Well-presented assignments demonstrate that the student has put care and thought into their work. When markers are giving an overall mark to a piece of work, presentation is one factor (among others such as content, style, structure and referencing) that influences the mark given.

• Try to get the assignment typewritten, or better still, use a word-processor (correcting errors and editing assignments is easy with a word-processor - a useful point to remember if ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to resubmit an assignment). If your handwriting is appalling, you will be doing yourself no favours by submitting hand-written assignments. Though you may not be penalised for submitting a hand-written script, it is incredibly difficult not to be biased if the marker can't read what it is front of them.
• Include a title page as your first sheet.
• your name (or Student ID Number if the assignment is to be submitted anonymously)
• the title of the assignment
• the course/module/programme for which it was written (including the date you commenced the course) the date of submission or date you completed the assessment
• Use A4 paper, and write or type on one side only.
• Number all your pages. If they are not secured together, it can be a nightmare getting them back in order.
• Set your typewriter/word-processor to double-line spacing (so the text appears on every other line), or write on every other line. This makes the document easier to read and provides space for the marker's comments or corrections (see below).

Single vs. Double Line Spacing
Single line spacing:
Set your typewriter/word-processor to double-line spacing (so the text appears on every other line), or write on every other line. This makes the document easier to read and provides space for the marker's comments/corrections if necessary.
Double line spacing:
Set your typewriter/word-processor to double-line spacing (so the text appears on every other line), or write on every other line. This makes the document easier to read and provides space for the marker's comments/corrections if necessary.

• Keep to the word limit. If you exceed it, you will almost certainly be penalised and some markers may refuse to mark the 'excess' part. Most word limits allow you a 10% leeway either side (this is what '± 10%' means), so a 3,500 word assignment needs to be between 3,150 (3,500 - 350) and 3,850 (3,500 + 350) words.
• Check your spelling. If using a word-processor, this is relatively easy using the inbuilt spell-check facility (though ensure you are using a British spell-checker).
• Try not to use Tippex in your script; it upsets some markers. Rewrite the page(s) neatly or, better still, use a word-processor and say goodbye to Tippex forever!
• Do not place single sheets of paper in individual PVC pockets. These pockets may well protect your script from the unwelcome coffee stains of the marker, but using them is a guaranteed way of incurring the wrath of the majority of markers. (They slide everywhere and if you want to mark comments on the script, you have to pull each sheet out of its pocket. They also make the script somewhat bulkier.)
• Assignments are best presented in lightweight, plastic folders, the type that 'sandwich' your essay/assignment between its leaves.
• Do not decorate your scripts with fancy pictures and coloured lettering. You are doing a University course, not a secondary school project. Academic assignments are, by and large, pretty dull endeavours!
• Don't use too large or too small a font size. A font size of 12 is ideal; anything above 14 will be too large and anything below 10 far too small to read.
• Set your paper margins to 2.5cm (1") all round. For most word-processors this is the default setting.
• Above all, always keep a copy of your assignment. You assignment may not be returned to you, or it might get 'lost in the system' (though this happens only rarely, it does happen) and it seems such a shame to do all that work and have nothing to show for it!

General Paper Format

The following are format expectations for general papers:

• Use standard white paper, 8.5 x 11 inches.
• Use black ink for the text of the paper.
• Set margins to at least 1-inch wide.
• Use size 12 font, unless other specifications are given.
• Double space your papers, unless other specifications are given.
• Paginate papers longer than one page. Place page numbers in the upper right-hand corner. Type your last name before each page number (e.g., Jones 2).
• For short papers (1-2 pages in length), place a heading in the upper right-hand corner containing your name, course, date, professor's name and nature of the assignment. Center the title of the paper below the heading.
• For longer papers (3 or more pages), attach a title page with the following information centered on the page: title of paper, student name, course name and section, date, professor name.
• Cite research for papers in in-text citations and list sources in a bibliography at the end of the paper. Use MLA format unless another documentation style has been specified.

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Adapted from Capitol College. 2005