The Formatting Rules for a Double-Spaced Essay – Examples Included

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In academic writing, there are many formatting and styling options, one of which is double spacing. A double-spaced essay improves readability and speeds up the review process. In addition to making the text less dense, the extra space between lines also makes it easier for readers to scan the content. 

Double spacing provides visual separation between lines and helps in understanding the themes of an essay. It can be safely said that writers achieve more in writing when using a double-spaced format. As a result, they may successfully analyse and edit the document.

Spacing also helps spot grammatical errors, issues of uniformity, and possible areas for improvement. In contrast, it allows writers to receive feedback from teachers, which enhances their writing skills. So, in this extensive guide, we will concentrate on the formatting rules for how to write a double-spaced essay.

Before that, let’s get acquainted with what this essay is.

What is a Double-Spaced Essay?

A double-spaced essay is formatted with 1-inch margins around the document, including the top, bottom, and double spacing of the paragraphs. Also, double-spaced essays depend on the margins that the writer chooses to use in their paper. The average number of words on a page ranges between 275 and 300. Double spacing gives instructors ease in checking, editing and tracking new arguments in the paper.

Now, let us look at the common guidelines necessary for tackling these essays with examples and some helpful tips. 

What are the Formatting Rules for a Double-Spaced Essay?

As a student, you should have an idea about the potential confusion in academic papers when there is no arrangement of content. So, it is important to pay attention to the formatting of your paper. You can also rely on a London-based essay writer for this job if you are unfamiliar with the right formatting guidelines. You can also do it yourself with the help of this guide. 

Below are the top 10 rules that will help you in organising your content in a double-spaced essay.

Formatting a double-spaced essay can be made easier by following these rules. These procedures can help ensure a smooth voyage, even though they can be modified according to the specifics of your assignment. 

1. Set Line Spacing

It is crucial to position the spacing correctly when it comes to double space essay formatting. It enhances consistency and increases the clarity of the document as well. It is a common method to use double spacing 2.0 throughout the writing. Firstly, to define line spacing, the students should;

• Properly use the line spacing feature.
• Adjust line spacing to the correct number of lines.
• Avoid single space or excessive line spaces in between paragraphs where it is not essential.

Standard Line Spacing Example

Let’s look at an example from WPS that shows how to set a line space. 

Open Microsoft Word, go to Home, click on Paragraph group and find the menu of Line Spacing which you want to modify. Now, click on 2.0 or Double in the options provided.

2. Use a Standard Font Style

A major aspect of a double-spaced essay is font consistency throughout the essay. You need to ensure the text looks professional and is pleasing to the eye. The 12-point fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri are quite common in academic writing. Moreover, these fonts are well-suited for essays and other academic writings. They have a formal style and are well-known to be easy to read. Meanwhile, decorative fonts can move attention away from the message and distract the readers.

Suggestions on a Conventional Font Style

• Use clear and quite general fonts, or select the one suggested by your supervisor. 
• Keep headings, footnotes, and citations the same size and in the same font style to avoid inconsistency in the paper.
• Do not select decorative font styles, as they are difficult to read.
• Avoid the use of stylistic fonts, such as comics or numerous other colours. For example, font attributes such as comics or slogan fonts are unpleasant, full of distortion and hard to take in.
• Some colleges have one preferred font. So, inquire whether your professor or institution has any external requirements about font types.

3. Set Margins

One of the most crucial aspects of formatting a double-spaced essay is understanding the importance of margins. A common feature of most documents is that the top, bottom, left and right parts of the pages have a margin of 1 inch. So, the margin size ensures a clear view of the page and ample space for reviewers to make corrections or comments. 

Tips to Set Margins

The following effective measures can assist you in setting margins in a double-spaced essay:

• Keep in mind the margins that you have set in your Word processor. Do this before you begin typing, to avoid later inconveniences with the formatting of the paper.
• The all-round margins of the page need to be 1 inch.
• Regularly check the margins in your writing to prevent text size distortion throughout the document.
• Carefully adjust the margins per your institute’s guidelines. It is important for students to constantly review the guidelines for a clear understanding of permitted margins.
• To see how the margins are formatted, use the print preview option.
• Avoid using the mouse to adjust margins, as it may lead to deviations from the angles. For accurate corrections, use the options available in MS Word.

Example

Take a look at the example from WikiHow, showing how to set margins in your document.

To accurately set margins, tap on the page layout options on Microsoft Word. Go to “Margin” under “Layout” or “Page Layout” to change the dimension as you want.  Select the text and then “Page Setup” to set the boundaries.

4. Centralise the Title 

In a double-spaced essay, to make the writing look presentable, students should write the title to the centre. The content organised in essays with centre titles immediately grabs the reader’s attention, introducing them to the paper. Follow the simple guidelines mentioned below and learn how to centre the title on the page:

• Start the Word processing application and open a new file.
• Choose the correct font size and font style.
• Type the title of your essay centred on the first line of the page without styling or indenting, as shown in the illustration below.

The example and guidelines help in creating a well-structured and well-formatted title, ensuring outstanding documents. 

5. Indent the First Line of the Paragraph

One essential formatting guideline that improves the readability and structure of a double-spaced essay is to indent the beginning line of each paragraph. In addition, when paragraphs are properly indented, the reader is guided through the content with distinct visual breaks.

Following are a few suggestions for indenting and spacing the first line of a paragraph:

• Make use of standard indentation.
• Steer clear of extra spaces.
• Automatically set the indentation to the left corner.
• Check formatting.

Let’s examine an illustration of the indentation of the first line in a paragraph.

6. Align the Paragraphs 

It is important to justify the paragraphs for better appearance, particularly in the double-spaced essay, to make it clear. Additionally, proper space between paragraphs enhances the overall look of the paper, ensuring good flow and orderly language structures.

Below are some simple ways of arranging the paragraphs in your essay:

• Open any Word processor application and create a new document.
• Change the font as per the requirements, which is normally 12-point Times New Roman.
• To achieve the effect of double spacing, write your paragraphs by just making a space in between the normal paragraphs.
• Choose the paragraph text and head down to the ‘Home’ tab on the ribbon.
• In the ‘Paragraph’ section, click the Align Left button or press ctrl + l on the keyboard (Windows).
• Make the paragraphs more appealing by changing the font size and style if needed.

7. Follow the Given Word Count

Following the specified number of words is important when organising a double-spaced essay. Sticking to the word count that has been indicated in the instructions helps you to express your ideas clearly and briefly. However, students who are struggling to put their ideas within a certain word limit may get assistance from online essay writing firms. The professionals enhance the overall quality of your paper and make it logical, focused, and relevant.

However, if you want to learn how to not exceed the limit, here are a few tips:

Advice for Sticking to the Allotted Word Count

• Recognise the limit
• Make a structured plan
• Use a concise writing style
• Use word-counting tools
• Understand what is included and what is not included in the word count.

What is included?	What is not included?
Introduction, Body, and Conclusion sections as well as all HeadersReport: Summary, Objectives, Procedures, Findings, Discussion sections along with each headingCitations within the textFootnotes Any figures or tables	The Title pageThe question for the assignment Headings or FootnotesAbstract or SynopsisThe Bibliography or Reference list Footnote sources (History, AGLC4, etc.) Appendices

8. Omit Quotation Marks

The rule of not including quotation marks is applicable when employing formatting strategies, such as block quotes in a double-spaced essay. When using quotations, most importantly do not use quotation marks. It eliminates unnecessary details making reading easier and makes the text more coherent. In addition, it helps to concentrate on content rather than on structure.

Tips to Eliminate Quote Marks

Identify the following principles to eliminate the use of quote marks appropriately:

• Follow the writer’s name with a footnote or endnote if you are referencing external material.
• Choose one style guide (MLA, APA, or Chicago) and consistently apply it in your essay.
• Avoid using quotation marks in your paper. Instead, start from a block-quote format and use an appropriate indent (0.5 inches from the left margin).
• Please note that when paraphrasing a text, there is no need to use quotation marks. Copy all material and write it in your own words.

9. Follow the Citation Styles

All academic disciplines require adherence to the proper citation style when preparing a double-spaced essay. This measure aims to ensure proper attribution to the original authors and prevent associated plagiarism. Here, we provide tips on maintaining the required citation style in essays, regardless of format, such as Chicago, MLA, or APA.

Citation formats include the following:

• Give credit to the original researchers where it is required.
• Ensure the content is devoid of any form of plagiarism.
• Elevate the overall quality of the paper.
• Help the readers appreciate the research and the reasoning behind it.

How to Do Proper Citation?

These are some useful tips that will enable you to cite correctly in any format.

• Select a citation style that is often used in your field of specialisation or as directed by your faculty.
• Keep the same standard of citation type throughout the article.
• To accurately cite articles, books, or other web sources, you must be well-versed in the basic rules for various citation styles.
• You may use reference management software such as EndNote or Zotero to arrange or manage your references.

An example of APA citation style is shown below;

10. Maintain Consistency

Uniformity is among the key principles regarding the structure of a double-spaced essay. Having a standard format helps not only meet the guidelines but also improve professionalism and readability. Furthermore, being consistent throughout the essay helps in the clarity required and avert any confusion that may arise. The following rules can help you keep your double-spaced essay consistent:

• Cover every part of the page with equal spacing.
• Title headings must retain the same format.
• Use quotes and punctuation wherever necessary and as appropriate.
• Follow the order of the headers and page numbers.

Your double-spaced essay sample should look like this;

These are the best strategies that can help you format your paper per academic standards. Yet, if the deadline is approaching and you do not have time to comprehend the required procedures, buying essays online from legitimate sources is the most viable option for you. 

Final Thought

To guarantee readability, professionalism, and clarity in academic writing, double-spaced essays must follow certain formatting guidelines. By adhering to the rules, you can effectively convey your ideas and arguments, demonstrating attention to detail for the reader. 

Additionally, eliminating formatting errors helps maintain the reader’s focus on the information and prevents confusion. Students who demonstrate professionalism while writing a paper can leave a lasting impression on the academic community. 

Furthermore, creating an essay with proper formatting demands both academic discipline and technological proficiency. So, learning the formatting guidelines for a double-spaced essay can help students create a persuasive, coherent, and visually appealing essay.