How to Present Essays

2. Use A4 size paper - plain if you are typing or using a word-processor, lined if you are writing. Avoid narrow-lined paper.

3. Word-processed or typewritten work is now preferable for all academic writing. If this is not possible, you should write as clearly and neatly as you can, using a pen that writes with black ink.

4. Leave large margins all around your writing. This space is for your tutor to make detailed comments or corrections. This will offer you direct guidance on what you have written. Leave margins of at least 1.25" or 1.50" on all sides.

5. Leave double spaces between paragraphs. If you follow this rule, you do not need to indent the first line of the paragraph.

6. Write on one side of a page only, and number each of the pages. This will decrease the chance of your work becoming disordered.

7. If you wish to leave just one wide margin for tutor comment, make this the right-hand margin for maximum convenience.

9. Put your name and the essay title on each page. If you are using a word-processor, this information can go into a page header or footer.

10. Distance-learning students should use large A4 size envelopes when posting essays back to tutors. You should avoid folding your written work. Do not use small sized envelopes designed for letters.

11. You don't need to fasten together the pages of your essays, and whatever you do, don't use pins. These are a health hazard for all concerned.

12. Keep the pages together in a plastic envelope or pocket. This is a cheap and easy way of storing your work.

13. Do not send your essays by registered post. This can have the dangerous effect of holding up delivery. [If your tutor is not at home when the post arrives, your essay will be returned to the sorting office.]

14. If you are concerned for the safety of your work, keep the original and send a photocopy. Always keep a copy on floppy disk.