English Paper Guidelines
Please check your paper to ensure that it follows these guidelines before you submit a final copy. Papers that do not follow these guidelines may be returned for revision:
For essays and stories:
- Student name, course/instructor, class period, date and assignment are double spaced and justified on the left hand margin.
- A centered title is original and suggests to the reader the main purpose for your essay.
- A clear thesis statement is embedded in the writing.
For formal research papers: (See Sheldon Style Guide)
- Paper includes a separate title page.
- Title of paper, name, course, instructor’s name, and date are centered both vertically and horizontally.
- Spacing between each section is 12 to 15 spaces.
For all written work:
- Body of paper is double spaced.
- Spacing is consistent throughout the writing.
- Size of type is 12.
- Font is readable—Times New Roman, Calibri, Garamond, etc.
- No stylized fonts, colors other than black, or all capital letters.
- Paper has been checked for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- Paragraphs are indented one tab space.
- Writing has an introduction, body and conclusion.
- Paragraphs focus on a single main idea.
- Ideas are developed with strong supporting details and incidents related to the topic.
- Writing contains a voice that expresses your own unique outlook.
- Paper is turned in on time.