FORMAT FOR FORMAL ASSIGNMENTS

What is a "formal assignment"?

A formal assignment is any assignment you are given to write or draft an essay or paragraph outside of class. Unless I tell you otherwise, all such assignments should follow the steps below.

Word Process

The preferred word processing program is Microsoft Word. If you type and save your assignments in Word, you will be able to work on them in the campus labs. This may sometimes be required if we are working on assignments in class.

As you type, don't use all capital letters or all lower case letters or symbols and abbreviations associated with informal e-mail correspondence.

Double Space

Before you print your assignment, be sure that it is double spaced. You can set the double-spacing command before you begin, and your document will be double-spaced as you type. Some people prefer to type their document single spaced so that they can see more of it on the screen. If you wait until you print to set the double spacing, you will first have to select the entire document. (You can "select all" in the Edit menu, or select the whole document with the mouse.)

To double space your document:

1. Open the Format menu (at the top of the screen).
2. Drag down and click on "Paragraph."
3. When the dialogue box opens, choose "double" under "line spacing."
4. Click on OK
   

If you are printing in a lab, leave the default settings alone.

When you print in one of the labs on campus, your assignments will print out with appropriate font and font size and appropriate margins. If you need to set these for yourself at home, they should be as follows:

Font Size: 12 point

Font: Times New Roman

Margins: 1 inch top, bottom, left, and right

Include the appropriate identifying information for MLA style

On the first four lines of your document, against the left margin, type the following information:

Your Name

Your instructor's name

The course number and section

The date

Underneath that identifying header include the following information to help you keep track of your work later:

• The assignment and draft number (For example, "Fear Paragraph: First Draft" or "Song Essay: Third Draft")

NOTE: CHANGE THE DATE EACH TIME YOU PRINT OUT A DRAFT

Insert an MLA Style Header (page numbers)

1. Under "View," click on "Header and Footer."

2. When the header box opens, type your last name and then space once. (If a "footer" box opens, hit an up arrow key.)

3. Click on the "Insert page #" button (first one after "insert auto text")

4. Click on the “align right” button (at the top of your screen, not in the header box).

5. Click on "Close."

This will number your pages when you print. After you close, you should see the page numbers on your screen in a lighter shade in the upper right corner of each page.

FORMAT FOR INFORMAL ASSIGNMENTS

What is an "informal assignment"?

Many homework exercises and some in-class work can be presented more informally. In general this means that they can be handwritten, or typed without all of the formalities. Even these assignments should be presented in as professional manner as possible as indicated below.

Use appropriate Paper

White, lined, looseleaf paper is preferred for handwritten assignments. If you must use spiral paper, clean off the edges neatly before you turn it in.

Use a blue or black ink pen--not pencil.

Write neatly.

The most important thing is that your work is legible. Avoid "fancy" writing flourishes. Use appropriate capital and small letters.

Leave one-inch margins on all sides.

Doube space

When you are hand writing, this means that you will need to skip lines as you write.