Essays follow a certain format; that is, they are written in a standard style that is easy to read. Your teacher may give you specific instructions for the essays you write in your class, but here are some general guidelines.

  • Required information: Follow your instructor’s directions for information to include at the top of your essay, such as your name, the class name, date, and so on.
  • Title: Your title should be centered. Do not capitalize every letter of the title. Capitalize only the first letter of major words (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs). Capitalize only short words like the and a if they are the first word in the title.
  • Spacing: Use 1.5 or 2 spacing on a computer. This way, your instructor can easily write comments on your essay.
  • Indentation: Indent the first sentence of every paragraph by leaving a space about 1-inch-wide (2.54 cm). On a computer, this length is usually preset as five spaces with the tab key.
  • Margins: Leave margins of about 1 inch or 2.54 cm on the left, right, top, and bottom of your essay. On a computer, margins are preset.
  • Fonts: On a computer, use Times New Roman 12-point regular (not bold or italic) style font. Don’t use unusual fonts or more than one font.
  • Alignment: Format your essay justified. The left side of each line starts at the same place (except for the indented first line of new paragraphs). Lines on the right side should be justified – that is, they should end at the same place to make your document have crisp edges and look more polished.