Guidelines for Paper Formatting

Step One: Open Microsoft Word 2007

Step Two: Formatting the Document

Step Three: Typing the Final Draft

Highland Park High School English Department

Step One: Open Microsoft Word 2007

1. Open Microsoft Word 2007 by either clicking on the icon on the screen, going into the Microsoft Icon on My Applications, or through the Start Menu.

2. Click on the orange icon at the top left of the screen and go to Save As and click.

3. Make sure that the Save As box has your name at the top.

4. Create a file that includes the Assignment Name – Teacher – Hour.

5. Click on Save.

6. Now you are ready to format your paper.

Step Two: Formatting the Document

Your document should look like this.

Step Two: Formatting the Document

Check that spacing is 2.0 (double-spaced).

When you click on this icon, select 2.0 for the paper spacingEverything on a final draft should be double-spaced.

Spacing Icon

Step Two: Formatting the Document

Check that margins are 1” top, bottom, and sides.

1. Select the Page Layout Tab.2. Select the Margins Icon.3. Select Normal on the drop down

menu.

Margins Icon

Page Layout Tab

Normal Setting

Step Two: Formatting the Document

Change the font to Times New Roman, 12 Point.

Using the drop-down menu change the font to Times New Roman.

Using the drop-down menu change the size to 12 point.

Step Two: Formatting the Document

Adding the Header – Step #1:

Click on Insert Tab.

Step Two: Formatting the Document

Adding the Header – Step #2: Select Header.

Select Blank.

Step Two: Formatting the Document

Adding the Header – Step #3:

1. Select Page Number.2. On the pull down menu, select Top of Page.3. Select Plain Number 3 – this will right align page number.4. Type in your last name and place a space between the

number and name.5. Highlight what you have typed.6. Click on Home Tab.7. Change the font to Times New Roman, 12 Point.8. Click on the Design Tab.9. Click on Close Header and Footer.10.The Header will appear at the top of every page.

Step Two: Formatting the Document

Type in your heading using the following as a guide:

Student Name (Example: John Smith)

Teacher Name (Example: Miss Teacher)

Class Name – Hour (Example: Sophomore English – 3rd hour)

Date Due (Example: September 22, 2009)

Step Two: Formatting the Document

After typing the due date, press enter, then center alignment. Then type in your title and press enter.

John Smith

Miss Teacher

Sophomore English – 3rd Hour

September 22, 2009

Title of My Paper

Center Alignment

The title should be centered and in the Times New Roman, 12 Point. Titles should not be bolded.

Smith 1

Step Two: Formatting the Document

The remainder of your paper should be left aligned.

Do that after you have typed your title and pressed enter.

John Smith

Miss Teacher

Sophomore English – 3rd Hour

September 22, 2009

Title of My Paper

Left Alignment

Smith 1

Step Two: Formatting the Document

Tab once on the keyboard to start new paragraphs. Remember the only time you press enter is to start a new paragraph. When you start a new paragraph, tab again.

John Smith

Miss Teacher

Sophomore English – 3rd Hour

September 22, 2009

Title of My Paper

You will always tab over when you start a new paragraph. Also remember to make sure

that the paragraph is left aligned. If it is not, you will need to highlight the text and fix the

alignment.

Smith 1

The Tab Key is located on the left side of the keyboard. It causes a natural indent for paragraphs.

Step Three: Typing the Final Draft

Make sure you have no contractions, abbreviation, or slang in your final copy.

Look for computer hints that help make your paper perfect.

Red Lines = Misspelled words

Green Lines = Grammatical Questions

Read your final draft out-loud to yourself – Our ears hear things our

eyes do not see.

Have someone else read your final draft.