This slideshow was written by Dr. Carrie Louise Sheffield. It may be used with proper credit.

1. Writing Lesson #1
Document Layout

2. Margins--they should be ONE INCH on all sides. Please be aware
the MS Word’s default is 1.25 inches. You will need to change
that.
Font--all assignments for this course should be in Times New
Roman size 12.
Header info--at the top left of the FIRST page, write the following
information: Your name, the date, the assignment name, and your
instructor’s name. *Note: This information doesn’t go into the
document’s “header field.” Just type it on the first page of the
assignment.
The paper as a whole, other than titles, should be Left-Justified.
Basic Assignment Elements Part 1

3. Basic Assignment Elements Part 2
Name and page number--these need to be in the TOP RIGHT corner of
all pages after the first. By double clicking at the top of your document,
you will open the header field. Simply click on “document elements” in
the tool bar, click the add page number button, and write your last name
into the field. Move your name so that it is next to the page number.
Spacing--all assignments for this course must be double spaced
throughout. There should be NO extra spaces between paragraphs or
before/after the title. In order to assure that there aren’t, go to the line
spacing options in MS Word and set your line spacing to double AND
set the spacing after each line to 0.
Title--all essay assignments should have a title. It should clearly show
the audience what the paper will be about and should be one double
space after your header information and one double space above your
first line of text. It should also be centered on the page. Titles often
follow this format:
Something Catchy: What the Paper is About

4. Line Spacing Settings--
click on this to open the line spacing options menu.
Ruler bar--this is the easiest way to change
your margins. You can also do it through
the layout button an inch above this spot.
Font and size selection area
Center and Left Justify
Where to Find Stuff on MS Word

5. Header
Title
Basic Assignment Elements: First
Page of Assignment
First line of text

6. Basic Elements of the Assignment:
Second Page of the Assignment
The name and page
number go here--notice
they’re 1/2 inch from the top
of the page.
This is the page number
button you will use. Just
double click on the top of
the page and the header
window will open. Then
click on “Document
Elements” and click page
number. Set it to the top
right. Then write your
name at the top and move
it next to the number.

7. Those are the basic elements of the assignment as
composed in MS Word. Apple’s Pages works very
similarly. If you have any questions, see your
professor BEFORE the day the assignment is due.