A Double Spaced Typed Essay: Formatting Guidelines and Requirements
When assigned an essay by an instructor, one of the first things that must be determined is the format and style guidelines for the paper. Two key aspects that will be specified are whether the essay should be single or double spaced, as well as whether a specific formatting style like APA, MLA, or Chicago style should be followed. The double spaced typed essay format is one of the most common structures required at the college level. Following the guidelines for double spacing, margins, font style and size, and overall structure is crucial for meeting the assignment requirements and achieving the best possible grade.
Double Spacing Guidelines
Double spacing refers to leaving a blank line between each line of typed text in the document. This extra space is included to make the essay easier for professors and graders to read. It provides more white space between lines of text, allowing the reader’s eyes to move down the page comfortably without having to squeeze closely packed words. The standard required spacing is to have double the amount of space that would normally occur with single spacing.
In a word processing program, this is achieved by selecting the “Double” spacing option under Paragraph Formatting or changing the line spacing amount to “At least 12 pt” in the Line and Paragraph Spacing section of the program. Some common word processors will automatically double space a document, but it is important to check the line spacing setting to ensure it is set correctly. Always review the line spacing before final submission to confirm the double spacing formatting was properly applied throughout the entire essay.
Font Style and Size Guidelines
In addition to double spacing, typical essay formatting guidelines require a specific font style and size. The standard font for academic papers is Times New Roman. It is a common, easy-to-read serif typeface used in most published books and articles. Other acceptable options include Arial, Calibri, and Garamond, but Times New Roman is preferred.
The appropriate font size for double spaced essays is 12 point. Anything smaller could be difficult for professors to read comfortably, especially if grading multiple papers. Larger sizes are unnecessary and take up additional page space. Sticking to 12 point Times New Roman font ensures legibility without using excessive page length on formatting rather than content. Be sure the same font and size are applied consistently throughout the document, from the main text to any included quotes, citations, headings, etc.
Margin Requirements
Establishing proper margins is another key formatting element of a well-structured typed essay. Standard margin sizes are 1 inch on all four sides of the page (top, bottom, left, right). Some instructors may specify slightly larger or smaller margins, so it’s important to verify the required measurements in the assignment guidelines.
Margins provide white space around the perimeter of the page, allowing room for any notes or comments that may be written on a printed paper. They also create a clean, uniform look when text is surrounded evenly by blank space. Most word processors set default margins of 1 inch automatically, but it’s good practice to double check the margin measurements are as specified before finalizing and submitting the essay.
Heading Level Styles
If the essay assignment requires use of different heading levels to separate and organically structure the paper’s topics and subtopics, standard formatting conventions should be followed. For example, in APA style level one headings are centered and bolded. Level two headings are left-aligned and bolded. Level three headings are indented, italicized, with a period at the end in sentence-style capitalization.
MLA heading format uses a different approach with level one headings centered and not bold/italicized followed by level two headings with no extra formatting. Always consult your style guide or professor’s instructions to determine the exact heading style and format needed, whether it be APA, MLA, Chicago, or another system. Proper use of headings helps maintain organization throughout the paper and guides the reader’s comprehension.
Title Page Requirements
Many instructors expect a title page to be included as the first page of the double spaced essay. The title page should provide key identifying information as specified by the style guide or faculty preferences. A centered title roughly one third of the way down the page is standard.
For papers in MLA or APA style, the title page should also list the author’s name, course number and name, instructor’s name, and submission date centered below the title. Page numbers are not typically used on title pages. Consistently applying the correct title page requirements shows care taken to follow all parts of the assignment directions.
Pagination
After the title page, the remaining paper pages will be numbered consecutively beginning with the page number 2. Page numbers are usually placed in the top right or top center margin header area in a clear, easy to read font. Most word processors will allow automatic page numbering to be applied.
Depending on the specific formatting style used, the page number may need to be preceded by short title abbreviations followed by a space. For example, according to MLA style the page header would read “LastName 2” starting on the second page and continuing through the end. Verify which pagination guidelines fit your chosen formatting structure.
References Page(s)
Any sources cited within the body of the paper must also be properly listed on a references page at the end. The references or works cited section should begin on a new page with the centered heading “References” or a similar title to indicate the sources consultation.
This concluding page, like the title page, is typically not assigned a page number. The references are then organized alphabetically by author’s last name in a hanging indent formatted list. Specific citation structure varies between documentation styles, but consistency must be applied. The references help give credibility to the essay ideas and conclusions drawn.
Final Checklist
Before submission, take a moment to review the paper with the following double spaced essay formatting checklist:
Times New Roman, 12 point font used consistently
Double spaced lines with at least 12 pt line spacing
1 inch margins on all sides
Title page included with all required elements
Correct style of page numbering in header
Headings formatted per specified style
References page included and properly organized
No extra spacing between paragraphs or sections
Alignment, font, spacing applied uniformly throughout
Ensuring all guidelines are properly followed takes only a few minutes but can significantly improve the evaluation of content. Meeting formatting requirements demonstrates attention to detail and respect for the assignment instructions. A carefully prepared, double spaced typed essay helps make the best impression possible before the real work of evaluating ideas and analysis even begins. Following standard conventions helps structure the paper in a clear, organized manner for evaluating content.
Andrew Stroud