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Formatting your essay/report. - Coggle Diagram
Formatting your essay/report.
Basic essay/report structure
Font
Use a plain serif (e.g. Times New Roman) or sans serif (e.g. Arial) font. A serif font is easier to
read. Suggested sizes are 12 for the text and 14 for headings.
DO NOT change fonts in the course of writing the essay.
On the computer – use ‘Font’ tools to select font, colour and appropriate style.
Pagination
Put numbers in line with the right margin at the top or bottom of each page. Centre the number of
the first page of chapters or appendices at the bottom. It is also acceptable, although less
common, to centre all page numbers. Pagination is best done with Header and Footer.
On the computer – use ‘Insert’ >header or footer > insert your name, student number, assignment
number/topic, page number.
Paragraphs
Double or 1.5 space all of the essay paragraphs including ‘long quotations’ (more than 40 words)
which should have NO quotation marks, be indented 1.3 cm to the right, and have the same
spacing as the rest of the essay paragraphs. (Can vary with referencing system you are using.)
Leave 1 blank line between paragraphs or indent the first word (not both).
On the computer – use ‘Paragraph’ OR ’Line and paragraph spacing’ for 1.5 OR double spacing
Appendices
Appendices usually follow the reference list.
Each appendix must start on a new page.
Appendices must be numbered—A,B,C or 1,2,3.
(see ASO fact sheet: Appendices)
Margins
The title page should contain: name, student number, unit title/number, question title/name, due
date, unit coordinator, word count. You do NOT have to decorate the page (e.g. graphics,
photographs) unless you are asked to by the lecturer.
On the computer – use your ‘Font’ & ‘Paragraph’ tools to work on the layout.
Reference list/bibliography
All referencing lists start on a NEW PAGE. Go the Academic Skills Fact Sheets > Referencing
section. Select the correct referencing style for your discipline.
Title page
The title page should contain: name, student number, unit title/number, question title/name, due
date, unit coordinator, word count. You do NOT have to decorate the page (e.g. graphics,
photographs) unless you are asked to by the lecturer.
On the computer – use your ‘Font’ & ‘Paragraph’ tools to work on the layout.
Guidelines for using headings
Headings are signposts that focus the reader on the most important content in a piece of writing
and make longer pieces of writing easier to write and easier to read). Follow these rules:
Use minimal or maximal capitalisation but minimal capitalisation is usually preferred.
Write headings that are captions punctuated with commas, colons, or semicolons
Choose headings and subheadings make the essay organisation more manageable.
Left justify your headings unless asked to do differently.
Use headings only where allowed or required. Check with the unit coordinator.
Decide on a hierarchy of headings and use it consistently throughout your work. Most
student work requires no more than 3 levels of headings.
Word count
The following is a guide only. Different units may have different requirements, so always follow the
instructions in your unit material or ask your unit coordinator for clarification if you are unsure.
What is included?
• In-text references
Footnotes that add information to the
content of the assignment
text
The full text of the assignment, e.g.:
oESSAY: introduction, body and conclusion
sections + all headings
oREPORT: abstract, introduction, methods, results,
discussion sections + all headings
Any tables or figures
What is NOT included?
Synopsis or abstract
The reference list or bibliography
Headers or footers
Footnote references (e.g. History, AGLC4,
Chicago)
The assignment question
Appendices
The title page