Have your assignments done by seasoned writers. We work 24/7. Just email us at:
• [email protected]

Should You Double Space an Essay: When and When Not To

Double Space an Essay

What is Double Spacing?

Double spacing can be regarded as the formatting style in which a full blank line is purposefully left between every line within an essay. But when should you double space an essay?

Because of this, it doubles the number of vertical spaces between lines, hence resulting in more spaces between them. 

Double spacing is mostly utilized in academic writing such as essays, research papers, theses, and dissertations. 

Purpose of the Article 

The purpose of this article is to further explore the issue of double spacing in your essays in terms of when it should be done and when it should not, and the pros and cons of it. 

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When to Double Space an Essay

1. academic institutions that require double spacing.

You should double-space your essay if your academic institution requires the summited work to be double-spaced. 

Some educational institutions have set writing standards that should be utilized by every student pursuing education in them.

This standardizes the essay formats to make it easier for grading.

If you are in such an institution and it requires the submitted essays to be double-spaced, ensure that you adhere to the specified formatting to avoid losing marks. 

2. Writing Styles that Recommend Double Spacing

Some writing styles recommend double spacing. In most academic essays, the instructions specify the writing style you are required to present your paper.

The most popular or preferred writing styles for academic writing include American Psychological Association (APA) and Modern Language Association (MLA). 

The two writing styles are formatted in double spacing. If your professor instructs you to write an essay in MLA or APA style without specifying the level of spacing, you should write it in double space.

However, always be keen on following the instructions because you may be told to use the aforementioned formats but with different levels of spacing. 

3. Situations where it is Necessary

As noted, the prevailing academic conventions recommend the use of double spacing when writing your essays. 

As such, if you have been given an assignment on a particular topic and you have been told to write about it, you may decide to use double spacing because it is the most acceptable format within the academic context.

Additionally, you may need to create an essay that has high readability. This may be because you want your readers to follow your thought process without confusion. 

In the case of enhancing readability, it may be necessary to use double spacing because the paper will have more white (blank) spaces between lines. 

Further, longer documents like lengthy essays, research papers, theses, and dissertations will require double spacing instead of single spacing. 

This is because such documents have a lot of content and squeezing the lines and paragraphs together will make them appear dense and overwhelming. 

When Not to Double Space an Essay

1. shorter essays with strict word count limits.

In cases where you have been assigned a short essay with strict word count limits, you should avoid using double spacing. 

This is because shorter essays have lesser content and using more spaces between lines and paragraphs makes the content clattered or appear too far apart. The essay will look unprofessionally written. 

2. Writing Styles that Do Not Require Double Spacing

As noted, some styles dictate the type of spacing you will apply throughout your document.

Some writing styles do not require double spacing and instead may need you to use single space (1.0), or one and a half space (1.5). Such styles especially apply to official letters.

3. Situations Where It’s Not Necessary

There are other situations where it is not necessary to use double space in your document. Such situations can occur when you are required to write an official letter as part of an assignment.

Other situations occur when the essay is short or when you feel that your document will appear more aesthetically pleasing when you use other types of spacing. 

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Pros and Cons of Double Spacing

Advantages of double spacing , easier to read.

One advantage of double spacing is that it makes the essay easier to read. The lines and paragraphs will be adequately spaced in relation to each other hence the reader will have no problem following the content. 

Provides Space for Annotations and Comments

Double spaces also leave adequate room for annotations and comments. Since there is enough space between the lines, you can annotate your references and make comments within them.

Additionally, double spacing allows editors or instructors to make corrections and give feedback on your work. 

Disadvantages of Double Spacing

Makes an essay appear longer than it actually is.

A major disadvantage of double spacing is that it makes the essay appear longer than it actually is. This is because double spacing increases the blank spaces between lines and paragraphs making lesser text occupy a page.

For example, 550 words can easily fit into a single-spaced page. However, if the page was double-spaced, only half of those words would fit into it. 

Can Be a Waste of Paper and Ink

By using double spacing in your essay, you will end up having a lot of white spaces (blank) between lines that contain no written text.

This means that you will end up wasting your paper because lesser words will fit into it. Additionally, you will end up printing more papers in a double-spaced essay hence wasting ink.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Double Space an Essay

• Open your document in a word-processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
• Select (highlight) the entire text of your essay. You can use your computer’s cursor to manually highlight the entire text and then select it. You simply click and drag the cursor over the text and select it. 

To automatically select the entire text on computers running Windows Operating System (OS), you click “Ctrl + A”. For Apple’s Mac OS, you should click “Command + A”. 

• After selecting the text, go to the formatting options. Those options are mostly found in the toolbar located at the top of the screen. They are labeled as “Line spacing” or “Paragraph”. 
• You should click on the line spacing option where you will find a dropdown menu with pre-set spacing options.
• Select the “2.0” or “Double” option for the dropdown menu. This will automatically adjust your essay’s line spacing to double.
• Apply the changes so that the essay will become double-spaced. You should review the essay to ensure that the changes have taken full effect. 

In conclusion, the advantages of double spacing are that it makes the essay easier to read and it provides adequate space for comments and annotations. 

Additionally, double spacing is the most widely used spacing requirement for academic essays hence it can be widely applicable. 

However, the disadvantages of double spacing are that it is a waste of paper and ink because of the unnecessary spaces and it makes an essay appear longer than it is supposed to. 

The final thought on whether an essay should be double-spaced is that it all depends on the instructions or essay requirements. Always adhere to instructions to avoid academic penalties. 

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What is the standard font size for double-spaced essays?

The standard font size used for double-spaced essays depends on the type of font. However, if you are using Times New Roman or Arial, the size will be 12. 

How much longer does double spacing make an essay appear?

Double spacing makes an essay appear two times longer than a single-spaced essay. This is because it creates double the space between lines hence doubling the length of the entire essay. 

Does double spacing apply to footnotes and references?

Double spacing does not apply to footnotes because the footnotes will end up taking a lot of spacing within the paper hence displacing the actual text (content) of the essay. 

However, references should be double-spaced if the rest of the essay (introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion) is double-spaced. There should be consistency. 

Can you mix double spacing and single spacing in the same essay?

Mixing double spacing and single spacing is not acceptable in the same essay. 

However, it can occur if you are writing a double-spaced essay and you need to include a long quote from other sources. The long quote should be treated as an individual single-spaced paragraph. 

Does double spacing affect the readability of an essay?

Double spacing does not affect the reliability of an essay because it is the most utilized spacing option in academic writing.

However, if you have been instructed to use other forms of spacing such as single spacing and you use double spacing, it will make your essay unreliable. This is because you have gone against the instructions. 

Additionally, you will appear like a lazy student who wants to make your essay appear longer. This is because single-spaced essays appear shorter than double-spaced. 

Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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5 Page Essay: Examples, Topics, & Word Count

What does a five page essay look like? If you’re searching for an answer to this question, you’re in the right place! Such a paper is a standard high school and college assignment. That’s why it might be written on almost any topic. Organic farming, overpopulation, police brutality, and abortion are just some examples.

A 5 page essay word count is usually 1200 to 1250 words (12 pt., double-spaced). The length of a typical academic paragraph is 100 to 150 words. So, there are 12 to 16 paragraphs in a five page essay.

If you need 5 page essay examples, take a look at the list below. We’ve collected A+ samples for you to get inspired. Good luck with your essay!

5-page Essay Examples: 12031 Samples

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The Candy Bombers by Andrei Cherny

• Subjects: Historical Literature Literature
• Words: 1320

We Don’t See Things As They Are; We See Them As We Are

• Subjects: Cognition and Perception Psychology
• Words: 1406

Concepts of Truth in Mathematics, the Arts and Ethics

• Subjects: Philosophical Concept Philosophy
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HR Department and Employee Relations

• Subjects: Business Management
• Words: 1331

How Judges Think at a Criminal Trial

• Subjects: Judicial Process on Criminals Law
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T. Roosevelt as a Rough Rider

• Subjects: Historical Figures History
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Plants in Lakota Folklore

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An Analysis of Michelangelo’s Work

• Subjects: Art Sculpture
• Words: 1353

Definition of a good roommate

• Subjects: Sociological Theories Sociology
• Words: 1368

David Mccullough: Summary and Themes in “1776”

• Subjects: American Literature Literature
• Words: 1407

Miami School Negotiations: A Plan for the Mediating Process

• Subjects: Business Case Study
• Words: 1559

Socialism & Democracy: Fundamental Believes and Concepts

• Subjects: Politics & Government Social & Political Theory
• Words: 1582

The Development of Twentieth-Century Music: Schoenberg vs. Stravinsky

• Subjects: Art Musicians
• Words: 1435

Managing Cross-Cultural Staff: Norms for Groups Within the Organization

• Words: 1581

Behavior Modification in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Introduction

• Subjects: Education Education Issues
• Words: 1382

Differences in Wages and Benefits at the Workplace

Ethical issues in schools within jefferson county.

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• Words: 1666

Towards Understanding Behaviorism School of Psychology

• Subjects: Major Schools of Thought Psychology
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“Bus 174” Children: Oppressed, Neglected, and Stigmatised

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Critique and critical reveiw analysis

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At 18, Is It Time for a Drink?

• Subjects: Sociological Issues Sociology
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Anthropological Comparison between the Chinese and Hindu Society

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A Comprehensive Code of Ethics Plan

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American vs. Asian Marriages

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Thomas Jefferson as the Greatest Teacher and Source of Inspiration

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Cross-Cultural Implications or Interactions

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Virtual Teams Challenges in Global Corporations

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Buddhism and Hinduism

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Possible Causes and Solutions to Global Warming

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Spare the Rod or Spoil the Child: Outline

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Managing Creative Project and Team

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The Theory of Human Change and Growth

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New Business Issues in Case of United Foods Company

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The study of human behavior and stress.

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Punishing an innocent person

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External Influences Affecting the Tesco Company and Its Activities

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Web Quest of Employee Business

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Solar Energy as an Alternative Source of Energy

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13.1 Formatting a Research Paper

Learning objectives.

• Identify the major components of a research paper written using American Psychological Association (APA) style.
• Apply general APA style and formatting conventions in a research paper.

In this chapter, you will learn how to use APA style , the documentation and formatting style followed by the American Psychological Association, as well as MLA style , from the Modern Language Association. There are a few major formatting styles used in academic texts, including AMA, Chicago, and Turabian:

• AMA (American Medical Association) for medicine, health, and biological sciences
• APA (American Psychological Association) for education, psychology, and the social sciences
• Chicago—a common style used in everyday publications like magazines, newspapers, and books
• MLA (Modern Language Association) for English, literature, arts, and humanities
• Turabian—another common style designed for its universal application across all subjects and disciplines

While all the formatting and citation styles have their own use and applications, in this chapter we focus our attention on the two styles you are most likely to use in your academic studies: APA and MLA.

If you find that the rules of proper source documentation are difficult to keep straight, you are not alone. Writing a good research paper is, in and of itself, a major intellectual challenge. Having to follow detailed citation and formatting guidelines as well may seem like just one more task to add to an already-too-long list of requirements.

Following these guidelines, however, serves several important purposes. First, it signals to your readers that your paper should be taken seriously as a student’s contribution to a given academic or professional field; it is the literary equivalent of wearing a tailored suit to a job interview. Second, it shows that you respect other people’s work enough to give them proper credit for it. Finally, it helps your reader find additional materials if he or she wishes to learn more about your topic.

Furthermore, producing a letter-perfect APA-style paper need not be burdensome. Yes, it requires careful attention to detail. However, you can simplify the process if you keep these broad guidelines in mind:

• Work ahead whenever you can. Chapter 11 “Writing from Research: What Will I Learn?” includes tips for keeping track of your sources early in the research process, which will save time later on.
• Get it right the first time. Apply APA guidelines as you write, so you will not have much to correct during the editing stage. Again, putting in a little extra time early on can save time later.
• Use the resources available to you. In addition to the guidelines provided in this chapter, you may wish to consult the APA website at http://www.apa.org or the Purdue University Online Writing lab at http://owl.english.purdue.edu , which regularly updates its online style guidelines.

General Formatting Guidelines

This chapter provides detailed guidelines for using the citation and formatting conventions developed by the American Psychological Association, or APA. Writers in disciplines as diverse as astrophysics, biology, psychology, and education follow APA style. The major components of a paper written in APA style are listed in the following box.

These are the major components of an APA-style paper:

Body, which includes the following:

• Headings and, if necessary, subheadings to organize the content
• In-text citations of research sources
• References page

All these components must be saved in one document, not as separate documents.

The title page of your paper includes the following information:

• Title of the paper
• Author’s name
• Name of the institution with which the author is affiliated
• Header at the top of the page with the paper title (in capital letters) and the page number (If the title is lengthy, you may use a shortened form of it in the header.)

List the first three elements in the order given in the previous list, centered about one third of the way down from the top of the page. Use the headers and footers tool of your word-processing program to add the header, with the title text at the left and the page number in the upper-right corner. Your title page should look like the following example.

The next page of your paper provides an abstract , or brief summary of your findings. An abstract does not need to be provided in every paper, but an abstract should be used in papers that include a hypothesis. A good abstract is concise—about one hundred fifty to two hundred fifty words—and is written in an objective, impersonal style. Your writing voice will not be as apparent here as in the body of your paper. When writing the abstract, take a just-the-facts approach, and summarize your research question and your findings in a few sentences.

In Chapter 12 “Writing a Research Paper” , you read a paper written by a student named Jorge, who researched the effectiveness of low-carbohydrate diets. Read Jorge’s abstract. Note how it sums up the major ideas in his paper without going into excessive detail.

Write an abstract summarizing your paper. Briefly introduce the topic, state your findings, and sum up what conclusions you can draw from your research. Use the word count feature of your word-processing program to make sure your abstract does not exceed one hundred fifty words.

Depending on your field of study, you may sometimes write research papers that present extensive primary research, such as your own experiment or survey. In your abstract, summarize your research question and your findings, and briefly indicate how your study relates to prior research in the field.

Margins, Pagination, and Headings

APA style requirements also address specific formatting concerns, such as margins, pagination, and heading styles, within the body of the paper. Review the following APA guidelines.

Use these general guidelines to format the paper:

• Set the top, bottom, and side margins of your paper at 1 inch.
• Use double-spaced text throughout your paper.
• Use a standard font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, in a legible size (10- to 12-point).
• Use continuous pagination throughout the paper, including the title page and the references section. Page numbers appear flush right within your header.
• Section headings and subsection headings within the body of your paper use different types of formatting depending on the level of information you are presenting. Additional details from Jorge’s paper are provided.

Begin formatting the final draft of your paper according to APA guidelines. You may work with an existing document or set up a new document if you choose. Include the following:

• Your title page
• The abstract you created in Note 13.8 “Exercise 1”
• Correct headers and page numbers for your title page and abstract

APA style uses section headings to organize information, making it easy for the reader to follow the writer’s train of thought and to know immediately what major topics are covered. Depending on the length and complexity of the paper, its major sections may also be divided into subsections, sub-subsections, and so on. These smaller sections, in turn, use different heading styles to indicate different levels of information. In essence, you are using headings to create a hierarchy of information.

The following heading styles used in APA formatting are listed in order of greatest to least importance:

• Section headings use centered, boldface type. Headings use title case, with important words in the heading capitalized.
• Subsection headings use left-aligned, boldface type. Headings use title case.
• The third level uses left-aligned, indented, boldface type. Headings use a capital letter only for the first word, and they end in a period.
• The fourth level follows the same style used for the previous level, but the headings are boldfaced and italicized.
• The fifth level follows the same style used for the previous level, but the headings are italicized and not boldfaced.

Visually, the hierarchy of information is organized as indicated in Table 13.1 “Section Headings” .

Table 13.1 Section Headings

A college research paper may not use all the heading levels shown in Table 13.1 “Section Headings” , but you are likely to encounter them in academic journal articles that use APA style. For a brief paper, you may find that level 1 headings suffice. Longer or more complex papers may need level 2 headings or other lower-level headings to organize information clearly. Use your outline to craft your major section headings and determine whether any subtopics are substantial enough to require additional levels of headings.

Working with the document you developed in Note 13.11 “Exercise 2” , begin setting up the heading structure of the final draft of your research paper according to APA guidelines. Include your title and at least two to three major section headings, and follow the formatting guidelines provided above. If your major sections should be broken into subsections, add those headings as well. Use your outline to help you.

Because Jorge used only level 1 headings, his Exercise 3 would look like the following:

Citation Guidelines

In-text citations.

Throughout the body of your paper, include a citation whenever you quote or paraphrase material from your research sources. As you learned in Chapter 11 “Writing from Research: What Will I Learn?” , the purpose of citations is twofold: to give credit to others for their ideas and to allow your reader to follow up and learn more about the topic if desired. Your in-text citations provide basic information about your source; each source you cite will have a longer entry in the references section that provides more detailed information.

In-text citations must provide the name of the author or authors and the year the source was published. (When a given source does not list an individual author, you may provide the source title or the name of the organization that published the material instead.) When directly quoting a source, it is also required that you include the page number where the quote appears in your citation.

This information may be included within the sentence or in a parenthetical reference at the end of the sentence, as in these examples.

Epstein (2010) points out that “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive” (p. 137).

Here, the writer names the source author when introducing the quote and provides the publication date in parentheses after the author’s name. The page number appears in parentheses after the closing quotation marks and before the period that ends the sentence.

Addiction researchers caution that “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive” (Epstein, 2010, p. 137).

Here, the writer provides a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence that includes the author’s name, the year of publication, and the page number separated by commas. Again, the parenthetical citation is placed after the closing quotation marks and before the period at the end of the sentence.

As noted in the book Junk Food, Junk Science (Epstein, 2010, p. 137), “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive.”

Here, the writer chose to mention the source title in the sentence (an optional piece of information to include) and followed the title with a parenthetical citation. Note that the parenthetical citation is placed before the comma that signals the end of the introductory phrase.

David Epstein’s book Junk Food, Junk Science (2010) pointed out that “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive” (p. 137).

Another variation is to introduce the author and the source title in your sentence and include the publication date and page number in parentheses within the sentence or at the end of the sentence. As long as you have included the essential information, you can choose the option that works best for that particular sentence and source.

Citing a book with a single author is usually a straightforward task. Of course, your research may require that you cite many other types of sources, such as books or articles with more than one author or sources with no individual author listed. You may also need to cite sources available in both print and online and nonprint sources, such as websites and personal interviews. Chapter 13 “APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting” , Section 13.2 “Citing and Referencing Techniques” and Section 13.3 “Creating a References Section” provide extensive guidelines for citing a variety of source types.

Writing at Work

APA is just one of several different styles with its own guidelines for documentation, formatting, and language usage. Depending on your field of interest, you may be exposed to additional styles, such as the following:

• MLA style. Determined by the Modern Languages Association and used for papers in literature, languages, and other disciplines in the humanities.
• Chicago style. Outlined in the Chicago Manual of Style and sometimes used for papers in the humanities and the sciences; many professional organizations use this style for publications as well.
• Associated Press (AP) style. Used by professional journalists.

References List

The brief citations included in the body of your paper correspond to the more detailed citations provided at the end of the paper in the references section. In-text citations provide basic information—the author’s name, the publication date, and the page number if necessary—while the references section provides more extensive bibliographical information. Again, this information allows your reader to follow up on the sources you cited and do additional reading about the topic if desired.

The specific format of entries in the list of references varies slightly for different source types, but the entries generally include the following information:

• The name(s) of the author(s) or institution that wrote the source
• The year of publication and, where applicable, the exact date of publication
• The full title of the source
• For books, the city of publication
• For articles or essays, the name of the periodical or book in which the article or essay appears
• For magazine and journal articles, the volume number, issue number, and pages where the article appears
• For sources on the web, the URL where the source is located

The references page is double spaced and lists entries in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. If an entry continues for more than one line, the second line and each subsequent line are indented five spaces. Review the following example. ( Chapter 13 “APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting” , Section 13.3 “Creating a References Section” provides extensive guidelines for formatting reference entries for different types of sources.)

In APA style, book and article titles are formatted in sentence case, not title case. Sentence case means that only the first word is capitalized, along with any proper nouns.

Key Takeaways

• Following proper citation and formatting guidelines helps writers ensure that their work will be taken seriously, give proper credit to other authors for their work, and provide valuable information to readers.
• Working ahead and taking care to cite sources correctly the first time are ways writers can save time during the editing stage of writing a research paper.
• APA papers usually include an abstract that concisely summarizes the paper.
• APA papers use a specific headings structure to provide a clear hierarchy of information.
• In APA papers, in-text citations usually include the name(s) of the author(s) and the year of publication.
• In-text citations correspond to entries in the references section, which provide detailed bibliographical information about a source.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Write a 300 Words Essay (+ Examples for Students)

What is a 300-word essay?

It’s an academic paper students write in school or college. The goal is to express an idea, state an argument, or analyze a topic. The only problem with such essays is their concise format.

Your task is to meet the required length but convey information in the logical manner. How is it possible with such restrictions? How to format such a short essay?

In this article, you’ll find a few  samples of 300-word essays. Also, you’ll learn the rules of structuring and formatting such papers right.

Example of 300 Words Essay

Let’s begin with examples (1). A 300-word essay looks like this:

Who am I essay: 300 words sample

A “Who am I?” Essay is a part of the application process for those entering college or university. You get a prompt to describe yourself and tell your goals and motivations. In other words, it’s a personal essay telling admission officers why you want to be their student.

Here’s the sample of such papers:

Bonus: Who Am I Essay: 500 Words Sample

How to Write a 300-Word Essay

Writing a 300-word essay in education is about being brief yet informative. Such tasks check your ability to build arguments and communicate points. Structure it to cover all essay parts and follow the assigned citation style.

300-word essays have a standard structure: an intro, a core, and a conclusion. The body is for organizing and representing the main points. Below you’ll find five techniques to do that.

5 methods of structuring a 300-word paper

• Essence. Write everything that comes to your mind about the topic. Then, re-read it and point out three main ideas to cover in your essay. Describe them one by one when writing a paper’s body. 
• Three points. Make a list of sub-topics related to your essay’s theme. Then, expand each sub-topic with three more points. Finally, choose three sub-topics with most relevant points to support your thesis. Take them to describe in an essay’s body. 
• 3+1. It involves four steps: State a thesis, introduce it, expand on it, and finish your essay. The last step is the “+1” in the technique’s name. The trick is to write a conclusion first and then continue with other essay parts.
• Divide. Write each part of your essay separately. Re-read each paragraph once you have it to revise if something looks wrong. When ready, move to another essay part.
• Simple. Introduce a topic with 12 distinct points, grouping them into 3 blocks with 4 sentences each.

What does a 300-word essay look like?

Use this template to structure your 300-word paper. Here’s what to include in each part:

A 300-word essay introduction:

• Start with introducing your topic.
• State your thesis (the main idea of your essay).
• List the main supporting ideas you’ll discuss to prove it.

How to structure body paragraphs:

As a rule, you write three body paragraphs in an essay. Given the restricted length, each should be short and up-to-pont. Please avoid too many transitional words, long descriptions, or complex sentence structures.

Structure essay body paragraphs like this:

• Write a lead sentence introducing the paragraph’s idea.
• Explain it: 1-3 sentences.
• Provide 1-2 examples.

Concluding your 300-word essay:

Restate all the points you covered in an essay. (You can take them from the introduction and paraphrase.) Finish with the food for thought for readers: a statement, a question, etc.

300-word essay format

Final tips on writing short essays:

• Be concise; no fluff. Cut all sentences that sound too generic or look unnecessary.
• Focus on a catchy beginning and a strong conclusion.
• Write as you speak; then revise each sentence for language patterns and clarity.
• What is 300 words in an essay?

300 words in an essay is the length of a standard academic paper you write in school or college. Depending on formatting, it takes 0.6 pages (single-spaced) or 1.2 pages (double-spaced). This short writing piece is best to share ideas or analyze assigned topics briefly.

• How many paragraphs is a 300 words essay?

A 300 words essay follows a 5-paragraph structure. The first paragraph goes for an introduction, three — for a body, and the final one — for a conclusion. This rule isn’t strict: Your essay body can be one or two, not three, paragraphs (2). Check the prompt’s guidelines before writing.

• How many pages is a 300-word essay?

It’s around 1-1.5 pages, depending on the formatting. Font size and spacing may differ from one prompt to another. In general, a 300-word essay is about 0.6 pages if single-spaced and 1.2 pages if double-spaced.

References:

• https://www.academia.edu/6009297/300_word_essay  
• https://www.csusm.edu/writingcenter/cougarswrite/thisibelieve/index.html
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Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, should i double-space my college essays.

I'm in the final stages of editing my college essay and I'm not sure if it should be double-spaced or not. I've heard different opinions on this, and I want to make sure I'm doing it correctly. Should I double-space my essay or leave it single-spaced? Thanks for your help!

Hi there! It's great to hear that you're in the final stages of editing your college essay. Formatting is indeed an important aspect to consider before submitting your essay. In general, it is a good idea to double-space your college essays. This is because double-spacing makes your essay easier to read and gives it a more professional appearance.

However, you should always check the specific requirements of the colleges you're applying to. Some colleges may have their own formatting guidelines or may provide a specific word count range to adhere to. In such cases, it's important to follow their instructions and format your essay accordingly.

If you're still unsure, you can always reach out to the college admissions office and ask for clarification. But in most cases, double-spacing is the way to go. Good luck with your essay, and I hope you find this information helpful!

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How Many Pages Is 1250 Words? Essay Examples & How-to-Write Guide

A 1250-word essay may seem challenging due to its uncommon length. But do not worry! It takes only about 4.5 double-spaced pages. You can write a 1250-word paper in any genre: argumentative, persuasive, classification, etc.

In this article, we will discuss the structure and format of an essay in 1250 words and explain how to write it. Some practical examples are also waiting for you below!

🧩 1250 Word Essay Structure

📃 1250 words to pages, 📝 what does a 1250-word essay look like, ✍️ how to write a 1250 words essay, 📚 1250 words paper examples, ❓ 1250 words essay faq, 🔗 references.

A well-structured essay makes it easier for a reader to follow your logic and comprehend your viewpoint. Overall, a 1250-word paper has the same structure as any other essay: an introduction, a main body, and a conclusion.

1250 Word Essay Introduction

Your introductory paragraph should take approximately 100-150 words. An introduction informs the readers on the topic of your work, piques their curiosity, and persuades them to read on.

There are 3 crucial elements of an effective introductory paragraph:

• Hook. The hook is the first sentence of an essay that aims to catch readers’ attention. You can use a shocking fact, an anecdote, or a question to create a powerful hook.
• Background information. Further, the introduction should briefly discuss the topic’s history or the root cause of the problem addressed in the essay.
• Thesis statement. It is the last sentence in the introduction, which conveys your main argument and directs the ideas within the work.

To make a compelling introduction , you should create some intrigue, demonstrate your knowledge of the subject, and be brief.

1250 Word Essay Body

The main body is where you present your arguments. A 1250-word essay should have at least 5 body paragraphs. Each paragraph should be 100-200 words (4-8 sentences) long, focus on one idea or aspect of the issue, and include 4 crucial components:

• topic sentence ;
• main argument;
• supporting evidence;
• transition sentence.

However, the main components of body paragraphs may differ depending on the essay type.

1250 Word Essay Conclusion

A conclusion allows you to have the final say on the topic, highlight the value of your ideas, and give your reader a fresh perspective on the subject. The last paragraph of a 1250-word essay takes about 100-150 words. It should comprise a rephrased thesis, a summary of the main ideas, and a closing statement.

Take the steps below to write a perfect conclusion for your essay:

• Refer back to the introduction’s primary message.
• Give a brief overview of the paper’s main ideas.
• Offer a plan of action, a resolution to a problem, or suggestions for future research.
• Indicate the practical implications of your findings.

An essay of 1250 words can look different, depending on its formatting and structure. Below, you’ll learn how long a 1250-word paper is with various page layouts.

1250 Words Single Spaced

The page count depends on the font family, font size, page margins , and line spacing. A typical single-spaced page typed in the 12-point Times New Roman font comprises roughly 550 words. As a result, 1250 words are approximately 2.2 single-spaced pages.

1250 Words Double Spaced

Double-spacing is a standard for student papers. Also, colleges and universities usually require 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font and 1-inch margins on all sides. If you use these parameters, the page count of your 1250-word essay will be about 4.5 double-spaced pages.

1250 Words MLA Double Spaced

MLA is one of the most common formatting styles for college papers, especially for essays in literature. The MLA format requires a 12-point font size, 1-inch margins, and a page header with the author’s last name and page number in the upper right corner.

One feature of the MLA format is in-text citations in the body of the paper. They include the author’s name and page number put in brackets. In-text citations are placed at the end of each sentence containing information borrowed from sources. As a rule, they are included in the total word count, but your professor may instruct you otherwise.

In addition, all sources cited in the text should appear on a separate page titled “Works Cited.” The number of references may vary depending on the type of essay and your instructions. A paper of 1,250 words usually requires 4-5 sources. “Works Cited” adds at least a page to the length of your 1250-word essay.

Wondering what does a 1250-word essay look like? Check the breakdown of the Monitoring Toddlers, Technology, and Education essay example below!

Follow the steps below to write an A-grade 1250-word essay!

• Technological impact on medical professionals’ work.
• An increase in divorce rates in America.
• The necessity of innovative sentences.
• The development of the United States history.
• The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act violation by the Bush administration.
• The George Floyd case in the criminal justice system.
• Crime trends in London and Manchester: 2005 to 2009.
• Marketing plan: Help desk service.
• Process and secular theology: Tillich and Bonhoeffer.
• Memo to the Ministry of National Development.
• Substance use by parents and the effect on kids.
• Terrorism: Its history and constituents.
• Contract violations and the UAE federal law.
• Protestant and Catholic views on the five solas.
• Job redesigning and crafting.
• The use of computed tomography angiography for the assessment of in-stent restenosis.
• Tartuffe and “The Death of Ivan Ilyich”: Family dysfunction.
• Alaska Airlines and Japan Airlines Boeing: Accident investigation.
• Nokia E71: Marketing plan.
• Australian consumers’ strategies to reduce food waste.
• Telecommuting as a trend in contemporary business.
• Operation Geronimo and Barack Obama.
• Analysis of Islamic banking and finance.
• Schizophrenia: Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
• Recognizing and minimizing tort and regulatory risk.
• The feeling of being lost in Hemingway’s Soldier’s Home .
• Maternal vs. fetal rights: Case discussion.
• Nursing: Improving patient care outcomes.
• The coronavirus pandemic: Detergents against the germs.
• MTC: Business analysis and system recommendations.
• Business ethics: Abercrombie & Fitch Company case.
• Alzheimer’s disease: Overview and analysis.
• Cultural norms, values, and ways of behavior.
• Jewelry of the United Arab Emirates.
• Exploring the context of Li-Young Lee’s “Mnemonic.”
• English as the second language: The English verb system.
• Marks of Christian maturity.
• Thai Lay Fashion Company: Business plan.
• Marijuana legalization issues in the US.
• Bargaining theory: A better explanation of why wars happen.

What Do 1250 Words Look Like?

It can be difficult to imagine what exactly 1250 words will look like without considering the formatting, font size, and type of an essay. But, despite the nuances of different styles, each 1250-word paper has an introduction, main body, and conclusion and consists of a minimum of 7 paragraphs.

How Many Pages Is 1250 Words?

When calculating 1250 words in pages, you should consider the font size, font style, margins, and spacing settings. However, assuming a typical structure, 1250 words usually take 2.5 to 3 pages single-spaced, 3.75 to 4.5 pages — with 1.5 spacing, and around 5 pages — double-spaced.

How Many Pages Is 1250 Words Single-Spaced?

Generally, 1250 words with single spacing and typical font and margin settings are around 2.5 to 3 pages. However, it is vital to remember that the page count may also depend on formatting requirements or assignment guidelines.

How Many Pages Is 1250 Words Double-Spaced?

The number of pages in a double-spaced text can vary based on the font size, font style, margins, and spacing settings. In a double-spaced text with standard settings required by the MLA style guide, you may expect an average of 250 words per page. As a result, 1250 words is approximately 5 pages in MLA format.

How Long Does It Take to Write a 1250-word Essay?

If you are entirely focused on your 1250-word essay, writing it may take 3-4 hours. However, the writing time also depends on the topic’s complexity, the author’s research skills, and the essay type. For example, persuasive and argumentative essays may take 6-8 hours, while narrative and classification essays take up to 3 hours.

• Argumentative Essays | Purdue Online Writing Lab  
• Essay Writing | University of Reading  
• Essay Writing Basics | Monroe College  
• Expository Essay | Nova Southeastern University  
• Narrative Essays | Miami University  
• Six Top Tips for Writing a Great Essay | The University of Melbourne  
• Writing Essays | Curtin University  
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