Essay Writing Paper in 2017
Writing essays is a fundamental part of academic life. Whether you’re in high school, college, or pursuing higher education, essays are commonly assigned to test your knowledge and understanding of course material. They allow instructors to assess your research, analysis, and composition abilities. With so much focus placed on essay writing, it’s important students use the proper essay writing paper to effectively get their ideas across. This article will explore the different types of essay writing paper popular in 2017 and tips for choosing the best paper for your assignments.
Lined Paper
Lined paper remains a standard for handwritten essays and is available in both wide and college-ruled styles. The evenly spaced horizontal lines make it easier to write in a straight, structured format. The lines also help students maintain consistent letter sizing and keep their writing within the margins. Many schools still require handwritten essays, presentations, or exams, so lined paper serves an important basic function. It works well for short or rough draft writings where neatness is less of a priority than simply getting thoughts on paper.
College-Ruled Paper
Slightly narrower than wide-ruled, college-ruled paper is the dominant standard for handwritten academic work. The thinner lines encourage neater penmanship within a defined structure. As the name suggests, it’s widely used in college settings for note-taking, essays, and assignments. The compact spacing fits more writing per page without becoming too cramped. Sheets are printer-friendly for draft printing. Perforated edges make it easy to tear out pages. Staple-free and spiral-bound notebooks with college-ruled sheets are classroom essentials.
Loose-Leaf Paper
For typed or handwritten essays, loose-leaf paper provides a durable yet flexible option. Individual sheets allow adding, removing, or rearranging pages simply. Multi-subject notebooks have sections separated by colored dividers, keeping related papers together. The three-ring binder format protects pages from damage and maintains neat organization. Holes along one edge ensure sheets fit ring binders for portability between classes and study sessions. Perforated edges again simplify tearing out completed work. Page quality ranges from basic 20 lb weight to finer 24 lb sheets.
Graph Paper
While not as common as lined or ruled varieties, grid or graph paper finds uses for certain essay types. The preprinted coordinate plane aids diagrams, flow charts, timelines, and other visual representations of information. Science, math, engineering, and design-related essays benefit from integrated illustrations. Even humanities essays discussing processes or systems can utilize the uniform grid for clarity. Available in both notebook and single sheet formats, graph paper allows adding quantitative or spatial elements that enrich written analyses.
Blank Paper
Loose-leaf or bound blank paper provides a clean slate for creative expressions. Students pursuing art, music, or design majors may submit essay assignments as portfolios, sketchbooks, or zines taking full creative advantage unmarked pages. Some prefer the visual simplicity for particularly thoughtful or introspective written works as well. Blank slides or inserts can also add impact within larger multi-page essays, presentations, or reports through subtle aesthetics. While less structured than ruled varieties, blank paper empowers creative freedom within academic guidelines.
Recycled and Sustainable Paper
As environmental awareness increases on campuses, demand grows for essay papers utilizing post-consumer recycled content or produced via sustainable forestry methods. Many suppliers offer 30%, 50%, or 100% recycled copy and printer paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Sheet quality matches that of virgin fiber papers while lessening environmental footprint. Notebooks and folders made from recycled materials demonstrate conscientious choices to evaluators. Sustainable options prove paper source was considered beyond just presentation for higher grades.
Specialty Papers
Premium weight, texture, color, or fiber content papers offer unique traits beyond basic wood pulps. For example, cream or ecru sheets provide a soft alternative to stark white. Textured papers emulate materials like linen or parchment for sophisticated feel. Acid-free archival paper preserves documents without yellowing, flaking, or embrittlement over time. Specialty papers stand out from run-of-the-mill solutions and suit finely crafted or important essays intended for long-term preservation. While not necessary for routine schoolwork, they create a good impression for scholarship or honors submissions aiming to dazzle.
Choosing the Best Paper
When selecting paper for essays, consider an assignment’s requirements, intended use, and overall goals. Lined varieties suffice for preliminary drafts but final copies deserve neat presentation. Use college-ruled or loose-leaf for typed works requiring structure without losing flexibility. Graph paper enhances visual analyses. Recycled papers affirm conscientious choices. Specialty sheets impress for honors-level assignments. Blank paper unleashes creativity. Match paper to content for strongest communication and top marks. With the right foundation, your ideas can shine through on any essay writing paper in 2017.
Andrew Stroud