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Paragraphs
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One final thing you will need to apply is proper formatting around your paragraphs. This includes indenting your paragraphs. To review how to properly format your paragraphs (including indenting) in Word, please review the graphics and steps below.

This is an image on how to properly format an indent the beginning of a paragraph. Step 1: Click on Home. Step 2: Click on 'left aligned' icon. Step 3: Indent the paragraph by clicking the 'tab' key on your keyboard.

  • Step 1: Select the Home tab at the top left of your screen.
  • Step 2: Select the left justified icon.
  • Step 3: Indent every new paragraph by pushing the Tab key on your computer’s keyboard.

Just to review, the six areas of formatting you will need to apply to your academic writing assignments (such as the Informative Essay) throughout this course are the following:

This image contains the six areas of formatting for academic writing assignments. The first area is "font": Times New Romans and 12pt font size. The second area is "spacing": Double-spaced. The third area is "margins": 1-inch all around. The fourth area is "heading": It contains the name, instructor's name, course name, and due date. The fifth area is "title": It has to be applicable to topic, centered on the page, located beneath the header, but before the first paragraph. The sixth area is "paragraphs": They have to be left aligned and indented.

Your successful use of these basic principles will go a long way in helping you develop your academic writing skills so that you are prepared to write for lots of different purposes and audiences.

Need More Help?

  1. Study other Writing Lessons in the Resource Center.
  2. Visit the Online Tutoring Resources in the Resource Center.
  3. Contact your Instructor.
  4. If you still need help, Schedule a Tutor.